The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Samoa 🏄 [2024]

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When to Surf: The Best Seasons for Surfing in Samoa

Samoa has two distinct seasons, the dry and the wet season, which each bring their own characteristics to the surf scene.

Samoa’s dry season, from May to October, brings the most consistent and largest swells from the south, making this the best time of the year to hit the country’s most popular surf spots along the south coasts. On the downside, tradewinds can often spoil some of the waves in the afternoons, making it better to surf in the mornings during this time of year. Some surf guides may be able to take you to more sheltered breaks, however, like Nu’usafe’e Island and Boulders.

The wet season is from November to April but the best time to surf during this season is between February and April. The prevailing swells at this time come from the North Pacific, which although are not as big as during the dry season, open up more surf breaks, particularly along the northern coasts. What’s more, the dwindling tradewinds make for more glassy and unspoiled waves.

Go into much more detail on Samoa’s surf seasons in The Best Time to Surf in Samoa.

© Samoa Tourism Authority

Where to Surf: Surf Breaks in Samoa

While new surf breaks are often discovered (and kept secret) in Samoa, there are a few great surf spots found across Samoa’s two main islands: Upolu and Savai’i. For all of the reef breaks ranked, head to the 10 Best Places to Surf in Samoa.

Surfing in Upolu

Home to Faleolo International Airport, Upolu is the easiest island in Samoa to get to. With that, the island is well equipped with a tourism infrastructure to plan an effortless surf holiday.

You’ll find multiple surf camps and resorts working with surf guides, particularly along the south coast. Although there are some breaks you can paddle to, most are only accessible by boat, which is why it’s highly recommended to stay at a surf lodge – see the 7 Best Surf Resorts & Lodges in Samoa – or book a surf guide and boat – see the 6 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa.

Plan your surf-cation to Samoa’s main island with The Complete Travel Guide to Upolu, as well as see the surf breaks to hit in the 10 Best Places to Surf in Upolu.

Surfing in Savai’i

Take the ferry over the Apolima Strait and you’ll arrive at Samoa’s largest yet less populated island, Savai’i, where traditions play a major role (so, remember to avoid seeking out surf spots on a Sunday).

While the list of surf breaks isn’t quite as brimming as Upolu, Savai’i’s surf scene is still excellent where it has been established, particularly around Aganoa Beach, which is essentially the territory of the upscale Aganoa Lodge, and the down-to-earth villages of Satuiatua and Salailua.

Learn more about the surf breaks in the 6 Best Places to Surf in Savai’i. Plus, check out other things to do while on the island in The Complete Travel Guide to Savai’i.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

Surfboard Hire, Surf Shops and What to Pack

Erm, well, this is awkward. We absolutely recommend that you bring your own surfing gear to Samoa. Surfboard hire is inconsistent in where it is available and is usually not of very good quality. What’s more, there is only one surf shop in Samoa, Horizon Surf Shop in Apia, which is more of a surf aesthetics shop than a go-to for gear – although, they do have a small assortment of wax, leashes, reef shoes, rash vests and swimwear. With this in mind, we also recommend bringing your own backup gear too.

What to Pack for Surfing in Samoa

• 1 all-rounder surfboard
• 1 fish or semi-gun surfboard
• 1 reef shoes/booties
• 1 or 2 rash vests (we like sustainable Sharkskin rashies)
• 2 bottles of reef-safe sunscreen (see 10 Best & Reef-Safe Sunscreens)
• Tropical wax
• Ding repair kit
• Extra fins
• Board bag

And for the rest of your Samoa packing list, take a look at What to Pack for Samoa: FULL Samoa Packing List.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

Learn to Surf in Samoa

Considering most of the breaks in Samoa have dangerous characteristics such as shallow reefs, heavy hollow waves and strong currents, it is certainly not a suitable place for beginners or the inexperienced to surf on their own.

On the other hand, surf lessons are available for first-timers, as well as those wanting to hone their skills, with Manoa Tours. Your instructor is first aid and lifeguard certified and knows the surf breaks of Samoa like the back of his hand, so you’re in good hands. You’ll either surf at a safe beach break or at a reef break where the waves are small and the tide is high enough to reduce the risk of injury.

Long soft boards are provided during the lessons, so this is the rare time for surfing in Samoa when you won’t need your own gear. However, we still highly recommend wearing a rash vest (rashie) if you have one, which is also great for snorkelling – see the 20 Essentials You Need to Pack for Samoa.

© Samoa Tourism Authority

Where to Stay: Surf Camps in Samoa

From beach fales with locals keen to show you some casual surf spots to dedicated surf camps with their own boat and guides to upscale resorts that happen to work closely with surf operators, there’s a wide variety of vibes when it comes to surf stays in Samoa.

Budget Beach Fale Surf Camps

• Vaiula Beach Fales – Beach fales with its own surf guides and boats
• Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf – Beach fales in a village stay with locals who can show you where to paddle to enjoy some casual surf
• Lupe’s Beach Fale – Units on Maninoa Beach offering surf packages.

Mid-Range Surf Camps

• Salani Surf Resort – Dedicated surf camp with ensuite units, surf guides and boat
• Maninoa Surf Fales – Hotel-style rooms or beach fales with surf guide and boat packages
• Troppo Fishing Adventures – Liveaboard surf experience.

Luxury Surf Resorts

• Aganoa Lodge – Surf lodge on Savai’i with surfing off the beach, surf boats and all-inclusive meals
• Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa – Luxury resort working with Manoa Tours to offer surf trips
• Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa – Luxury resort working with Manoa Tours to offer surf trips.

Learn more about all of the accommodations listed above in the 7 Best Surf Resorts & Lodges in Samoa and 6 Best Surf Operators & Guides in Samoa.