Cook Islands

Where to surf in Cook Islands

Many a round-the-world ticket includes the option of stopping in the Cook Islands, evoking thoughts of Pacific perfection. Considering these 15 islands sit in between world-class locations like Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Tahiti, you would be forgiven for thinking that they must have awesome waves somewhere. Spread over a staggering 2.2 million km2 (1.4 million mi2) of ocean, The Cook Islands consist of two groupings with 1500km (940mi) between the most remote islands.

The fact that they bear the name of the ultimate surf discoverer, James Cook, is not a guarantee of good surf and like Tubuai or Niue, the underwater topography doesn't suit epic surf requirements. Rarotonga has a few fun reefs around its circumference, which are enjoyed by low numbers of locals and tourists on round-the-world tickets.

Southern Island Group

The southern group is where the majority of the population lives and includes nine volcanic islands (although some are virtually atolls): Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manuae, Mauke, Mitiaro, Palmerston, Takutea and Rarotonga. On Aitutaki, the ring of coral protecting the island is virtually unbroken, continuing the Cook Islands theme of shallow, sharp and prone to closing-out unless conditions are just right, plus the added hassle of needing a boat to access the waves. Many of the other islands are volcanic platforms with no appreciable surf.

Northern Island Group

Classic atoll architecture returns on the northern outposts of the chain which comprises of six low lying coral atolls: Manihiki, Nassau, Tongareva (or Penrhyn), Pukapuka, Rakahanga and Suwarro. Uninhabited Suwarro atoll has a proper north-facing pass righthander and even further flung Penryhn has another couple of tidy set-ups at the Takuua and Tekasi passes, but only those lucky enough to have an ocean going yacht will ever see them.