Vanuatu

Where to surf in Vanuatu

Vanuatu, the 'Timeless Islands' is a group of 83 islands, spanning 900km (563mi) on a north/south axis, just to the east of the Solomon's. Formerly known as the New Hebrides, there are many islands from the Torres and Banks islands in the north to Aneytium, Matthew and Hunter to the south, which remain relatively unexplored by wave-riders.

Situated 2,250km (1400mi) northeast of Sydney, and 800km (480mi) west of Fiji, Vanuatu would be an idyllic surf destination if New Caledonia was not acting as a perfect swell warp against the main South Pacific swells. Vanuatu is the emerged part of an island arc, with a narrow rim delineated by a 2,000m (6000ft) isobath. Hence, when there is swell, it hits the coastline, which is mainly fringing reefs, with full strength.

Torba

The trade winds blow more S in the far north where there is a clear equatorial climatic influence. These scattering of small islands share more with the Solomons and are the frontier between Melanesia and Polynesia, suggesting N swell is a safer bet on the fringing reefs of the Torres Islands.

The large mass of Espiritu Santo has some spots that a few locals ride, but it is extremely shadowed from E-SW and relies on W- NE swell for any action. There's some black sand beachbreak near Ipayato and Tasiriki in the southwest and rumours of a good reef on Sakau Island, but it takes huge effort to get there.

Penama

Maewo and Pentecote islands have some windward coast potential, but will be blown out 90% of the time. Also inaccessible by land so only yachties willing to take the leap will surf these islands.

Shefa

Efate has some nice set-ups that offer early morning, high tide barrels before the trades set in. The trade winds blow E in southern and central Vanuatu, but turn more S in the far north where there is a clear equatorial climatic influence.

Tafea

The general consensus by those who have been is the surfing on Tanna is better than Efate as it picks up proper SW swell, sneaking round the tip of New Caledonia. In front of the wharf in Lenakel is one of a number waves in the area including friendly beachbreak and serious left reefbreaks that are offshore in the trades.

Over the other side of the island, Port Resolution sees a massive expanse of reef, bend righthanders into the bay, plus small swell, wind exposed peaks nearby. Finally, Anelghowhat on Aneityum overlooks some very promising left reefbreaks including Mystery Island.