What's The Surf Like?
Samoan surf is a blend of powerful waves forming out of deep water that explode when they hit the offshore coral reef that surrounds the islands. Samoa has a host of waves with a variety of set ups to choose from and quality can get world class if the conditions are right.
Upolu is the main surfing destination in Samoa and there are many reef passes dotted along the coastline that present opportunities to those who are willing to explore the region looking for waves.
Upolu has surf all year round and with the two different seasons comes changes in wind and swell directions. With the dry season (May-October) comes big south swells (3-10ft) and mainly south-east trade winds, so the early session is the go to get those glassy conditions.
During the wet season (November-April) the swell drops to a more comfortable size (2-5ft) and the trade winds are north-east, creating clean offshore conditions.
The swell during the wet season is a combination of small south swells with the occasional cyclone swell which passes to the south. The north swells are the same swells that hit Hawaii, only not as big, so there's always some swell somewhere to be found around the island.
If you are learning or just beginning to surf, you should perhaps look at other surfing destinations as the conditions in Samoa generally aren't suited for you.
