Upola's surf

Western Samoa is a great place to escape from crowds and into the warmer climates. It is one of the last surf destinations where there are a number of undiscovered surf spots which make Western Samoa a great follow-your-nose surfing adventure.

Upolu seems to have the best offering for surf out of the two islands. Most of the breaks are over a shallow reef bottom and they break a little way offshore so access to the breaks must be made with either a boat or a 15 minute or so paddle. There are a few surf charters and surf camps on the island which run boats to and from the reefs when the tide is high.

The main area on the south coast that offers a number of different spots and accommodation is near a village called Siumu. There are a few different places to stay in close proximity to one another. They range in price so check their rates and your budget and you should find one that will suit you.

The main break here is called Coconuts which breaks pretty much straight out in front of the beach. Over to the left in front of a place called the Sinalei Resort is a great left hand break called Sinalei Lefts. A little further down is a spot called Stevie Wonders which got its name as you can’t see it until you are up a little closer. There are also a number of other breaks down the coastline towards the west but for these you need a boat as they are a way offshore.

There is an Australian guy who has set up a boating service on the beach to take you out to the breaks and who also tries to keep each spot as uncrowded as possible which is great. If you are looking to find a peak by yourselves, just let him know and he will do his best to find you something.

Down towards the east about 10 – 15 minutes by car is a spot called Boulders. It is a deeper water wave which tends to break in bigger swells. Access can be found off the point to which makes it a little easier. It is a world class wave which can hold 15ft+.

There are some great waves all over the south coast of the island if you are looking to do a little searching. Some great waves can be found near the south east point of the island at a place called Latia Sini.

The north coast has a number of spots just east of the main town of Apia. These are more suited to intermediate surfers.

The weather can be a little funny going from pure sunshine to monsoon conditions in a matter of hours. It does rain a lot but it is normally short lived.

The air temperature is between 23 – 30˚C all year round with the summer/ rainy season being between November and April.

Water temperature is never less than 27˚C so boardies and a rash vest are fine year round.

Western Samoa is a very religious place so you will need to check the areas you are surfing as some spots may be too close to villages and therefore not allowed. There is also a strict rule which forbids surfing on Sunday as it is their day of rest.

The currency is in $US and all food and accommodation can be fairly cheap depending on what luxuries you are looking for. Make sure you drink bottled water only and take plenty of mosquito cream too!

There are no surf shops so make sure you take all your supplies with you. Try to include your standard size board and a bigger wave board. Reef boots are a must and also something to put on any reef cuts you may pick up.

www.offshoresurftours.com

5 / 5 Review by expert member Alistair Lawson

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 Photo by flickr user Hot Meteor

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