Overview
Ever wonder what Hawaii would be like if it had been left mostly alone? Samoa is the answer to that: a purer brand of Polynesia. . The Samoan archipelago is made up of four main islands - Savaii, 'Upolu, Tutila and Tau - and many smaller islands and motus. Together they were known as the Navigator's Islands by explorers because the Samoans were fearless ocean-goers.
Out of the 19th Century and into the 20th, Samoa was the far-off Polynesian ideal - even more far flung than Hawaii. This is the kind of place Gauguin painted, Robert Louis Stevenson wrote about, Mitzi Gaynor sang about and the rest of us dream about. The "Aloha" spirit is alive and thriving in Samoa.
The middle franchise in the Polynesian chain, the poly (many) nesia (islands) of Samoa are halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand from north to south, and halfway between Fiji and Tahiti from east to west.
Seasons
Like most these South Pacific Islands Samoa has more of a wet and dry season as opposed to a summer and winter. The dry season April through October is generally the cooler time of year; with the wet season months of December through May typically having warmer and more humid weather. Yearly air temperatures range from high 70's to high 80's, with water temperature remaining close to 80.
As a weather pattern, wind may be a more important consideration then rain for overall surf conditions. June - September: South Easter trades will cycle through periods ranging from strong to lights & variable. Generally you may see 7-10 days of SE trade followed by 3-5 days of lighter more variable wind. Often times you may be able to score lighter variable winds in the morning, with trades picking up late morning through the afternoon. It is important to remember that Samoa has some excellent breaks that favor the south east trade winds. Dec - March:Winds trend lightly from a northerly direction often producing glassy conditions on the N coast with light offshore winds on the south coast.
April-May/Oct-Nov These "shoulder" or transition months often see light and variable winds moving from glass to north then onto south east and back again.
The south swell window is generally from April though September while the north swells are biggest and most consistent from December through February. However, being located so far south, and in open ocean, Samoa receives south swell year round from both storms off Antarctica and tropical depressions moving across the Pacific. It is unusual to receive north swells outside the main season. A great aspect of surfing in Samoa is that due to the relatively small size of the islands it is easy to surf both the south and north coasts to take advantage of all swell coming in from either direction.
To sum it up: If you're looking for the biggest surf, June through August is the go. Surfers looking for the cleanest surf with many different breaks possible, the wet season from December through February is excellent. Many people prefer to shoot for those shoulder months of March, April, May and October, November, hoping to get those glassy conditions with early or late large south swells.
Surf
Like the Hawaiian Islands, Tahiti, Fiji and any group of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Samoa gets waves all year around. The dry season is April through October and it coincides with the south swell season. The wet season from November through March is dominated by North Pacific and southwest cyclone swells. The bonus during the wet season are the steady tradewinds from the north, which blow offshore on the south and southeast-facing sides of the islands
Nature is good to Samoa and the one the constant Samoan waves have is power. These islands are volcanic, so open ocean swells are moving at full speed and power when they all of a sudden trip over coral reefs that rise from out of the deep to eight feet shallow. Because of that, Samoan surf would have to be rated as challenging, and not for the beginner surfer.
SALANI SURF RESORT - UPOLU
On the South Coast of Upolu, where the spring-fed waters of a tropical river meet the blue South Pacific you will find a small enclave for surfers and their families, a place combining quality waves, pristine environment, recreational activities, living Polynesian culture, and services about which the modern surf-traveler dreams. Samoa receives powerful, quality surf year round and Salani Surf Resort is optimally located to take advantage of the conditions. Their fleet of three open-bow skiffs and multiple vehicles, allow guests to surf four spots regularly and several others as conditions permit.
Salani Surf Resort is for travelers looking to experience the best of Samoa's surf, heartwarming culture and natural beauty. Although Salani is a dedicated surf resort guests are encouraged to bring along non-surfing partners and families. Salani employs well trained boatmen for surf guides; whose job is to get you safely into the best waves. All boatmen are lifeguard and first aid trained (CPR), and our three boats (19ft, 23ft and 25ft) feature modern safety measures and back-up equipment.
The meals are prepared using the freshest local fruits, seafood, vegetables and imported meats. Salani boasts having won the award for Food and Beverage Service and excellence in 1999. Meals are served buffet style to cure even the hungriest of surfers appetites and range from Italian, European, American, Mexican, Indian, Aussie BBQ, Vegetarian and Samoan- with one night a week being Samoan Fia Fia night with traditional food (in which you can help with the preparation), singing and dancing- always a highlight.
To maintain a quality and safe guest experience the resort hosts no more than 12 surfing guests at any one time. Lodging is in 8 comfortable fan-cooled fales (bungalows). The fales are well ventilated and are elevated in order to receive the cool ocean breezes. Wrap-around decks overlook the river, lagoon and the left and right surf breaks, and inside guests enjoy bottled water, fresh flowers and a housekeeping service. Each unit has two beds, (2 singles or 1 king-size bed on request). Included in the fales are bed-side tables, a dresser, mirror, umbrellas and two 240V power outlets.
Bathroom facilities are provided in a central amenities block a short distance from the fales. Containing 5 tidy individual units cleaned twice daily, each with its own toilet, sink, vanity and solar heated shower, privacy is assured.
THE SURF
Salani has access to a number of breaks around the island with the Left and Right being only a 5-minute boat ride away. With moorings at each spot for safety, and the health of the reef, it can also ideal for photo/video shots. In general surf in Samoa is recommended for the intermediate or better surfer, and is generally not for longboarders; having made that statement, there are often times that people on any ability can paddle out and have fun. Samoa has gained a reputation for being particularly heavy with sharp shallow reefs which is not always the case. Salani Right has a relatively dead and flat reef, with other breaks like Tiavea offering smooth cobblestone river-rock bottom.
Salani Right: Our "every day" wave, and this wave will barrel at any size- and handle it! With multiple take-off spots; the right is a shorter wave that can either barrel from start to finish or be a combo of open face sections and barrels. South is the preferred swell direction; the wave gets longer with a SW swell, and shorter with a SE swell. There is a large clearly defined channel and current to carry you back out to the line up. Can be surfed on lower tides depending on the size and swell direction.
Salani Left: With a clean lined up ground swell is a "goofy footers dream". It's a long fast breaking full barrel ride over coral reef/flat rock that gets faster, and hollower as you go down the line. This wave is typically surfed from 2-10' faces. The wave does not end very close to the channel, so on bigger days getting back out can be a little tricky. Best at medium tide with SE swell Great view of this wave from the guest fales; tends to get the guests moving in the morning when they see spitting barrels from their decks!
The Island: Twenty-five minutes by boat along the inner reef lays "The Island". About 2 Kms (1 mile) offshore this paradisiacal island has a powerful left that reels off over a beautiful coral reef. Surfing and diving in this crystal clear water is just unreal. Accessed only around high tide and best on the medium to bigger swells, this spot is a great alternative when the trade winds are onshore out front; as at the island it's offshore. Depending on ones skill level you can surf up the reef for long hollow walls, or down near the end of the reef closer to the safety of the channel.
Tiavea: A large bay located on the NE coast containing 4 separate waves; a big wave right hander off one end, a fast shallow left off the other side, and a nice river mouth in the middle. The river mouth is a left and right breaking over cobblestone and flat reef bottom. Tiavea bay is an excellent option during the North swell season if the S coast is not showing enough activity, or sometimes during the S swell months if the south coast breaks are heavier then you may desire.
There are several other breaks available that Salani access on a rare occasion due to their distant location of being fickle in nature. Some of these breaks are accessed by boat only, others by overland transfers. The key is to listen to your surf guides when they are explaining the conditions and what to expect at each locations. If there is something special happening they will let you know all about it.
As well as surfing in the un-crowded pristine South Pacific Ocean, Salani offers a number of scheduled activities in and out of the water (based around the surf conditions) in order to provide a great experience for the surfer and non-surfing partner alike. Salani Surf Resort has become known for showing surfers and their partners the island's natural and cultural beauty whilst still focusing on the surf: great for couples. Scenic day trips include; waterfalls, coastal lava cliff hiking trails, shopping at the Apia markets, mountain bikes available, Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Cave Pools, snorkeling and picnic beach days- there is always plenty to see and do. On/off site activities include, sea kayaking, bike rides, village walks, reef fishing, ping pong, snorkeling, horse shoes, swimming in the village spring, volleyball, or if this is too much chill out in a hammock with a book or relax at the full service bar and take in a movie.
AGANOA BEACH FALES - SAVAII
The island of Savaii has many surf breaks on its north and south coasts. Swells can come in from all points of the compass, and the quality of the waves depends greatly on swell direction. With Savaii Surfaris' years of experience of tracking weather systems and assessing swell conditions you can be assured that you will get to surf the best waves possible during your stay.
Beach fal packages are ideal for small groups of surfers, couples or families who want to experience a real Samoan style holiday rather than a generic resort. The friendliness of the staff and the cultural experience has proved to be very popular with surfers of all ages, and their families.
Breakfast includes cereal, toast and tropical fruits, while dinners feature fresh seafood, regular BBQ nights and traditional Samoan roast.
Aganoa is very secluded, right on the beach, on the edge of the rainforest and conservation reserve. Savaii's scenic attractions, like the Tafua Crater and Olemoe Waterfall, are a short distance away, as is Salelologa, the main town and ferry terminal.
Accommodation is in traditional palm-thatched beach fal s on the southeast coast at Aganoa Beach. All fal s feature comfortable beds, mosquito nets, electricity and convenient access to a central amenities block with hot showers. The beachside restaurant and bar overlooks the lagoon with views of the surf and coast - a great place for a tropical breakfast or a sunset drink.
The snorkelling here is excellent with coral gardens and abundant tropical fish. Other activities include island tours to see the spectacular blowholes. You can also visit the local 'tapa' makers, who produce an unusual paper-like cloth from tree bark - a perfect souvenir of Samoa. Fishing trips are available for an extra charge.
THE SURF
Aganoa Right and Aganoa Left surf breaks are within paddling distance of the beach, and for the pick of the other possibilities Savaii Surfaris operate two 12-seater vans and a 15-foot fibreglass runabout.
Wherever the waves are happening on Savaii the best possible access is provided by van and/or boat - all included in our surfing package. Local staff and a roster of selected Australian surfers assist in the daily operations, and their dedication and knowledge enable Savaii Surfaris to provide the very best in service to visiting surfers.
South Coast Breaks
Coconut Grove: Solid left-hand barrel.
Fale' Right: Short right.
Last Resorts: Beach break style reef that on low tide picks up the smallest of swells.
Middles: Very consistent A-frame peak.
Aganoa Right: Sucky barrel.
Aganoa Left: Backdoor barrel.
The Point: Long down-the-line left
North Coast Breaks
AB's: Long walled mellow right.
Blue Pools: Perfect left on big swells.
Cookie Monster: Sunset style peak right-hander for big swells.
Dougie Walters Stand: Long walled left.
Pastor Point: Fun workable right.
Pau Pau's Left & Right: Pair of peaks.
Runway Rights: Short barrelling right.
Super Sucks: Hollow right.
Turtles: Consistent, easy long-walled left.
Vaai Right & Vaai left: With good swell direction both these breaks offer great barrels.
Whiterocks: Left-hander that works well at 4 - 6ft on a big swell.
