Surfing in Papua New Guinea

Lying just 160 kilometres north of Australian shore in the south-western Pacific Ocean and comprising more than 600 islands, Papua New Guinea is an undiscovered world of vibrant culture, traditions, adventure and great surf conditions. It has 4 main regions (Papua Region, Highlands, Islands and Momase Region) and 20 provinces, with around 850 different languages spoken among its less than 7 million people. Although the first human settlement traces back to 50.000-70.000 years ago, this country remains to be one of the most unknown and mysterious places in the world today.



Despite its image of an underdeveloped and perhaps dangerous country, it has been attracting tourists in the recent decades and there is no wonder – unlike other prominent tourist destinations, it offers absolutely uncrowded and sustainably protected waters for some phenomenal surfing, diving, fishing and kayaking. Its virgin forests and highlands provide world-class adventure: trekking, mountain climbing, bush-walking and bird watching.



When it comes to surfing, PNG is characteristic with short second interval which means the swell is less powerful and it is an ideal place for low intermediate to advanced surfers. This country has recently become a new frontier in regards to discovering new breaks – literally by the day! As Andrew Rigby of PNG Explorer put it: "Somebody needs to come up with the formula to name new surf breaks as we are discovering so many, I've run out of names!"



As for seasonality, Papua’s surf potential is there all year round. During the monsoon cycle (wet season), the North side of PNG has great surf locations with offshore as well as mainland waves from mid November until the end of April. The swell is brought in by the monsoon and some consistent waves are to be discovered and scored in Vanimo, Wewak, Kavieng and Madang and the breaks range from 3 to 6 feet with some 8-footers on a great day. Other great spots include Hula Beach (about 100km/62 miles east of Port Moresby), Bougainville Island and the Gazelle Peninsula.



And the best part? It is the unique approach that the Surfing Association of Papua New Guinea has taken towards its surf tourism development. By liming the number of surfers staying at any one time and offering environmentally-friendly and low-impact facilities, this is a great development model for sustainable surf tourism. One of prime examples is Nusa Island Retreat in New Ireland province (north part of PNG) with eco-friendly accommodation, food and boat transport to the surrounding islands. All of the breaks are easily accessible from the resort and can be surfed on any tide.



The best surf charter boat in the region, and probably in the south Pacific, is the PNG Explorer. Rewriting the record books in discovering new surfing spots, they take surfers to New Hanover, St Matthias, East coast islands of New Ireland, the Admiralty Islands and beyond. "We are discovering, on average, eight new breaks per trips", said Andrew Rigby, who, with his wife, provides great eco-friendly service to adventure surfers who have decided to give PNG a try. Another great charter, suitable for smaller groups of up to 4 people, is 33' sailing catamaran Tiki Tu, operated by Adventures in Paradise.



There is still lots to discover in this beautiful and mystical country – absolutely remote, secluded regions, beautiful mountains, virgin forests and unsurfed breaks without the crowds, untouched by mass tourism and commercial resorts. Be the first one to visit these places and give Papua New Guinea a try!



For more information related to Papua New Guinea, Kavieng, Surf Holiday, Surf Travel Surf Trip surfing. Please visit:- http://www.theperfectwave.com.au