Pacific Islands - Tonga/Samoa

[Lebowski]

Hi. I'm from the UK, but I've spent the last 8 months living in the north of New Zealand, and the 2 years before that in West Australia. I've been thinking lately of taking a trip to the Pacific Islands since the flights are cheap from this area of the world. Of course, my main concern there will be surfing, so I'm trying to gather as much information as I can before I book a flight.

One of my major concerns is accessibility of the surf, ie. do I need a boat generally? I've basically been a backpacker for the last 3 years, so my funds are pretty tight, and I can't afford to be staying at resorts and renting boats everyday. Whilst I'm comfortable with surfing reefs, I don't want to be surfing heavy dangerous waves breaking into 2ft of water. Lets say max. head and a half as long as it's not super hollow and shallow.

From what I gather, the main surfing area on Tongatapu is at the west of the island on a small bluff. Does anyone know whether a boat is required to access these breaks, or can I paddle across the lagoon? Any other advise on cheap places to stay and basic costs is also welcome. I'd probably be looking at staying a month if it's affordable.

I don't know much about Samoa, but have been advised by my landlord that it may be a better surfing option than Tonga. I'm also open to other Islands if I can be convinced that they would be more suited.

Sorry for giving my life story. Any advice welcome.

Thanks.

[jaffa1949]

Hi Lebowski, Tonga and in particular Tongatapu is quite fickle most of the breaks are as you said on the west coast around Ha'atafu Beach and around a bluff to the light house there is also ETs which is a boat trip to a reef pass but is fickle and often wind effected.

You will have to head out there yourself as both Wannasurf and Global surfers maps are inaccurate, there is a motel there and strangely a break called motels directly in front there is the cornere and other breaks along this ection where fresh water streams make breaks in the reef.
Diferent swell directions for different season. Have a look at Ha'atafu Beach website which is clearest about where the breaks are!
It is reasonably OK in price too, Steve Burling and his wife run it. I think back packers may be in the main town or there may be home stay available as it is about 3/4 hour drive to Hi Lebowski, Tonga and in particular Tongatapu is quite fickle most of the breaks are as you said on the west coast around Ha'atafu Beach and around a bluff to the light house there is also ETs which is a boat trip to a reef pass but is fickle and often wind effected.

You will have to head out there yourself as both Wannasurf and Global surfers maps are inaccurate, there is a motel there and strangely a break called motels directly in front there is the corner and other breaks along this section where fresh water streams make breaks in the reef.
Different swell directions for different season. Have a look at Ha'atafu Beach website which is clearest about where the breaks are!
It is reasonably OK in price too, Steve Burling and his wife run it. I think back packers may be in the main town or there may be home stay available hopefully nearer as town is about 3/4 an hours drive!
Be kindly respectful, as the Tongans are deeply Christian and church is a major part of their community. The other main religion is Rugby Union
Be kindly respectful, as the Tongans are deeply Christian and church is a major part of their community. The other main religion is Rugby Union


Opinion here; as Tongan surf is more fickle than Samoa I would probably choose Samoa.


Samoan wave hit harder than Tongan and quite a few are on beach and headland reefs and Samoa picks up more of the deep Pacific swells, they have been hard hit by their tsunamiand are rebuilding including the resorts.
Backpacker etc I don't know of any.
Samoa is even more devout than Tonga and in most places it is prohibited to surf on Sundays.
Again I suggest looking at the resorts even if it is only to get an understanding of where to go and then hunt cheaper options.
Samoa is the better surfing option

[Lebowski]

Great reply, thanks very much! I will look further into Samoa's breaks before I make a decision, as I want to be sure I can score good surf before I spend most of my money going there! Unfortunately I don't know anyone who's been there so it's hard to find reliable information other than what the resort websites tell me, which obviously may be biased.

Thanks again.

[jaffa1949]

Lebowski, I think the advice on the breaks in Samoa on the sites is fairly accurate, friends who have been there reckon it is!

Samoa is on my bucket list at some time, and there are cheaper home stays available.

Have fun