Kavieng
Kavieng is well known for having access to a good range of quality reef breaks in relatively close vicinity. Surf within the Kavieng area is now well identified. Having hosted many a travelling surfer, and given it’s close proximity to Kavieng Town, it is the most frequented surf area, and as such, is under greater pressure by both Visiting Surfers and the local surfing population. As such, the Kavieng Surf Area Quota tends to book up well in advance, so you’ll need to book early to ensure a position in the Quota and naturally, the line-up.

All breaks within the Kavieng Surf Management Area are reef breaks, and vary in their degree of difficulty, depending on the size and direction of the swell, and the depth of the reef. . The area offers a range of waves from short, sharp and shallow shortboard, to more subtle breaks suiting both longboard and shortboard. The area enjoys generally consistent swells, generated in the Northern Pacific, between 3 - 5 foot, getting up to 6-8 foot and sometimes bigger. All breaks can be surfed on most tides and the set ups vary depending on conditions.

A maximum of 20 visiting surfers are permitted to surf within the Kavieng area on any given day. The quota is not restricted to any of the accommodation houses, and surfers can elect to stay where ever they like in the Kavieng area, however it is up to the surfers to ensure that they are booked into the quota either directly with the Kavieng Surf Club or the Niu Ailan Surfriders Alliance. Should the Kavieng Area be fully subscribed, the next best option is to consider booking into the adjoining East Coast Management Plan, or the Lavongai Plan.

The Kavieng Surf Management Area includes all surf breaks that occur regularly or from time to time at Mongol Point (1), Nusa Island (2), Nusalik Island (3), Nago Island (4), Edmago Island (5) and Ral Island (6).

As previously suggested, the Kavieng Area does tend to book-up well in advance and it is advised to book early in this Area.

Kavieng Surf Quota Availability Schedule

The Breaks Pikinini (Mongol Point) Extremely fast, heavy barrelling, very shallow right-hand coral reef break. Given the right conditions and swell direction, waves can peel for up to 200m. Reef boots are a good idea.

Nusa Lefts (also known as Karanas) Situated across the harbour from Pikinini, Nusa Left is a fast breaking, very reliable barrelling left-hander that jacks up out of deep water, with a very shallow end section. Keep an eye on the outside bomby, as this can also be ridden on the right conditions.

Long Longs A right-hander, good on a big swell and works on all tides. Long Long is a more forgiving wave than most of the other reef breaks as the water is deeper. Very long rides, with a nice wall, ending with a hollow bowl section can be had. Tropical version of Bells. Suits all sorts of surfboards.

Nago Island This picturesque little island has both a left and right-hander. The left-hander is a bit of a wave magnet and very consistent on small to medium swells. A great hotdog, fun wave that has a nice tubing inside wall section. Likes low to mid-tide. Best under 4 feet. This is one of the most surfed breaks in the area. The right-hander on the other side of the island has a very fast, long wall. It likes a mid to low tide, is a little inconsistent, but a great ride when it’s on. Keep an eye on this break when the swell comes up.

Edmago Island Edmago is a smaller island situated South West of Nago, in between Nago and Ral. It has a very good quality left-hander and right-hander, given the right swell and wind direction. The left can be world-class.

Ral Island A small, uninhabited island situated further out to sea. A great place to go if there is no swell anywhere else, Ral attracts more swell than the other breaks in the region. Best surfed on small, clean swells, the right-hander can at times be peaky like a beach break, and sometimes can line up like a point break. The left is not as consistent as the right, but worth checking. Both waves pack a bit of punch once the wave height gets bigger. Ral can also handle more surfers than most of the other breaks.

Where to stay
Nusa Island Retreat is the only land-based accommodation facility catering for surfers with boat transfers to the reefs. They operate a fleet of long boats to access the breaks, and surfers need to prepay Surf Transfers for the duration of their stay. Nusa’s local knowledge dictates the time and location of surf transfers based on best conditions and tide. The local drives / surf guides also surf and invariably help you understand the nature of each of the waves. They’re local and keyed in to what’s best and when.

New Ireland Surf Trekking & Tours offer boat transfers to the reefs for surfers staying at other accommodation facilities in Kavieng Town. They operate a 6 metre aluminium boat with centre console, shade canopy and 100hp 4-stroke outboard.

Adventures In Paradise Surf Charters operate Tiki Tu, a 33’ live-aboard sailing catamaran, which generally heads out to the Lavongai area, but can also be chartered as a live-aboard within the Kavieng area, if you’d rather not spend time travelling to the outer islands. Maximise your surf time by simply anchoring right on the best break of the day, or move around as the waves dictate. In between surfs, you can keep your eye on the action from the yacht.

Visit the New Ireland Tourism Bureau website for a complete listing of all accommodation options in Kavieng.