In search of the perfect wave in Papua New Guinea

As a surf destination, Papua New Guinea is relatively new to surf enthusiasts.

 Pioneers have found one thing that is certain - that the breaks here are just as challenging as any others they face elsewhere.

PNG has unlimited surfing potential year round.

On the southern side 10 minutes out of Port Moresby is Sero Cove, where the main barrier reef stretches along the southern seaboard all the way to the Milne Bay Province.

From June to September during the south-east season, the waves range from three to six feet, with the best waves in the early morning.

100km to the east of Port Moresby is Hula Beach.

 Other surfing spots are being explored around the Milne Bay area, Bouganville Island and the Gazelle Peninsula in the East New Britain which has quality waves ranging from three to six feet along the coral atolls, including point and beach breaks.

The northern side of PNG has premier surfing locations with waves on the mainland and offshore islands generated by the monsoon swells from mid October through to late April.

Consistent quality waves ranging from three to eight feet, and occasionally to 10 feet waves can be found at Madang and Wewak.

The most consistent waves are in Vanimo, which vary from beach breaks to point and island reef breaks.

Surf camps are set up at Wewak, Aitape and Vanimo and accomodation and transport is readily available.

Around Kavieng in New Ireland Province are numerous reef setups which provide several good and varying surf breaks.

Just off Kavieng town is Nusa Island Retreat, an environmentally low-impact facility that provides accomodation, meals and boat transport to the surrounding islands and their breaks.

The waves in this region and around Nusa Island Retreat are well-established and known in international surfing circles.

Nusa Island Retreat limits the number of surfers staying at any one time and is often fully booked during the surf season.

More information can be found on the Surfing Association of Papua New Guinea website http://www.surfingpapuanewguinea.org.pg/