Which Airlines Fly Directly to Rarotonga and the Cook Islands in 2023
March 11, 2020Top 10 Surfing Spots on Rarotonga, Cook Islands 2023
Surfing
Famous for its blue lagoons and beaches, the island of Rarotonga is also known to be one of the best destinations for surfing.
We put together 10 amazing spots for surf lovers.
We strongly recommend to get in touch with Booghouse.com as they are the surfing & bodyboarding experts on Rarotonga, Cook Islands. They provide high quality services : Guiding, Coaching, Day Tour etc...
Surf conditions are great all year around with 2 seasons and warm tropical water: November to April (Summer) & May to October (Winter)
Friendly local riders welcome visiting surfers and are always happy to share their local knowledge and stories.
“Listed in no particular order”
1 - Avana Passage
Avana passage offers 2 breaks on each side of the passage : a short fun left and on the other side a longer right hander with sections. Access to the waves is very easy, you can see the 2 breaks from the public picnic area next to the main road and the old Church.
Avana is a classic surf wave, it offers a long wall not as full on as some other Cook Islands reef breaks but still a challenging wave.
It involves a small paddle from land and please be careful when jumping out, the rocks are a bit sharp. Both Breaks love west winds and start breaking with 2 foot swells.
If not sure about the conditions always ask the locals about the spot they will be happy to guide you.
2 - Golf Course / Socials
The wave can be fast, powerful and hollow… right-hander, left-hander, or both depending on the season.
Socials breaks over a shallow coral reef like the majority of the other waves around. The wave has a few sections that require a certain level of expertise to master.
Due to its consistency, it can get crowded sometimes. The wave can be off shore with E, SE, ESE, SSE winds and can be fun from one foot west swells.
3 - Matai Wreck
Matai Wreck is an ideal break for beginners and intermediates surfers on coral reef. It is an exposed reef break that has inconsistent surf.
Summer offers the best conditions for surfing with North Swells.
Offshore winds are from the south. it's not likely to be crowded.
4 - Rutaki Passage
Rutaki passage is the perfect playground for both advanced surfers and beginners.
The right-hander is known for its fun barrels and consistent conditions. This surf break is best at mid to high tide with northeasterly winds. The left-hander creates a fun peak which is often hollow.
The spot is beautiful with a view of the Needle and plenty wild life (some turtles, whales, fish...)
5 - Avaavaroa Passage
If you’re looking for a great surfing spot in Rarotonga then don’t miss Avaavaroa right-hander.
Avaavaroa picks up all south swell making awesome waves for all surfers. The right-hander is known for its fun wall waves and consistent conditions.
This surf break is best at mid to high tide with northeasterly winds.
Check out more with Rarotonga surf expert : booghouse.com
6 - Rarotonga point
Definitely one of Rarotonga’s best waves. It is a perfect right and left-hander with perfect barrels followed by a long wall for a few hundred meters.
Whilst you do need to have a certain level of skill to surf this wave, it's not in the same league as Socials.
Its best to get here with the high tide as it is a long paddle from shore. This does seem to keep the crowds to a minimum though.
7 - Raro
Great spot. right and left breaking over shallow coral reef. guaranteed tubes. Low tides sucks it dry.
The wave is more of a slab type wave, favored by bodyboarders, but can offer a few hits before you have to kick out. Offshore winds are from the south.
8 - Mex reef
Right and left barrels here depending on the swell angle, close to the shore Mex reef is very easy to find on the east coast.
Westerly winds are absolutely offshore and the locals are great.
9 - Kiikii
Short and fast wave, peaky take off which can be backdoored! Its very shallow but it s an incredible wave.. Breaks with North and Big South East swells
Right and left barrels here depending on the swell angle, close to the shore Mex reef is very easy to find on the east coast.
10 - Snowbird
Definitely the most consistent wave on the island, can be a right or a left hander depending on the season.
Snowbird is always off shore with East winds.
