Papatura is a surfers' playground with a wide variety of waves in the area which vary from advanced to beginner breaks. Most are within a 20mins boat ride.
The swell is fairly consistent and comes consistently in Nov - April from the north. It typically ranges from 3-6 foot and the breaks are very influenced by swell, tide and wind. All the waves break on coral reefs, at high tide there is plenty of water on the reef, less so as it drops. Most of the waves finish in deep channels but there is a need to be careful on the reef when there are two swells from different directions it can be easy to get caught inside. Caution is in order when surfing on reef breaks in remote areas like this. Remember this area has only ever been surfed by a handful of surfers, explore and you will find new unsurfed waves.
Our local breaks are from the Blanchey's to Anchovies reef vary on tides but all turn on when the conditions are right.
PT's is about 8 mins away and offers lefts and rights depending on conditions, when on A frames breaks 100 metres. All tides best with west or nor west wind. Shifty and consistent
Dolphins Sucky little left, normally clean when outside breaks are big. Mid high tide
Kummas A left south east of PT's, surfed on high tide, more protected more if blowing northerly.
Needs east swell and great very good.
Zoli's fun right and left hander about 15 - 20 mins away.
Blanchey's is approx 20 mins boat ride and offers a series of lefts breaking along a 1 kilometre long reef. Barrelling sections, long walls and a few fun rights.
Other waves (4 gallon surcharge applies)
BV's 30 mins away is a fun fast left near a traditional village, also there is The Tumour a small lump that jacks up from nowhere offers a fast dry barrel.
Mangroves is a right hand mainland wave that's fast and hollow. Cleaner wave if the winds up.
There's also some other Watto's, donuts etc
There's plenty more
.go find them!
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Our surf package is $50 AUD p/p per day and includes all fuel, driver/guide and use of basic fishing gear with 2 surfs per day of approx 2 1/2 hours (in the water) at our local breaks.
Or for small group we can arrange an Sun up to Sun down boat hire rate and you pay for the fuel you use, this gives you the option to fish, surf or island hop whenever you want.
If you wish to head north for the day please arrange it with Peter the day prior to going. I suggest that you make a full day of it, take lunch, snorkelling gear and your camera.
What boards
Mid length boards are probably the best, reef breaks usually range from 3-6 foot in size. the same swells that hit Hawaii arrive in the Solomons a few days later. Be aware if taking two boards in 1 board bag you may have to separate them for the Honiara Isabel return flight to fit them in the smaller plans. I suggest that you do not have any loose or valuable items in your board bag that could go missing.
Papatura includes free use of a wide range of boards including fish shapes, short boards, long boards and a quiver of brand new Firewire mals and Stand up Paddle boards. (pay for any damages)
List of Surfboards available
Diverse Surfboards
6'8" x 20 5/8 x 2 3/4 Mullet
6'8" x 20 1/2 x 2 7/8 Round tail Quad
6'10" x 21 x 3 Mullet
6'5" x 20 1/8 x 2 5/8 Round Quad
6'2" x 18 1/2 x 2 1/4 Squash tail
6' x 18 1/4 x 2 1/8 Squash tail
6' x 18 3/4 x 2 1/8 Squash tail
5'9" x 17 1/4 x 2 Round Square
Spooky point 6'4" thruster
Seaflight 6'5" thruster
Firewire
6'10" x 20 7/8 x 2 3/4 Round Square
9'1" x 23 x 3 Swallow quad or single
8'6" x 21 3/4 x 2 3/4 rounded pin thruster
9' x 22 1/4 x 2 3/4 rounded pin single fin
LSD 9'2" x 23 x 3 rounded square single fin
Laird Stand up paddle boards
2 boards x 11' x 27 x 4 1/4
Chris Garrett 9'8" x 28 x 4 3/4 - for experienced only.
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