SURF NEW CALEDONIA
SURF NEW CALEDONIA |
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Surfing in New Caledonia between May And September is
its most consistent time, with the swell generated off the southern ocean
lows, feeding straight onto the the coral reefs off New Caledonia. The waves
can get big, so pack a mid sized surfboard as well as your short surfboard.
A spare surf board in case of a broken board is a good idea, however you can
pick up a new board from the mainland if need be, but they're not as cheap
as back in AUS. or the U.S. The water is a toasty 22degrees. All that is needed
in winter is a springy. The rest of the year boardies and rashie. Plenty of
sunscreen and enough wax for your stay. Booties are a good idea on most of
New Caledonias surf breaks.
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Virtually
all the surfing breaks in New caledonia are on the fringing reefs that lies
roughly 5km off shore with the exception of a few waves around Roche Percee
near Borail. Boat access is needed but is not too hard to come by if you are
prepared to spend the dollars or euros. The best time of the day to hit the
waves, are morning and late afternoon , as this is constantly the time for
light and offshore winds. There is no protection offered on the reefs from
the wind so the old saying "you snooze, you lose" is appropriate
here.
The offshore surfing in New Caledonia is concentrated mainly offshore in the
south province.
Some of these surf breaks are:
DUMBEA: Left and Right. The left hander dredges off the
reef at low tide making a fast hollow wave. The right is a pretty tame but
can be fun.
TENIA ISLAND: 2 Left Handers and a right, likes a big
swell but can be surfed when the waves are small.
OUANO: Left Hander. One of the best waves in New Caledonia when all sections
are linking up. Favoured by many who get to enjoy her delights.
FAUSSE PASSE: Left Hander. Can be good and barrelling.
AMEDEE LIGHTHOUSE: Right Hander, shallow and sucky. Nearby
Amedee island, is a great place to stop and have a look around.
SKATEPARKS: Left Hander. Powerful and growing as it races
down the reef. Look for it at the back of Tenia, it breaks inside the reef
so needs a decent swell.
ISLE OF PINES: Lefts and rights depending on the side
of the island. Hollow and fast.
GOLFIE ISLAND: Left and right hander. Needs a big swell
but throws up a mean hollow left and a decent right.
FROGGIES: Left Hander. Short ride there's better around.
ST. VINCENTS: Left hander. Barrelling and will stand up well in
a big swell for a long ride.
Of course there are still many secret spots some named, some not, but on any given day many of the 100 odd reef passes that surround the Newcaledonian islands have the chance of firing on all cylinders to make for an epic session.
Boat Charters, Yacht Charters, and Surf Boat Charters in New Caledonia:
Here's afew sites to cut and paste into your browser to check out.
http://www.paradiseadventures.com.au/newcaledonia.htm - yacht charters with or without skipper. from AUD$300-$900 per day.
http://www.aml.nc/anglais/index.php - Yacht charter same prices roughly as above. Cheaper by the week.
http://surfnc.com/ - 1,2 and 3 week fully
catered surf charters. AUD$ 1,600 for 8 nights 9 days. AUD $2,600 for15 Nights\16
Days
AUD $ 3600 for 23 Nights\24 Days
Franky Waves seekers tel:77 55 02 or pinpinshot@canl.nc - local surfer has a boat.