Overview
Dead Fisherman Right is a hollow, ledging right that sprints across a coral shelf in front of a big rock, throwing proper barrels when it's clean. You'll find it on the southwest-facing coast just west of Vouani, along the stretch of outer reefs that runs toward the northwestern tip of the island. It's a serious wave that packs a punch, with heavy hold-downs, and the surrounding waters are treacherous for outriggers.
When It Works
The coast here catches the southern swells that push up the Mozambique channel, which can throw down decent size in winter. Dead Fisherman Right draws swell from south to southwest, with a south (S) swell the best match. It's a right-hander that breaks over dead coral and reef, and it works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. Expect moderately consistent conditions, so it takes some patience but rewards you when the setup lines up. There's also plenty of scope to find more waves by boating along the outer reefs.
Wind and Tide
Look for a northeast (NE) offshore wind to hold the wall clean. The reef can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an expert-only wave given the shallow coral, the big rock, and those heavy hold-downs. On the upside, the lineup stays quiet when it's on.
