Tiavea Bay surf guide

Tiavea Bay is nestled along the north coast of Upolu and is accessible through a long, scenic drive in the Uafato Conservation Area. The bay features several surf spots that attract surfers looking for a change from the more crowded southern beaches. While it may not boast world-class waves, it offers a variety of breaks that can be enjoyable, especially when the conditions align. The lush surroundings of the bay add to its charm, making it a decent place to hang out and catch some waves.

The main break at Tiavea Bay is the rivermouth that provides fun peaks and hollow sections. It's best surfed during mid-tide, handling swell sizes from around 0.6 meters to 3.6 meters (2ft to 12ft). Surfers can find both left and right waves here, but the left can be a bit fickle. There's also a powerful right peak further east that can bring some excitement when it’s on. Although the cobblestone rivermouth is the most popular spot, the breaks here require optimal conditions, especially with S-SW winds, to really shine. It's mainly suited for intermediate surfers and is a good option for those on shortboards.

Access to the beach is straightforward with a drive right up to it, and the crowd factor is practically non-existent, so you can enjoy the waves without much hassle. Hazards include the reef, which can catch you off guard, so be mindful while paddling around. The best time to surf here is from November to February when the swell from the north is at its peak. Overall, Tiavea Bay offers a nice alternative for surfers looking to explore something different.