Surfing Guide to the Federated States of Micronesia

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/Things to know

• Surf spots

 

Summary

The Federated States of Micronesia started being on top of every surfer’s dream list at the turn of this century when more professional athletes were making big magazine covers being barreled at a wave called P-Pass.

 

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

 

Named after its actual location, Palikir Pass, this wave has ever since attracted surfers from all around the globe looking for rides that resemble what you will find in Hawaii, Maldives or Tahiti with only a fraction of the crowd.

 

Pohnpei is the main island of an archipelago composed of 607 islands. Most of the surf spots are located along the outer reef of Pohnpei and are only accessible by boat.

 

While P-Pass is the most popular spot, waves like Main Pass, Middle Pass, Pehleng and Nahpali are also very good options to try and mix things up a bit.

 

You might also like: Our surf guide to the Kingdom of Tonga

 

Even if there are no beach breaks, beginners can find some fun in Micronesia on smaller swells and as long as reefs don’t scare you too much. Make sure to time your sessions with high tides as well.

 

Pohnpei Surf Club is established as the leading surf camp in Micronesia and can definitely help any surfer with taxi boats and surf camps.

 

 

 

When to go

The best time to surf P-Pass,  Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia is from November until March, during the north Pacific swell season. This also happens to be during the South Pacific typhoon season which runs from October to April.

Where to stay

The Pohnpei Surf Club offers a range of services from accommodation to taxi-boat to the surf spots.

 

 

 

Getting there

Getting into Pohnpei is not so convenient for most people as the only airline company running flights to and from the island is United Airlines. Most flights will connect through Marshall Islands and/or Guam.

 

 

Safety/things to know

-Every spot requires a boat to get to
-Dengue fever possibilities

 

 

Surf spots in Micronesia

P-Pass

This wave is the main attraction on Pohnpei. On a good day, it is a world-class right-hand barrel that makes professionals rush to the Federated States of Micronesia attempting to tame the beast. It breaks on any W-NW-N-NE swell but is much better and peels nicely on a N swell. 

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : N
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Main Pass

This one is located in Pohnpei’s largest pass and is also a very solid and challenging right-hand break. Heavy and consistent, Main Pass should be attacked by experienced surfers only.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : High
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : N
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Pehleng

This break is located further down Pohnpei’s west coast and requires a larger north swell to start working. It always is smaller than P-Pass and doesn’t work as often. However, when it does, Pehleng, is probably Pohnpei’s nicest wave.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : High
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : N
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Middle Pass

A fun wave that doesn’t get as crazy as P-Pass or Main Pass would. However, it remains a pretty shallow spot and like any wave in Pohnpei, requires a boat to get to.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : N
Optimal wind direction : S