Strike Mission Surf Spots
type: ItemList
description: Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
number of items: 1
item list element: Papatura Island
provider: Strike Mission
  type: Organization
  description: Surf forecast intelligence platform
date published: 2026-01-20
date modified: 2026-08-04T23:54:10.187Z

Papatura Island
type: TouristAttraction
description: Papatura Island represents the ultimate in remote Pacific surf—a dedicated surf resort in the Solomon Islands where pristine reef passes break in crystalline water with no one else around. The left-hand wave catches Coral Sea swells that wrap around the island chain during the trade wind season, producing quality barrels over healthy reef. Reaching Papatura requires commitment (boat charter from Honiara), but the reward is uncrowded perfection in one of the least-surfed regions on Earth. For those seeking genuine adventure with quality waves, the Solomons deliver.
disambiguating description: 🏝️ Solomon Islands perfection • Pristine reef passes • Ultimate remote
geo: GeoCoordinates
  latitude: -7.3833
  longitude: 158.2167
address: PostalAddress
  address locality: Isabel Province
  address country: Solomon Islands
  address region: Pacific
additional property: Wave Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Reef
  description: This is a reef break, breaking left.
additional property: Optimal Swell Direction
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 160°
  description: Works best with swells from 160° (SSE). Workable range: 130°-190°.
additional property: Swell Size Sweet Spot
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 1m - 2.5m
  description: Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
additional property: Swell Period
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 10s - 14s
  description: Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
additional property: Optimal Wind
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 330° (NNW)
  description: Offshore wind from 330° (NNW). Offshore range: 290°-10°. Best window: morning.
additional property: Tide Preference
  type: PropertyValue
  value: mid-high
  description: Works best between 0.5m and 1.5m tide.
additional property: Primary Season
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
  description: SE trade wind season. Coral Sea swells wrap in.
tourist type: Expert surfers only
warning: Warning
  text: 🪸 Sharp reef, 🏝️ Remote, 🦈 Sharks
  description: Extremely remote. Boat access only. Sharp coral.
accessibility API: Nearest airport: HIR
  type: Place
  description: Unknown minutes drive from HIR airport. Requires boat access ($300/day).
content rating: verified
contributor: Surf-forecast, resort reports
llm context:
  difficulty: 7
  crowd level: 1
  water temp c: 28
  best board: shortboard
  swell physics:
    explanation: Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
    optimal direction degrees: 160
    workable range min: 130
    workable range max: 190
    sweet spot size m: 1.75
  wind physics:
    explanation: Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
    optimal offshore degrees: 330
    offshore range min: 290
    offshore range max: 10
    max offshore speed kmh: 35
  travel logistics:
    nearest airport: HIR
    drive time minutes: 0
    boat required: true
    boat cost usd per day: 300
    access notes: Surf resort or boat charter from Honiara.
  best season:
    primary months: 4
    primary months: 5
    primary months: 6
    primary months: 7
    primary months: 8
    primary months: 9
    primary months: 10
    primary months names: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
    secondary months: 3
    secondary months: 11
    secondary months names: Mar, Nov
    season explanation: SE trade wind season. Coral Sea swells wrap in.