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Level 8/10

Pikinini

Kavieng, Papua New Guinea
🪸Sharp reef⚠️Shallow🏝️Remote

Pikinini is Papua New Guinea's most fearsome wave—a fast, heavy barreling right that explodes over extremely shallow reef near Kavieng. When northwest swells arrive from the North Pacific, Pikinini produces up to 200-meter rides that require precision, commitment, and reef booties. The wave jacks out of deep water and immediately hits the shallow shelf, creating thick barrels with zero margin for error. Part of the Kavieng surf management program, Pikinini represents frontier surfing at its most raw—empty lineups, world-class waves, and the kind of adventure that reminds you why you started surfing.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
WNW (300°)
Direction range
270° - 340°
Size range
0.8m - 2.5m
Ideal period
12s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
E (90°)
Offshore range
50° - 130°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
low to mid
Optimal range
0.3m - 1m
Danger below
0.2m

Water temp

29°C

Wetsuit

Boardshorts / Rashguard

Difficulty

8/10

Crowd level

1/10

Access: Boat from Kavieng. Part of surf management program.

Getting There

Airport
KVG
Drive time
0 min
Boat required
$100

Best Season

Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Nov-Apr season. NW swells from North Pacific.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Perfect Wave Travel guide