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.
Water temp
29°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Boat from Kavieng. Part of surf management program.
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Nov-Apr season. NW swells from North Pacific.
Verified by Perfect Wave Travel guide
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions