Black Rock (Socials)
Black Rock (locally known as Socials) is Rarotonga's most popular surf break, located in front of the Nikao Social Centre on the northwest coast. A reef break offering both lefts and rights, it catches North Pacific swells during the November-March season. More accessible than the south coast passes, it's the go-to break for the local surf community.
Black Rock (Socials) surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to RAR, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Pacific is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Pacific — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Black Rock (Socials) trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (340°)
- Direction range
- 310° - 50°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Offshore range
- 160° - 240°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Shore access from Nikao Social Centre. 3km from airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Black Rock (Socials)?
The Black Rock (Socials) profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Black Rock (Socials)?
The Black Rock (Socials) profile uses wind from SSW (200°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 160° to 240°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Black Rock (Socials)?
The Black Rock (Socials) scoring profile favors swell from NNW (310° to 50°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 12s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Black Rock (Socials)?
The main season at Black Rock (Socials) is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr-Oct. Nov-Mar for N swells from North Pacific storms. Year-round potential.
How do I get to Black Rock (Socials)?
The spot profile lists RAR as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 5 minutes. Shore access from Nikao Social Centre. 3km from airport.
What kind of wave is Black Rock (Socials)?
Black Rock (Socials) is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr-Oct
Nov-Mar for N swells from North Pacific storms. Year-round potential.