P-Pass
P-Pass (Palikir Pass) is perhaps the cleanest wave in the Pacific—a flawless right-hand barrel that breaks over pristine coral in Pohnpei, Micronesia. Getting here requires serious commitment: multiple flights to one of the most remote islands in the world, then a boat charter to the pass. But when North Pacific swells light up this reef, the tubes are beyond comprehension—crystal blue, perfectly cylindrical, and devoid of crowds. That remoteness is what makes it the ultimate pilgrimage.
P-Pass surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Direction range
- 315° - 45°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 3.7m
- Ideal size
- 2.7m - 3.2m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Boat charter
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is P-Pass?
P-Pass is a reef break in Palikir Pass, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind P-Pass?
Palikir Pass was first exposed to the wider surf world in the early 2000s.
What swell works best at P-Pass?
P-Pass picks up swell from the NW round to the NE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the N. It starts working at around 1.8m and handles up to about 3.7m, with the sweet spot around 2.7 to 3.2m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 16s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at P-Pass?
A SE wind is dead offshore at P-Pass, and anything from the E round to the S keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at P-Pass?
P-Pass is at its best around high tide.
When is the best time of year to surf P-Pass?
The most reliable run of swell at P-Pass comes Nov to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Oct too. Best Nov-Mar on North Pacific swells.
Is P-Pass good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Things to watch for: shallow water at low tide, being a long way from help and sharp, shallow reef (booties help).
How do I get to P-Pass?
The nearest airport on our list is PNI. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $200 USD, but confirm with an operator). Boat charter.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Oct, Apr
Best Nov-Mar on North Pacific swells.
Getting There
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