Nusa Left (Karanas)
Nusa Left—also known as Karanas—is Kavieng's premier left-hand wave, a fast barreling tube that jacks out of deep water and immediately pitches over shallow reef. The wave offers a unique setup where you're floating in comfortable depth until suddenly dropping into a heavy, draining barrel that demands quick feet and confidence. Accessed by boat from Kavieng or the legendary Lissenung Island, Nusa Left delivers the goods when west swells hit the New Ireland coast. For surfers seeking uncrowded perfection in one of the world's most remote surf destinations, this is PNG at its finest.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 240° - 300°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 50° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1m
- Danger below
- 0.2m
Water temp
29°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Boat from Kavieng or Lissenung Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Nusa Left (Karanas)?
Nusa Left (Karanas) works best on a low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window. Below 0.2m it gets dangerously shallow.
What wind direction is offshore at Nusa Left (Karanas)?
Offshore wind at Nusa Left (Karanas) blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 50° to 130° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Nusa Left (Karanas)?
Nusa Left (Karanas) wants W swell (240° to 300°) between 0.8m and 2.5m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Nusa Left (Karanas)?
The main season at Nusa Left (Karanas) is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Nov-Apr season. Reliable barrelling left.
How do I get to Nusa Left (Karanas)?
Fly into KVG, then allow about 0 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $100 USD). Boat from Kavieng or Lissenung Island.
What kind of wave is Nusa Left (Karanas)?
Nusa Left (Karanas) is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Nov-Apr season. Reliable barrelling left.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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Pikinini
🇵🇬 PNG's heaviest • 200m barrel rides • Extreme shallow reef
Ral Island
🧲 Kavieng's swell magnet • Consistent backup • Remote island vibes