Both Savai'i and Upolu are dotted with grunty surf breaks and get good swells year round – northern swells in the wet season from November through April, and southern swells in the dry season in between.

Experienced surfers seeking a wave-inspired adrenaline rush will get their kicks in Samoa, that’s for sure. For grommets, the breaks are perhaps a little on the dangerous side, as many of the waves break directly onto the reef and the currents can be evil. In fact, even savvy surfers are advised to only tackle the waves in the company of locals, as they know the rips and rocks inside and out.

On Savai'i, surfing hot spots include Lano and Ananoa Beach in the southwest, and Manase and Fagamalo in the north. On Upolu, the best places to go for a paddle are from Apia east to Cape Utumauu, and on the south coast from Matautu to Matatufu.

Both Upolu and Savai'i have several resorts catering especially for surfies’ needs and wants, and taking on the ocean even means you’re contributing to a good cause: For each day in the surf, you’ll be paying a fee to the villages, to help further the young ones’ education.