My brother is trying to talk me into going to Namotu Island with him this fall. Anyone been there who can give me a capsule review? What is the best season? Is it all longboarders or can I get along with a shortboard? We usually go to Kauai every year but he’s itching for some diversity. I fear change. Any info is greatly appreciated.
if you go, be prepared to go again, 'cause you will want to go again. five star service and food. accommodations that the wife or girl friend will like. swell is smaller in march, april, may, but conditions are cleaner…june, july, august, sept. have bigger, more consistent swell, but you roll the dice with the trade winds. surf long or shortboards, namotu lefts is a long rip-able wave with barrel sections (mostly at low tide) that is similar to trestles. swimming pools is a warm water rincon, a bit more fickle with the tide changes. when it goes off, it stands up on the reef and produces a machine like wall that is super rip-able. wilke’s pass, a gnarlier, racy right that produces more barrel sections than the other two. generally a bit bigger than left’s on the same swell. only drawback is that there is no exclusivity. left’s and 'pools can only be surfed by the island guests! if it is flat, there is always “desperations” which seems to pick up any swell in the water, just don’t get caught inside there as you will experience a paddle/duckdive competency test. plenty fishing, snorkeling, spearfishing, etc to do. i’ve been lucky enough to experience namotu 8 times and still keep going back…