Let’s Talk About Aganoa, Samoa

First up, for the warlords chasing big swells and energetic charts, this isn’t your gig.

This is a rundown locale that we suggest putting on your radar in terms of its one percenters. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, we’re referring to the seemingly inconsequential parts that add up.

Ever heard of ‘Gestalt’? Well the sum of these parts is seemingly greater than the whole.

In layman’s terms, the joint is sick.

Let’s kick things off with a few pertinent points.

The right, looking typically transparent and beckoning to be threaded.

One plane ride – if you’re from Sydney

Piss easy five and a half hour flight, direct from Sydney and through the night so you don’t miss any daylight.

Mellow sleep, no charge for boards (if they’re under 23kgs, and Virgin covers the path so you’re not stuck on one of the real budget carriers.

Viewable from your bed

There’s a lot to be said for having a break straight out front; viewable from every single spot you’ll be hanging in. You can watch it all day and pick the moments to paddle out. Like anywhere the tides, swell, and wind fluctuate, but being bang on the break allows you to plan accordingly and score it at its peak.

It’s 200 metres offshore, plus on the good current you can get the travelator that drops you on the button. The paddle back however is a different story; give it a miss unless your rig needs a bit of a work out. 

Boudoir with a view.

The wave is short, punchy, and super rippable – but not ‘insane’.

There’s a mellow-ish takeoff and two peaks so you can find your spot.

It’s a shifty reef that breaks like a beachy. Split peaks, and if the swell direction is right you’ll get a wall to smack – sometimes a wrapping swell will wedge up too. Natural or goofy, you’ll love the joint. Just keep an eye on what the tide is doing.

This place isn’t for heroes either, good for that 9-5 type of surfers; competent, but aren’t chasing an afternoon picking bits of reef out of their limbs. 

A manageable thrill for most.

Of course, there’s other waves

Some you can paddle, others you’ll need transport. There’s cars to run you around though, so regardless of the wind and swell you’ll always find somewhere that’s pretty rippable.

No boats in the region. 

Obviously, this means it’s uncrowded. And no other accommodations nearby, you’re on your own unless you get unlucky. 

The peak will satisfy any directional requirements.

When to go? 

Let’s leave it to the experts.

Good news is, swell here is a year-round job, so you’ve got options.

Ping pong

This is enormous and you fucking know it. Go with someone who’s reasonably handy or on the same level and should you get a lay day, spend it with a few beers around the pong table. 

It’s almost better than surfing.

Filling the void left behind from hours of play on the front lawn.

The people. 

Samoans, for those who’ve not met them are some of the most humble, gracious and huge people you will ever come across. They’re full of love. 

Partying

To be fair, Samoa is not a place you come to party, it’s a place you come to surf, experience, and respect the culture.

Food.

Felanga’s (the inhouse chef) a proper cook. 8/10 at worst. Portions were on the small side, so if you want to eat clean and drop a few KG’s you’ll be happy.

Pay for your own beers, but that’s standard just about everywhere.

The residence.

Yes, you can surf on a Sunday.

Samoans are quite religious and typically activities are restricted on Sundays. You can however surf out the front here on a Sunday, so don’t feel as if you’re going to miss pumping waves.

Contactable?

If you’re on Vodafone or Optus you’re getting reception all day.

Tip: Book yourself in over Xmas and you’ll start the New Year with a clarity and skin shade generally reserved for European aristocrats after summertime. 

Sound appealing?

Hit up this link, get in contact with the lovely folk and find yourself lucking into abundant uncrowded drainers.

Take a step back for appreciation sakes.