Forari Mine Lefts and Rights (Pang Pang)
- Freestyle, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Empty
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Forari Mine Lefts and Rights (Pang Pang) is a remote, exposed beach break with reef elements near the old mine site on East Efate. Surf is described as fairly inconsistent, but it can produce left- and right-hand waves that are enjoyable when the swell and tide line up. The spot’s best performance is tied to southeast (SE) swells, with a general recommendation to surf around mid to high tide. Winds are most favorable during the April to September period, and trade-wind conditions can strongly influence surf quality—onshore wind can make things messy, while west winds are described as more optimal. Hazards are a major consideration: sources highlight rocks and coral (including sharp coral reef and submerged rocks), plus the possibility of occasional rip currents depending on swell size. The area’s remoteness also means limited medical access, and there are no lifeguards or formal on-site rescue services. Seasonally, conditions are emphasized as best in the cooler, drier months (autumn/winter; April–September) when swell arrives more reliably. Water temperatures stay warm year-round (generally mid-20s °C to high-20s °C), so surfers typically rely on reef protection rather than heavy insulation.
- Lefts and rights over sand/reef setup near the old mine site
- Best window April to September with SE swell
- Exposed, remote break with rocks and coral hazards
- Lefts and rights over a beach/reef setup when the swell is right.
- Very low crowds; often uncrowded water.
- Boardshorts usually sufficient year-round; clear tropical water.
- Remote and exposed; conditions can be inconsistent.
- Reef/sand-bottom hazards: rocks and coral.
- No formal rescue services or lifeguards on-site.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — South-East trade winds (alize) typical for the area.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gusts described as moderate.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Small waves
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed sand/rock/reef at the launch area; sand composition also noted.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Medium — Surf described from about 0.6–1.8 m (and working window noted as roughly 1.0–2.5 m in other reports).
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Wind can create messy conditions depending on direction.
- Launch
- Medium — Narrow beach area with sand and rocky outcrops near the old mine site.
Through the year
Generally very low crowds; you will often be the only one in the water.
November–April (tropical cyclone season)
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach/reef break near the old manganese mine at the Forari Mine site, delivering inconsistent but fun lefts and rights when the swell and tide line up.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Best waves generally occur at mid-to-high tide; high tide highlighted as ideal.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed break.
- Wind Effect
- Trade winds frequently blow onshore, which can make conditions messy; west winds are described as optimal.
- Bigger Swell
- On very large southeast swells it can become heavy and close out.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality described as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Both lefts and rights; overall shape described as mixed.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Mixed conditions over sand/reef; peel described as medium.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short ride length reported.
- Ride Length Details
- Ride length described as short when conditions are right.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Forari Mine Lefts and Rights (Pang Pang) in the full forecast view.
Forari Mine Lefts and Rights (Pang Pang) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–12 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- ESE107°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2612 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–2.0 m7s period
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Forari Mine Lefts and Rights (Pang Pang) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.8–2.0 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Coral
- Sharp coral reef
- Submerged rocks
- Remote location with limited medical access
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present on-site.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No formal on-site rescue services; self-rescue/local assistance required.
- Emergency Info
- No formal on-site rescue services. The nearest hospital is in Port Vila (approximately 45–60 minutes by car). Emergency services can be reached via the local emergency number 112.
Rules of the spot
General surfing etiquette applies; respect local villagers who may be fishing in the area.
- Aim for mid to high tide for enough water over the reef shelf.
- Access may require a 4WD vehicle, especially after rain.
- Expect occasional rip currents depending on swell size.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Port Vila
- Nearest Town
- Pang Pang
- Nearest Airport
- Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
- Parking
- Limited informal parking available near the beach access tracks.
- Public Transport
- Access is primarily via private vehicle; buses may be chartered from Port Vila.
- Access
- Accessible via the main ring road of Efate, followed by a dirt track leading toward the old mine site.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Bislama, English, French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses are available in nearby villages or main resorts in Port Vila.
- Food & Drink
- Very limited local options; bring your own water and supplies from Port Vila.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available on-site; gear must be brought from Port Vila.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
East Efate offers a rugged and authentic experience away from major tourist hubs, featuring historical industrial ruins and natural freshwater swimming holes.
Pristine white-sand beach and sheltered cove popular for swimming and picnics.
Historical remains of a French manganese mine that operated in the mid-20th century.
Natural freshwater swimming hole known for vibrant blue water and surrounding jungle.
Coastal venue offering local dining and views of the Pacific.
Popular swimming spot with rope swings and shallow areas suitable for children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Forari Mine Lefts and Rights (Pang Pang)?
The best overall months at Forari Mine Lefts and Rights (Pang Pang) are April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Forari Mine Lefts and Rights (Pang Pang)?
Forari Mine Lefts and Rights (Pang Pang) works with SW winds.
What skill level is Forari Mine Lefts and Rights (Pang Pang) suitable for?
Forari Mine Lefts and Rights (Pang Pang) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.