Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Nua is an exposed reef and point break on Tutuila near Amanave, where surfing is often described as reliable during the south swell season. The spot works best with high tide, helping ensure there’s enough water over the reef and reducing the chances of getting too shallow on takeoff and on turns. Conditions are generally most favorable when swell arrives from the south/southwest and when winds are light or favorable. Surf is a reef-based setup over shallow water, with sharp coral and rocks creating real hazards. Larger swells can bring stronger currents and make the exposed nature of the break more challenging, so it’s important to match your session to your experience level and current conditions. Sharks are also listed among the hazards for the spot, reinforcing the need for extra caution around the waterline and during lineup changes. Timing matters: June is highlighted as a peak month, and the broader south-swell window is generally May to September for consistency. The area is described as rarely crowded, which can be a plus for finding space—but it also means you should be self-sufficient because amenities are limited and there’s no dedicated lifeguard or confirmed dedicated water-sports rescue coverage. For wind, the region is trade-wind dominated. Typical trade winds are described in the range of about 15–25 knots, with best months for wind listed as June through August. Winds are also noted to be most helpful when they’re light or from directions that behave offshore for the break, supporting cleaner surf and easier paddle-out decisions.

  • Exposed reef/point-break with reliable surfing
  • High tide is best for enough water over the reef
  • June highlighted as a peak month
  • Rarely crowded
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Reliable reef/point-break surfing with consistent conditions during the south swell season
  • Typically rarely crowded
  • Warmer water with minimal wetsuit needs (rash guard recommended)
Heads up
  • Reef hazards (sharp coral) and shallow sections increase risk
  • Strong currents can develop during larger swells
  • Remote area with limited facilities and no dedicated rescue/water-sports rescue service
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW, N, NE
Offshore directions
NW, N, NE
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade winds are the dominant driver in the western district around Amanave.
Reliability
fair
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
June, July, August
Shadow Zones
The bay provides some protection from prevailing Southeast trades

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Mixed
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium
Launch
Small — Narrow beach area near the village of Amanave
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
27–30 °C
Water Temperature
24–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 0mm
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded throughout the year

Storm/Rain Season

Wet season typically runs from November to April (wet/rainy season; tropical storms possible/cyclone season period).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Nua is an exposed reef and point break known for reliable surfing conditions, with waves that can be both left and right, and best performance during the south swell season.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SSW, SW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
High — High tide is best to avoid being too shallow over the reef.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed reef/point setup with minimal natural wind protection.
Wind Effect
Best with light winds or offshore Northwest/North winds
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger swells but becomes challenging due to exposure; strong currents possible during large swells
Wave Quality
Good — Conditions are described as reliable for reef-point surfing.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Offers a decent ride length on well-formed south swells.
Ride Length Details
Medium ride length; decent rides reported when swells are well-formed.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Nua in the full forecast view.

Nua wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
11–21 ktsGusts 28 kts
Direction
ESE114°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2421 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–2.0 m9s period
Temperature
26–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Nua is forecast for daytime winds of 11–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.0–2.0 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • sharks
  • coral
  • sharp coral reef
  • rocks
  • strong currents possible during large swells
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBoots

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated water-sports rescue service was confirmed for the area.
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital services are referenced in Pago Pago; universal emergency number: 911.
Localism / Vibe
None — Localism is described as none/rarely crowded.

Rules of the spot

Best conditions occur at high tide to ensure enough water over the reef.

Local Tips
  • Best at high tide to ensure enough water over the reef, especially over the shallow reef
  • Remote location with few facilities, so bring all necessary gear and water

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Amanave
Nearest Town
Nuʻuuli
Nearest Airport
Pago Pago International Airport (PPG)
Parking
Limited parking along the road or within the village
Public Transport
Local 'Aiga' buses provide frequent but unscheduled transport along main coastal roads; taxis/private vehicles are also used from Pago Pago.
Access
Accessible via the main road around Tutuila; short walk to the water from the village area
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Samoan, English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Limited guesthouses in the region; more options available closer to Pago Pago.
Food & Drink
Local shops in 'Amanave village
Equipment Rental:
No local rentals available
Gear Repair
none identified
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Nua?

The best overall months at Nua are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are June, July, August.

Which wind directions work at Nua?

Nua works with NW, N, NE winds. Offshore directions are NW, N, NE.

What skill level is Nua suitable for?

Nua suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.