P-Pass (Palikir Pass)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Swell, Big waves, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
P-Pass (Palikir Pass) is a famous right-hand reef break known for mechanical, hollow barrel form in crystal-clear water. The wave breaks at the edge of a deep-water pass, producing a fast wall that can section into multiple barrel opportunities, with highly consistent tube potential for advanced riders. Surfing conditions are tied closely to northern swell directions (NW/N). The break is exposed and reef-based, so the combination of reef hazards and heavy wave energy becomes serious as size increases—when the swell peaks, it can turn into an expert-only heavy barrel experience. Tide matters for safety: while the wave can run across tides, attempts at dead low tide are specifically warned against due to the very shallow coral reef. Wind during the trade season is generally consistent, with directions often spanning NE/E/SE. When the trade winds align appropriately, they can produce clean/groomed faces and support elite wave kiting and expert wave windsurfing. Kiting is described as expert-only, with most riders relying on boat support for launching and safety due to reef proximity and surf priority. Logistics and safety are a major part of the spot: access is strictly by boat, currents can be strong in the pass (especially on outgoing tides), and rescue availability is limited. Local guidance emphasizes using a boat guide (not paddling from shore) and wearing reef protection such as booties, alongside core safety gear like a helmet.
- Mechanical, hollow right-hand barrels
- Crystal-clear reef-pass water
- Boat-access-only outer launch
- Expert-focused destination for both surfing and wave kiting
- Crystal-clear water and highly consistent right-hand reef barrels
- World-class, mechanical wave quality for advanced surfers
- Trade winds can align for elite wind-driven wave kiting and expert wave windsurfing
- Works with northern swells (NW/N) and trade winds during the winter-spring window
- Boat access only
- Very shallow, sharp coral reef and strong currents
- Expert-only conditions with heavy wave energy
- Medical/rescue support is limited for serious incidents
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE, SE
- Offshore directions
- E, NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind flow (NE/E/SE depending on day) dominating during the season.
- Reliability
- Moderate during trade-wind season
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–11 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Swell, Big waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Reef
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Swell can range from small to very large depending on season/events.
- Launch
- Big — Boat-based access; described as boat-based or drift launch from the reef edge.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only — Boat-based logistics and reef hazards make launch expert-level.
Through the year
Can be crowded with surf charters during peak swell events.
Peak rainfall from April to June; tropical climate with rain throughout the year.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Elite wave-kiting over a coral reef with a mechanical right-hand barrel; most riders use boat support for launching and safety. The spot is expert-level only.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–11 m²
Expert wave windsurfing potential, though the spot is dominated by surf and kiting; side-offshore trade winds can give clean faces for down-the-line riding.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Foilable only in safer shoulder/lagoon-like areas; the main peak is extremely shallow and dangerous for foils. Launch requires a boat.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Main peak extremely shallow for foils.
- Min Depth
- 0.5 meters on the reef
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
World-class right-hand reef break with mechanical, hollow barrels that can handle large size and produce wide-open tube sections.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, All tides — Avoid low tide due to shallow reef hazard.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Reef/pass exposed setup; not sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore or sideshore trade winds; SE is noted as best for the north/wind orientation, improving groomed faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size; becomes heavy and expert-only when swell peaks.
- Wave Quality
- World class — Mechanical consistency and high-quality tube/barrel form.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Very high intensity when the swell peaks.
- Wave Shape
- Barreling — Hollow, mechanical barrels; almond-shaped/hollow feel.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Long fast wall with multiple barrel opportunities.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typically sections into multiple barrel opportunities; long wall.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for P-Pass (Palikir Pass) in the full forecast view.
P-Pass (Palikir Pass) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–12 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- W267°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2712 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–1.5 m9s period
- Temperature
- 27–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, P-Pass (Palikir Pass) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 1.1–1.5 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- Sharp coral reef
- Shallow reef / coral bottom
- Strong tidal currents in the pass (especially on outgoing tides)
- Very powerful waves
- Heavy wave energy
- Boat traffic
- Remote location
- Possible sharks
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited; safety relies on private boat charters and local coordination.
- Emergency Info
- Medical facilities are limited on Pohnpei; serious injuries may require evacuation to Guam or Hawaii.
Rules of the spot
Boat access only. Avoid low tide due to shallow reef/fragile bottom.
- Boat access only
- Avoid low tide because of shallow reef
- Use a boat guide; do not attempt to paddle from shore.
- Booties are highly recommended due to the shallow reef.
- Swell/reef proximity makes dead-low-tide attempts especially dangerous.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kolonia
- Nearest Town
- Sokehs
- Nearest Airport
- Pohnpei International Airport (PNI)
- Parking
- Parking available at the boat harbors in Kolonia.
- Public Transport
- Extremely limited informal taxis around Kolonia; most visitors rely on rental cars or organized transfers/boat access.
- Access
- Boat only
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English, Pohnpeian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available in Kolonia and Sokehs.
- Food & Drink
- Available in Kolonia; most riders bring food/water on the boat.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through local surf camps, but specialized kitesurfing/windsurfing gear is extremely limited and typically requires bringing your own.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is typically available via specialized surf camps or by arrangement with local boat operators.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized kite/sail repair facilities confirmed; basic fiberglass and surfboard repair is available.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area around Sokehs/Palikir blends rainforest scenery with historic/cultural sites and nearby lagoon/nature activities. Most outer-water activities depend on boat-based logistics.
Peiniger Themwih waterfall and Sokehs Ridge.
A 20-meter basalt waterfall flowing into a large, swimmable pool.
A prehistoric city of small artificial islands linked by canals, often called the Venice of the Pacific.
Ancient stone roads and Pakau ruins on Pohnpei.
WWII-era Japanese coastal defense guns and panoramic views of the island and lagoon.
Hike to a USGS summit marker.
A pristine, uninhabited coral atoll with world-class snorkeling and diving (via short boat ride).
Local eateries in Kolonia town.
A popular local gathering spot with views and a social atmosphere among the expat and surfing community.
Tropical snorkeling in the Pohnpei lagoon.
Twin waterfalls in a lush jungle setting with accessible pools for swimming.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at P-Pass (Palikir Pass)?
The best overall months at P-Pass (Palikir Pass) are November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, December.
Which wind directions work at P-Pass (Palikir Pass)?
P-Pass (Palikir Pass) works with E, NE, SE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at P-Pass (Palikir Pass)?
Recommended equipment sizes at P-Pass (Palikir Pass): Kitesurfing: 7–11 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is P-Pass (Palikir Pass) suitable for?
P-Pass (Palikir Pass) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Expert · Windsurfing: Expert · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Advanced.