White Cows (Efate)

White Cows is an exposed left-hand point break on Efate’s southern coastline area, working over a coral reef. The wave is described as consistent and capable of holding meaningful swell, producing powerful, peeling rides with long workable sections on the reef. The spot is reef-heavy and can be difficult to access and to enter. Launch is typically from a rocky shoreline with limited easy entry points, often requiring paddling out through specific reef channels; during larger south swells, moderate rip currents can form in those channels. Because the reef clearance can be sensitive to tide state, mid-to-high tide is commonly recommended to ensure enough water over the reef. Wind strongly affects surf quality. Trade winds are the dominant driver, and the spot is most likely to offer clean faces when offshore flow comes from the North or Northeast. If Southeast trades turn cross-onshore, conditions can become bumpy. Best months for the trade-wind window are generally May through September, with surf travelers also noting reliable surf when winds are light enough to let the reef exposure work for SE swells. Safety planning matters: hazards include sharp coral reef, submerged rocks, shallow sections at low tide, and urchins. There are no lifeguards or organized rescue services at the coast, and rescue is limited—so riders are expected to be self-sufficient and use a buddy system. Local land ownership is respected, so permission (or local guidance) may be required for access across private property or village-controlled areas.