SURFING IN PNG

The surfing season in New Ireland Province is a relatively short season from October to April. This is taking advantage of the Northern Hemisphere swells coming from the northwest to northeast directions. During this period the wind is predominately from the N/NW. The surf generally ranges from 3-4ft; bigger swells see it at 5-6ft.

Surf Management Plans
The Niu Ailan Surfriders Alliance (NASA) is an affiliated member of the Surfing Association of PNG. The PNG Surf Management Plan structure, and in particular the Niu Ailan Surfriders Alliance Management Plans have been specifically developed with the primary goal of limiting surfer numbers, and limiting exploitation so that the PNG surf experience remains unique and memorable for those fortunate enough to experience it.

You can obtain a copy of these management plans through the NASA website at
http://www.surfingpng-newireland.org.pg

NASA has established a management plan for New Hanover (or Lavongai) which is one of the areas to which we charter. The significance of this is that for every charter we must book in our surfing guests into the management plan so they are able to surf. The obvious benefit being that with the increasing exposure of such areas, a managed quota system will avoid the overcrowding and its associated problems.
 
Code of Conduct
To ensure a good working relationship between charter operators there is a Code of Conduct which covers not only good environmental practices but conduct with other operators and most importantly local communities.
Essentially PNG is learning from the mistakes of other surf destinations through creating a sustainable and well-managed tourism resource.
 
Surfing Fees
NASA recognises that the communities who live in areas close or adjacent to surf breaks are custodians of the marine environment. Under the management plan, NASA collects a levy from visiting surfers which is then dispersed between the resident communities and NASA. NASA uses the fees for local area surfing development programs, including but not limited to member equipment needs, national and international competition participation, training programs and club facilities.
 
Fees payable for the 09/10 surf season (1st November 2008 to 30th April 2009) are AU$10 per surfer per day payable to NASA.  
 
In addition to the NASA Fees, there is a once only Surfing Association of Papua New Guinea (SAPNG) levy of AU$50 per visiting surfer to New Ireland. PNG Surfaris is an endorsed corporate member of NASA and SAPNG.