Cocos (Keeling) Islands
OceaniaLevel of surfing
Evolved
Quality of surf
Good
Call code
61891
Net code
cc
Area
14
Coastline
26 km
Climate
tropical with high humidity, moderated by the southeast trade winds for nine months of the year
Hazards
Very Isolated, Cyclones, Severe Storms, Difficult Access
Best Months
May - September
Population
628
Currency
Australian dollar (AUD) Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.3285 (2006)
Time Zone
FOXTROT/GOLF (UTC+6.5)
Special Requirements
Private Beaches, Special Pass / Permits, Lengthy VISA Process
surfing
D.Oneil: Sunset over Keeling Island; 2005
Sitting mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the easterly tracking sub antartic storm cells South of Africa that peel up and supply most of the area with swell. The Cocos Islands are no exception. April to September is the best season for spots requiring SE to SW groundswell. Island groups in the region can create some swell shadowing but generally, the sheer frequency of the southerly swells will make those spots your better option. Rarer northerly swells that descend from the Arabian gulf from May to July can light up novelty spots and mysto treats but swell decay is a problem.
Bear in mind that the southerly swells do need to 'bend' up quite a bit to feed this coast so not every system is going to yield results for you. Reliance on onshore winswells is a reality of surfing on the western side of the Indian Ocean. In betwwen the flat periods though, chances are you are going to have some serious fun in generally uncrowded waves.
what to pack
Flashdance: A pair of very simple Moroccan flip flops called "Cabjuks"; 25 May 2007
As usual, bring all medical things u need with you, as in some remote parts of the country it can be difficult to get them. Bring your own toilet paper and anti-septic hand-showerstuff, because the toilets are not always very clean.
Sunglasses and protective sun lotion, as well as a good repellent. All the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and tent that are good for very low temp; special gas container u can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack. Invest in a portable water filter or at least take some puri-tabs or boil the water.
Pretty much everything can be bought nowadays. But again, travelling to the remote areas, better to bring everything with you.