Lavata is a left-hand reef break peeling over live coral in the Solomon Islands. It only comes alive on rare west-northwest windswell pushing in from the Solomon Sea, so it stays quiet most of the time and rewards patience when the right pulse lines up.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), and west (W) swell is the best match. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, breaking left across the coral. Sessions can be inconsistent, but there are worthwhile windows when the swell finally shows up.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) offshore wind to clean up the face. The reef can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an intermediate wave, and the coral bottom means it suits surfers comfortable reading a reef. Expect a quiet lineup when it works.
