Overview
Passe Jimmy is the one real surf spot on Rodrigues, an outer island of Mauritius with a relaxed Creole feel far removed from the mainland bustle. It sits in a narrow hole in the island's eastern barrier reef, fronted by tiny Île aux Sables, a nature reserve. The pass throws up both a left and a right over healthy live coral, with the left running longer and more high-performance while the right turns abrupt and hollower. Both break fast and very shallow. It can occasionally serve up fun, clean waves, but Rodrigues isn't a place to build a dedicated surf trip around.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from southwest through west, with southwest the best match, and really only fires on small west-southwest pulses. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, and the pass closes out once the swell pushes past two metres. Consistency is moderate, so it pays to catch a window rather than count on it.
Wind and Tide
Passe Jimmy only breaks on high tide, with a rising tide the better call. Look for southeast offshore wind, though it often blows too hard and leaves the surf choppy and unrideable.
Local Tips
The wave suits intermediate surfers, and the lineup stays quiet.
Access
Reaching the pass means a boat ride of at least an hour across the shallow lagoon from Baie du Nord or Port Mathurin.
