Leimalo Surf Festival

We're inviting everybody to come out and be part of this spectacular surfing event hosted by the Vanuatu Surfing Association (VSA). This will be the second annual Leimalo Surf Festival in the wave rich region of Pango village just 10minutes drive out of the town center. The surf fest named after Leimalo, a local female deity who is said to bless surfers with good waves, is turning into one of the biggest gatherings of indigenous surfing tribes offering one of the highest prize purses in the region.

The opening ceremony will be held on March 28, in conjunction with the opening of a specific Leimalo Surf and Ocean art exhibition held at the Suzanne Bastien Art Gallery. The competition will ride waves from March 29 until April 2nd, with 5 divisions including 14 and Under Pro Boys and Girls, 18 and Under Pro Boys and Girls, Open Men and Women Pro Shortboard, Open Men and Women Longboard, and Mixed 35 and Over.

The two speciality events are the Pacific Teams Challenge, and the Pacific Traditional Surf Craft Exhibition encouraging surfers to ride traditional wooden craft, similar to what the fore-bearers of Vanuatu and Pacific surfing would have ridden hundreds and thousands of years ago. It's a one of kind, boasting talents of indigenous Pacific islanders as well as celebrating surfing culture, with the rest of the competitors from all around Vanuatu, Australia and New Caledonia.

This year, the Vanuatu Surfing Association is looking to expand the event and open the festival up to competitors from all around the world. So... SURFS UP right here at Pango!

Lukim yu at the festival!