Surfing Guide to Tahiti, French Polynesia

 

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/Things to know

• Surf Spots

Summary

Tahiti is a mythical surfing destination, home of the world’s most spectacular wave, Teahupo’o. A unique wave that perfectly barrels over a shallow and sharp reef with the ultimate reward of having the ride of your life. Teahupo’o is home of the 2024 summer Olympics and is a perfect stage for high performance surfing.

 

Although Teahupo’o is the most popular surf spot on the island, surfing in Tahiti is not just about Teahupo’o. The island has many other surf spots like Taapuna, Mitirapa, Papeno’o and Papara which are amazing for intermediate and advanced surfers looking for a great challenge. Many of those breaks are still high-performance waves that break over shallow reef but they are slightly more forgiving than Teahupo’o. 

 

Most surf spots in Tahiti are reef breaks, especially on the south side of the island. However, on the north side, there are a few nice and gentle beach breaks which are great for surfers that lack a bit of confidence on waves of consequence.

 

Surfing tourism in Tahiti is still not very popular for various reasons when you compare to the swarm of tourists that you can find in Hawaii or Indonesia. Conventional accommodation can be harder to find in the Teahupo’o area and make sure you get help from locals to introduce you to the different breaks and rules of the lineup.

 

 

When to go

The best time to surf Tahiti depends on what conditions you are looking for. The summer months from November to April will offer good north swells with smaller, but consistent south swells as well as being pretty rainy and hot.

 

The winter months from May to October is when the big south-west swells rush in and hit every reef break on the south side of the island. This is when Teahupo’o goes insane and professional surfers make strike missions to the island. Weather is then cool and dry.

 

 

 

Where to stay in Tahiti

On the south side of Tahiti Iti, near Teahupo’o, there aren’t that many accommodation options other than local homestays. You can stay at Vanira Lodge which is a beautiful place greatly located next to Teahupo’o

 

Near Papeete, the best place to stay on a budget is the Mahana Hostel and Backpackers which is very nicely located, down town. For more comfort, Te Moana is a good option further south.

 

 

 

Tahiti Surf Spots

Teahupo’o

Without a doubt, Teahupo’o is Tahiti’s most famous break and also the heaviest one. Only a 15 minutes paddle away from the point, it is the closest wave to shore in this south-eastern area of the island. Teahupo’o breaks on a very shallow and extremely sharp reef making anyone pay for their mistakes. Should be kept for advanced surfers. On a good south westerly swell, Teahupo’o is a short and hollow barrel with one of the best views on Earth. At Teahupo’o, if the swell is too westerly, close outs are more frequent as the west bowl breaks with the rest of the wave.

Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Papeno’o

Located on the north side of Tahiti, Papeno’o has a beach break and a river mouth. Both offer good waves especially over the north swell season from November to April. Beginners will want to stick to the beach as the rivermouth is a bit more powerful and exposed to rip currents.

Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand and pebbles
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Beginner to advanced
Optimal swell direction : N
Optimal wind direction : S

 

 

Vairao

10 minutes up the road before reaching Teahupo’o is the pass of Vairao. You will need a boat or paddle for about 30 to 45 minutes to reach the break. It is probably the longest wave in the area breaking over a very shallow reef, even more so than Teahupo’o. However, Vairao doesn’t have the same power as Chopes…

Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Papara

A nice beach break located on the south side of Tahiti Nui that will work on pretty much any south swell. This spot is also good for beginners. 

Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Beginner to Advanced
Optimal swell direction : S
Optimal wind direction : N

 

 

Taapuna

A classic Tahitian reef break with a dangerous reef. Crowds get heavier here than what you will find on the reefs of Tahiti Iti.

Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Getting there

Up until 2018, only 2 airlines would offer flights to Papeete: Air Tahiti Nui and Frenchbee. Recently, United airlines started offering flights from San Francisco and Hawaiian airlines is coming in from Honolulu making it more accessible for travelers.

 

 

Safety/things to know

Waves in Tahiti are still quite untouched. Make sure you respect the locals even more than anywhere else. They are VERY welcoming if you respect them and if you don’t, you better jump on the next plane because you won’t catch many more waves.

Most breaks on the north side are accessible just by paddling. However, on the south side, most breaks require at least a 30 minute paddle. Best access is definitely by boat.

Most surf spots on the south side, including Teahupo’o are breaking over sharp and shallow coral reef. Bring a good first aid kit.