Faaite (Anaa)

KitesurfingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate to Advanced
Skill Level
Flat, Ocean, Swell
Spot Type
Empty
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Faaite (Anaa) is a remote Tuamotu atoll known for a single, world-class left-hand reef break inside the pass. The wave is described as hollow, fast and powerful with consistently high wave quality. The break begins working around 1.0–1.5 m and can hold larger pulses (reported up to 3 m+), making it a serious destination for experienced surfers. The bottom is coral reef with sharp rocks, and the lineup is associated with shallow reef sections and reef/coral hazards. This is reflected in the recommended approach: pass entry and navigation require careful handling of shallow water, and the surfing itself is generally aimed at expert-level comfort with shallow, hazardous reef environments. The break is reported to run on all tides. Wind expectations are tied to the regional trade-wind pattern: south to east-northeast winds are commonly cited as the right direction for better surf and/or lagoon wind. Wind is reported as moderate overall with best months generally in the southern winter/early shoulder season (roughly April to October), and thermal influence is considered minimal. Practical travel and safety are central here: access is boat-only, and the spot is extremely remote with no lifeguards and no immediate rescue services. Local guidance is emphasized, and emergency response would depend on remoteness and aircraft/medical logistics. Visitors should plan for very limited supplies and self-sufficiency when preparing a trip.

  • Hollow, fast, powerful left-hand reef break
  • Working range from ~1.0–1.5 m and holds 3 m+ sets
  • Uncrowded/empty lineup reported
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • World-class hollow, fast, powerful left-hand reef break
  • Works starting around 1.0–1.5 m and can hold much larger sets
  • Reported to be uncrowded (weekday/weekend empty)
Heads up
  • Only reachable by boat/pass entry
  • Expert-level surfing conditions due to shallow, sharp reef/coral
  • Extremely remote with no on-site rescue and limited medical access
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SSE, E, NE, NNE
Offshore directions
SSE, SE, ESE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — South to southeast trade winds are the primary driver; thermal influence is minimal.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Steady — Reported as steady.
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Shadow Zones
Vegetation on motu/atoll can create variable wind patterns and sudden shadow zones near launches.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Ocean, Swell
Beach
Reef — Reef/coral bottom.
Beach Size
Tidal
Waves
Big — Reported as big; surfing works from about 1.0–1.5 m and can hold to 3 m+.
Launch
Small — By boat to the pass (no true shoreline launch).
Launch Difficulty
Expert only — Pass entry and navigation are described as difficult/expert-level.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
25–29 °C
Water Temperature
23–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: Rash guard or 2mm shorty
Crowds by Season

Consistently empty year-round.

Storm/Rain Season

November to March

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Marginal for kitesurfing. Protected, typically flat lagoon water can suit learning or freestyle in light wind, but low wind reliability and a small riding area make it secondary.

FreestyleFreeride
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

World-class left-hand reef break in the pass: hollow, fast and powerful on coral reef. Works from small swell (about 1.0–1.5 m) and holds significant size on larger pulses.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
N, NW, W, SW
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — All tides reported to work.
Shelter
Exposed — Break is in an exposed pass context on reef/coral.
Wind Effect
Best with south, southeast, east, and northeast winds.
Bigger Swell
Holds 3 m+ pulses; can handle up to very large overhead sets reported as up to 10 ft+.
Wave Quality
World class
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Hollow
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Medium
Typical Ride Length
150–300 m
Ride Length Details
Typical rides are about 50–150 m, extending to roughly 150–300 m on good days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Faaite (Anaa) in the full forecast view.

Faaite (Anaa) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
14–23 ktsGusts 29 kts
Direction
SE124°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 2823 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
1.2–2.0 m10s period
Temperature
24–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Faaite (Anaa) is forecast for daytime winds of 14–23 kts, peaking around 23 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 1.2–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Reef
  • Coral
  • Sharp rocks
  • Shallow-water navigation hazards
  • Variable wind patterns/shadow zones from atoll vegetation
  • Strong tidal currents in the pass
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeash

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No formal rescue services; assistance would rely on local boat operators/fishermen.
Emergency Info
Extremely remote; no immediate medical facilities on the atoll. Nearest major hospital is in Papeete. Emergency numbers in French Polynesia include 15 (medical) and 18 (fire). A medical dispensary is available in Tukuhora (Anaa).

Rules of the spot

Boat access only; local guidance required for the pass/launch.

Restrictions
  • Boat access only
  • Local guide required
Local Tips
  • Always go with a local guide.
  • Navigate shallow sections carefully and avoid reef contact.
  • Expect variable wind patterns and sudden wind shadow zones from atoll vegetation.
  • For pass entry, be mindful of strong currents and downwind drift.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Papeete
Nearest Town
Faaite
Access
By boat only; boat/pass entry to reach the break
Cost Level
Expensive
Local Language
French, Tahitian
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Near — Limited homestays on Faaite or liveaboard charters are referenced.
Food & Drink
Very limited local supplies; visitors should bring their own provisions.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental not available.
Gear Storage
No formal gear storage reported; generally limited to personal space within guest accommodations.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Faaite (Anaa)?

The best overall months at Faaite (Anaa) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Faaite (Anaa)?

Faaite (Anaa) works with S, SSE, E, NE, NNE winds. Offshore directions are SSE, SE, ESE.

What skill level is Faaite (Anaa) suitable for?

Faaite (Anaa) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Surfing: Expert.