Paea
- Bodyboard, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop, Shallow, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Paea is an exposed beach/reef break near a river mouth with generally inconsistent surf. Sources describe it as attackable and playful when the waves are small, but it can quickly become overhead and less predictable as conditions build. The spot’s best results are tied to southwest swells, with working swell height noted in the sub-2 meter range (about 0.5–1.5 m). Even when the bottom is described as sandy, the area is characterized as exposed and can have short, punchy waves that may close out on larger sets; one summary also highlights an overhead tendency as size increases. Wind conditions are mainly trade-wind driven, and E to NE winds are described as providing cleaner/offshore conditions for surf quality. Local guidance emphasizes going early before the trade winds pick up. Thermal influence is described as a gentle late-morning/afternoon effect that is often superseded by the dominant trade winds. Safety is a key consideration here: shark hazards are reported, and rip currents can develop during larger swell periods. After heavy tropical rainfall, avoid the water for 24–48 hours due to runoff and possible pollution; local water conditions near river mouths can become turbid.
- Exposed beach break with inconsistent surf; small waves are most manageable
- Southwest swell is the best swell direction
- Trade-wind season improves reliability; early morning surf often works best
- Warm water year-round with strong sun exposure risk
- Warm water year-round (mid-to-high 20s °C)
- Beach/reef mix with a more forgiving sandy-bottom alternative
- Good offshore wind window with E/NE trade winds for cleaner conditions
- Surf can be inconsistent
- Exposed conditions can get overhead and messy as swell increases
- Shark hazard reported
- Rip currents and pollution risk after heavy rain
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE
- Offshore directions
- E, NE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds (Alizs) dominate; thermal effects are often superseded. Gemini also notes early-morning light offshore breezes transitioning to afternoon trade winds.
- Reliability
- Moderate during the trade wind season.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Described as light gusts by Gemini.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- High terrain inland can create turbulence if the wind shifts too far north.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Shallow, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand described by both providers.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small surf described by both providers; Perplexity also notes small waves are more attackable.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Water type described as chop (Perplexity).
- Launch
- Medium — Spacious sandy beach with easy access to the water (Gemini).
Through the year
Can be crowded on weekends; quieter during the week.
November to March (wet/humid; frequent downpours).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach/reef break near a river mouth with inconsistent surf. Small waves are attackable, but conditions become overhead and less clean as size increases; waves can close out on larger southwest swells.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Optimal tide listed as all-tides (Gemini).
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed.
- Wind Effect
- East and Northeast winds provide cleaner offshore conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Tends to close out and become messy with large southwest swells; can go overhead when size increases (Perplexity + Gemini).
- Wave Quality
- Average — Average wave quality (Gemini).
- Wave Power
- Soft — Soft wave power (Gemini).
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Predominantly mushy/soft takeoff feel (Gemini).
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Peels slowly (Gemini).
- Ride Length
- Short — Short and punchy; often closing out on bigger swell.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length is about 30–50 meters; waves are often short and punchy and may close out when swell exceeds ~2 meters (Gemini).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Paea in the full forecast view.
Paea wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 9–17 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- SE130°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2617 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.6–3.2 m12s period
- Temperature
- 20–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Paea is forecast for daytime winds of 9–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 1.6–3.2 m with a period of about 12s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Sharks
- Rip currents
- Sun exposure
- Water pollution after heavy rain
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Group context notes limited rescue availability and no dedicated on-water kite rescue service; rely on local community/private options.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is located in Papeete. For emergencies call 18 (fire/rescue) or 15 (medical emergencies).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism; lineup priorities are local.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local priorities in the lineup.
- Best to surf in the early morning before the trade winds pick up.
- Avoid the water for 24-48 hours after heavy tropical rainfall due to runoff.
- Be extra cautious around river-mouthed water where conditions can change after rain.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Papeete
- Nearest Town
- Pāʻea
- Nearest Airport
- Faa'a International Airport (PPT)
- Parking
- Limited parking available in small public areas along the roadside or at nearby beach parks.
- Public Transport
- Infrequent coastal buses (Le Terevau) along the main road; taxis and rental cars used more for bulky sports gear
- Access
- Approximately 30 minutes by car from Papeete city center; also described as easily accessible via the main coastal road (RT1).
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- French, Tahitian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Guesthouses and vacation rentals are available within the Pāʻea commune; larger options are just north in Punaauia.
- Food & Drink
- Local snack shops (roulottes) and small grocery stores are located along the main road.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is referenced in regional context as limited through mobile schools; no dedicated brick-and-mortar rental described for Paea specifically.
- Gear Storage
- Storage at the beach is generally not available; riders typically store gear at accommodations or in rental vehicles.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs can sometimes be facilitated through local schools or shops in Papeete; major repairs are difficult to source locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Paea?
The best overall months at Paea are May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Paea?
Paea works with E, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.
What skill level is Paea suitable for?
Paea suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.