Pin Trees (Paea)
- Advanced riders, Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Pin Trees (Pāʻea) is a reef break in the Pāʻea area, known for high-quality, peeling waves with both left and right sections. The water is described as oceanic with crystal-clear visibility, and the spot is characterized by a reef/rock bottom with a rocky shoreline entry and/or nearby paddle-out access. Conditions are strongest when a southwest (and west-southwest) swell lines up with northeast offshore winds. In that setup, northeast winds groom the wave faces, while onshore wind situations can make the surf messier. The break is generally exposed, so the wave character can shift noticeably with wind and swell direction. This is an advanced surfing spot. On larger swell it holds its size, but the waves become very heavy and are described as suitable only for experts. Hazards are significant: sharp reef and rocks, sea urchins, and sharks are specifically highlighted, and strong currents are possible during bigger swells. Crowding and logistics matter too—conditions can get quite busy when the surf is firing. Be especially careful with tides to avoid hitting the reef on low water, and plan for protective gear such as reef-safe footwear and a properly matched leash and wetsuit for the water conditions.
- Crystal-clear water
- Powerful peeling reef surf with both lefts and rights
- Best when southwest swell meets northeast offshore wind
- Significant hazards from reef/rocks and sea urchins
- Crystal-clear water with generally excellent visibility.
- Powerful, peeling reef waves with both lefts and rights (often noted for strong right-handers).
- Works best with southwest swells and northeast offshore winds; often consistent in the right setup.
- Reef hazards (rocks, sharks, coral) and sea urchins make this a high-damage area if you fall or push shallow.
- Surf can get very heavy on larger swell and is expert-focused.
- Can get busy during ideal conditions.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE
- Offshore directions
- NE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds (Alizs) dominate; stronger in winter months.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Protected by high terrain during strong easterly trades.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline entry or paddle out from nearby beach access.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Can get quite busy during peak swell months (May-August) and on weekends.
November to March is the wetter season with higher humidity.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A high-quality Tahitian reef break that offers both lefts and rights, often recognized for its powerful right-handers; it performs best on southwest swells with northeast offshore winds.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, WSW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Northeast winds are offshore and groom the wave faces; southwest winds are onshore and messy.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but becomes very heavy and suitable only for experts.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Ride Length Details
- Waves provide a decent length of ride with sections for turns and occasional barrels.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pin Trees (Paea) in the full forecast view.
Pin Trees (Paea) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 9–17 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- SE127°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3017 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–3.2 m11s period
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pin Trees (Paea) is forecast for daytime winds of 9–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 1.3–3.2 m with a period of about 11s. 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
- Sharp coral reef
- Rocks
- Sea urchins
- Sharks
- Strong currents
- Sharp coral reef, Rocks, and urchins
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional context indicates no dedicated on-water kite rescue service; rely on local community or private boats for recovery.
- Emergency Info
- For emergencies call 18 (fire/rescue) or 15 (medical emergencies); major medical care is at CHPF in Pirae.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Local lineup etiquette is important; respect the lineup and wait your turn.
Rules of the spot
Respect the local lineup and wait your turn; standard surf etiquette applies.
- Booties are recommended to protect against the sharp reef and urchins.
- The spot can get busy when conditions are ideal.
- Be mindful of the tide to avoid hitting the reef on low water.
- Respect the local lineup and wait your turn.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Papeete
- Nearest Town
- Pāʻea
- Nearest Airport
- Faa'a International Airport (PPT)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking or small public lots nearby.
- Public Transport
- Infrequent coastal buses along the main road; taxis and rental cars are used more for bulky sports gear
- Access
- Accessible via the main road in Pāʻea; look for public beach access points or shoreline entries.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French, Tahitian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various guesthouses and vacation rentals available in the Pāʻea area.
- Food & Drink
- Local snacks and markets are located along the main road.
- Equipment Rental:
- Yes
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pin Trees (Paea)?
The best overall months at Pin Trees (Paea) are April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Pin Trees (Paea)?
Pin Trees (Paea) works with NE, ENE winds. Offshore directions are NE.
What skill level is Pin Trees (Paea) suitable for?
Pin Trees (Paea) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.