Pin Trees (Paea)

Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Advanced ridersSurfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
25–28 °C
Water Temperature
23–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: Rash vest or 1mm neoprene top (or similar sun/reef protection)
Crowds by Season

Can get quite busy during peak swell months (May-August) and on weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

November to March is the wetter season with higher humidity.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Reef break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

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

  • Sharp coral reef
  • Rocks
  • Sea urchins
  • Sharks
  • Strong currents
  • Sharp coral reef, Rocks, and urchins
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBootsWetsuit

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: May to October provides the most consistent southwest swells and favorable winds.
Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.