PK15

WingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

PK15 is a classic north-coast beach break with hollow, fast peaks over a sandy bottom. The wave is typically described as a regional classic and works reliably across a broad swell range, starting at less than 1m and holding into larger sets (reported to reach around 2m+). Rides are often in the short-to-medium range, with good days typically delivering around 50 to 150 meters. The setup is best with northern swells (North, North-West, and North-East) and offshore winds from the South, South-West, or South-East, which can groom the face nicely. Reported best swell direction and optimal wind direction align with an easy “beach-break” wave geometry, and the spot is generally suitable for beginners through more capable surfers—though conditions can quickly become unforgiving when the swell jumps. For safety, watch for reef patches and rip currents, especially when larger northern swells create stronger water movement. Shoreline sun and exposure are also noted hazards, and there’s no lifeguard presence reported. The recommended approach is to keep an eye on conditions and follow local etiquette, particularly around the active peak and any nearby reefy sections. Timing-wise, May through September are highlighted as best months for wind. The dry season (often described as May to October) also supports the most consistent conditions, and an afternoon sea breeze can reinforce the trade winds on sunny days. Water temperature is warm enough that a heavy wetsuit is generally not needed; a rash guard or thin neoprene top for sun/wind comfort is commonly recommended.

  • Hollow, fast beach-break peaks over sand
  • Offshore wind grooming with South/South-East winds
  • Reef patches and rip currents possible—stay alert
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Hollow, fast beach-break peaks
  • Works from under 1m and can hold up to around 2m+
  • Offshore grooming with South/South-East winds
  • Generally clean sand-bottom access
Heads up
  • Exposed conditions can become heavy and close out on large swells
  • Occasional reef patches and rip currents
  • Limited roadside parking
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SW, S, ESE
Offshore directions
SW, S, ESE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade winds (alizés).
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Thermal Window
Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct · A light afternoon sea breeze can reinforce the trade winds on sunny days.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Reported working range starts under 1m and can hold up to around 2m+.
Launch
Small — Sandy beach with easy access from the road.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
25–29 °C
Water Temperature
21–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard / 1mm neoprene top
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet on weekdays; moderate crowds on weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

November to April

By sport

What to expect for each.

WingfoilingSkill Level

Occasionally used for wingfoiling when conditions are calm; primarily a surfing beach.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Minimum depth reported around 1.5m.
Min Depth
1.5m
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A reliable beach-break setup on Tahiti’s north coast, known for hollow, fast peaks that can work from small swell and hold better in larger conditions.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NW, NE
Swell Height
0.5–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Best reported on all tides, including rising and falling.
Shelter
Exposed — Open-coast exposure; can become heavy and close out on massive swells.
Wind Effect
South and South-East winds are offshore and groom the waves.
Bigger Swell
Generally holds up to about 2.5 meters, but can become heavy and close out on massive swells.
Wave Quality
Good — Regional classic wave quality.
Wave Power
Moderate — Hollow, fast peaks.
Wave Shape
Hollow
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Medium
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Good days typically deliver rides between 50 and 150 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for PK15 in the full forecast view.

PK15 wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
9–16 ktsGusts 27 kts
Direction
ESE115°
Strongest day
Thu, Oct 2916 kts
Windy days
4/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–1.9 m6s period
Temperature
22–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, PK15 is forecast for daytime winds of 9–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.9–1.9 m with a period of about 6s. 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

  • reef patches
  • rip currents
  • sun exposure
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No formal beach-based rescue presence reported.
Emergency Info
Hôpital du Taaone in Pirae is the nearest major medical facility.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the locals and the environment.

Local Tips
  • Best when northern swells hit during the dry season.
  • Often less crowded than the main Papenoo river mouth area.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Papeete
Nearest Town
Mahina
Parking
Limited parking along the roadside (a few cars).
Access
Directly off the main coastal road at the kilometer 15 marker.
Local Language
French, Tahitian
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and pensions in the Mahina and Papenoo area.
Food & Drink
Local snack shops and fruit stands along the road.
Equipment Rental:
Available via surf schools in Mahina.
Gear Repair
Surf shops in Papeete offer board repairs.
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 PK15?

The best overall months at PK15 are May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at PK15?

PK15 works with SW, S, ESE winds. Offshore directions are SW, S, ESE.

What equipment sizes are recommended at PK15?

Recommended equipment sizes at PK15: Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.

What skill level is PK15 suitable for?

PK15 suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner.