PK15
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- Exposed conditions can become heavy and close out on large swells
- Occasional reef patches and rip currents
- Limited roadside parking
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
Generally quiet on weekdays; moderate crowds on weekends.
November to April
By sport
What to expect for each.
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
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- reef patches
- rip currents
- sun exposure
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.
- 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
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.
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 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.