Rocky Point 5 (Tahiti)

Advanced riders
Best for
Advanced
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Rocky Point 5 is a small, exposed reef/point surfing location on Tahiti’s north side, known for producing peeling right-hand waves. The spot is best when the North swell is running during the Northern Hemisphere winter, and conditions are reported to be cleanest with South to South-East winds. The wave is described as powerful, with a fast peel across the reef and generally medium ride length. Sources also indicate the break can handle significant size, but that bigger conditions can shift the spot into an expert-only, very heavy phase. Safety is a major consideration here. The reef and surrounding rocks create a high-risk environment, with sharks also reported as a hazard. Currents can be strong (including rip currents depending on swell size), and lower tides may expose or conceal submerged rocks—so local guidance emphasizes watching the tide and scanning for rock hazards before committing. Access is via the north coastal road with limited roadside parking. Lifeguards are not present, and formal rescue services are rare; plan accordingly and keep equipment/health readiness high for an advanced reef environment. Local etiquette and awareness of the (moderately) local lineup are recommended in this less-frequented area.

  • Peeling right-hand reef break
  • Cleanest with S/SE offshore winds
  • Advanced level due to exposed reef, rocks, and strong currents
Great for
Advanced riders
What's great
  • Powerful, peeling right-hand reef/point break with good wave quality when conditions line up.
  • Best during the North swell season; generally low-profile compared with major south-coast breaks.
Heads up
  • Advanced, exposed reef setup with significant danger from rocks.
  • Sharks are reported as a hazard.
  • Rip currents/strong currents can occur depending on swell size.
  • Rescue/lifeguard support is not available on-site.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SE
Offshore directions
S, SSE, SE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade winds (Alizés) are common along the north coast; offshore conditions for this spot are best with southerly (S) to south-easterly (SE) winds.
Reliability
Moderate reliability of trade winds.
Gust Factor
Steady
Best Months
December, January, February
Thermal Window
Sea breeze · Afternoon · Regional pattern often reinforces winds late morning to mid-afternoon; spot-specific timing is not independently quantified in the provided sources.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Rocks
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium
Launch
Small — Rocky shore entry requiring careful navigation.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Rocky shore entry; careful navigation required.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
26–29 °C
Water Temperature
21–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard / 1mm neoprene top
Crowds by Season

Generally less crowded than the main beach breaks in Papenoo.

Storm/Rain Season

Rainy season typically runs from November to April.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A powerful reef and point break producing consistent right-handers (right). One of several reef breaks along the rugged northern coastline.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
N, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Monthly guidance in the provided sources indicates tides have minimal impact for most sessions, but this spot’s best is indicated as mid tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed reef/point setup on the north coast; limited natural shelter from swell/wind.
Wind Effect
Cleanest with South or South-East offshore winds.
Bigger Swell
Can handle significant size but becomes expert-only and very heavy.
Wave Quality
Good — Cleanest conditions expected with S/SE winds.
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Medium — Offers a solid wall that peels across the reef.
Ride Length Details
Medium ride length; wall peels across the reef.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rocky Point 5 (Tahiti) in the full forecast view.

Rocky Point 5 (Tahiti) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
9–16 ktsGusts 28 kts
Direction
ESE116°
Strongest day
Thu, Oct 2916 kts
Windy days
6/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–1.7 m6s period
Temperature
22–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Rocky Point 5 (Tahiti) is forecast for daytime winds of 9–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.9–1.7 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

  • Rocks
  • Sharks
  • Shallow reef sections
  • Strong currents / rip currents (can be strong depending on swell size)
  • Submerged rocks during lower tides
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBoots

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue services are rare; emergency response is coordinated regionally.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup in this less-frequented area.

Local Tips
  • Best surfed when the North swell is running during the Northern Hemisphere winter.
  • Watch for submerged rocks during lower tides.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Papeete
Nearest Town
Papenoo
Nearest Airport
Faa'a International Airport (PPT)
Parking
Limited roadside parking available near the coast.
Public Transport
Public transport runs via the RTCT bus network linking Papeete with Mahina and Papenoo, though carrying bulky wind-sports gear on buses is often restricted.
Access
Accessible via the coastal road on the north side of Tahiti Nui.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
French
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and rentals available in the Papenoo area.
Food & Drink
Local snacks and small shops along the main road.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is available via local schools; surfboards can be rented through shops in Papeete and near Papenoo.
Gear Storage
Generally limited; typically available for students only at certain schools or through private arrangements with local clubs.
Gear Repair
Basic repairs can be arranged via local schools or specialized nautical workshops in Papeete’s industrial zones.
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 Rocky Point 5 (Tahiti)?

The best overall months at Rocky Point 5 (Tahiti) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are December, January, February.

Which wind directions work at Rocky Point 5 (Tahiti)?

Rocky Point 5 (Tahiti) works with S, SE winds. Offshore directions are S, SSE, SE.

What skill level is Rocky Point 5 (Tahiti) suitable for?

Rocky Point 5 (Tahiti) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.