Rocky Point
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Rocky Point is an exposed reef/point-style surf spot on the north coast of Tahiti, offering both left and right options over a sandy-and-rock bottom. It’s described as a consistent regional classic: smaller swells begin working at under 1 meter and can hold up to about 2 meters or more, with the best rides tied to north to north-northeast swell directions. The break is generally workable on all tides (rising and falling), which makes it a reliable backup option. Wind-wise, South, Southwest, and Southeast winds are reported to be offshore here, helping groom the waves and improve ride quality. Safety-wise, it’s a spot where you need to be attentive to the local hazard profile: scattered rocks/reef sections and strong currents are reported, and the wave can become very shallow at the end—watching your fins is specifically emphasized. Sharks and rips are also listed among hazards, so avoid complacency and give extra space in the water. Access is straightforward from the road: it’s located just before Papenoo Beach (near PK 15) and can be reached by car, with limited parking nearby. The lineup can be quieter on weekdays but more crowded on weekends.
- Offshore wind angles available (South to Southeast)
- Works on all tides
- North-north-northeast swell can produce longer rides before closeout
- Consistent surf with a regional-classic reputation
- Works across all tides
- Offshore grooming winds are available from South to Southeast directions
- North-north-northeast swells can hold power up to around 2 meters+ before closing out
- Exposed reef break with scattered rocks/reef sections near takeoff
- Very shallow end section—high fin snag/grounding risk
- Strong currents and rips reported
- Weekend crowds can make the lineup busy
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, SE
- Offshore directions
- S, SW, SE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds are typical for this coast; spot sources also list optimal wind from South/Southwest/Southeast.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- High terrain inland can create wind shadows or shifts in certain angles.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand with rock/reef present near the break.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Starts working at less than 1 meter and can hold up to about 2 meters+.
- Launch
- Small — Beach access with sand and rocks; entry is straightforward from the shore.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Entry from shore is straightforward.
Through the year
November to April is the wetter season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef/point setup that can hold size on the north-northeast swell; offers both left and right options depending on swell and takeoff.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW, NE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides; rising and falling tides are both workable.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- South to Southeast winds are offshore here, grooming the waves.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size up to around 2 meters or more before starting to close out.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Regional Classic.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Described as a fun, regional-classic wave.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Normal rides are under 50 meters; can reach up to about 150 meters on optimal north swells.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal rides are short (<50 m) but can extend to ~150 m on the best north swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rocky Point in the full forecast view.
Rocky Point wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 9–16 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- ESE117°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2916 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.7 m6s period
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Rocky Point 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 0.9–1.7 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
- Rocks
- Reef sections
- Strong currents
- Sharks
- Rips
- Very shallow at the end of the wave
- Weekend crowds
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability is not present at the spot; regional rescue is coordinated via emergency services.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in the Papenoo or Mahina areas.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.
- Watch out for your fins—conditions become very shallow toward the end of the wave.
- Works on almost all tides, making it a reliable backup option when other breaks aren’t behaving.
- Often less crowded on weekdays than on weekends.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hitiaʻa ʻo te R⨣
- Nearest Town
- Hitiaʻa ʻo te R⨣
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking or parking near the beach access.
- Access
- Accessible by car along the main coastal road; located just before Papenoo Beach near PK 15.
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and rentals available in the Papenoo and Mahina regions.
- Food & Drink
- Local snacks and small shops are available along the main road.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf boards can be rented through shops in Papeete and near Papenoo (regional baseline).
- Gear Storage
- Storage is generally limited and typically available for students only at certain schools or via private arrangements (regional baseline).
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs can be arranged via schools or specialized workshops in Papeete’s industrial zones (regional baseline).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
An iconic historical site featuring a lighthouse and a park on a black sand peninsula.
A natural blowhole where waves force water and air through a volcanic tube in the rocks.
A vibrant central market offering local crafts, flowers, and traditional Tahitian food.
Excursions into the island's interior featuring waterfalls, lush rainforests, and archaeological sites.
Famous waterfront food trucks serving local dishes including Poisson Cru.
A calmer beach area suitable for swimming and family picnics under the trees.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Rocky Point?
The best overall months at Rocky Point are June, July, August. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Rocky Point?
Rocky Point works with S, SW, SE winds. Offshore directions are S, SW, SE.
What skill level is Rocky Point suitable for?
Rocky Point suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.