Teahupoo (Tahiti)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Big waves, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Teahupoo (Tahiti) is an exposed, left-hand reef break famed for maximum power and very consistent performance in the core season. The reef is exceptionally shallow over sharp coral, creating a “detonation” slab effect where the wave face throws as one—intensity rises dramatically with swell size. From late spring through mid-autumn (May to October), conditions pair with reliable east-to-southeast trade winds. With NE–E offshore winds, the surface can look glassy; with onshore flow, the wave can turn rough. The swell window is typically best when SW to S directions line up, and sessions can run on all tides. Safety is the dominant consideration: hazards include shallow coral/reef, rocks, sea urchins, and sharks, along with strong hold-downs and powerful draining currents through the pass/channel area. Access is offshore—sources describe a long paddle from the end-of-road area or a short boat ride—and self-rescue can be effectively impossible in the shallow-reef zone. Because of the combination of extreme wave power, reef hazards, and specialized access, the spot is consistently described as pro-only / expert-only with strict hierarchy in the lineup. Plan for local guidance and appropriate protective equipment, watch multiple sets before committing, and be prepared for limited on-site rescue support.
- Iconic left-hand reef break with very consistent surf in the main season
- Glassy/offshore trade-wind conditions with NE–E flow
- Normal ride length commonly reported around 50–150 m
- Very consistent, world-class left-hand reef break
- Best seasonal wind windows align well with trade winds (May–October)
- Glassy offshore wind when NE–E winds are in place
- Extreme reef danger: shallow sharp coral, rocks, sea urchins, and sharks
- Expert-only conditions with strong hold-downs and powerful waves
- Access is offshore (no true shore launch); requires boat or long paddle
- Rescue is limited and there is no lifeguard service documented
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE
- Offshore directions
- NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — South East trade winds (alizés).
- Reliability
- High during winter months (May–October) when trade winds are consistent; generally 70–80% reliable on swell days in July–August.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady trade-wind feel in the recommended season.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Big waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Concrete — Concrete noted in one enrichment. Other sources describe rocky/end-of-road small beach access.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Huge — Big to huge wave energy; holds up to very large categories (e.g., 5 m/16 ft and beyond noted).
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Glassy with offshore NE–E winds; rough when onshore.
- Launch
- Small — No self-contained shore launch; access involves a boat or long paddle to the offshore reef.
Through the year
Weekdays: few surfers; weekends: often crowded. Large swells and competitions can bring extreme crowding.
November to April (wet season); tropical cyclone risk during these months.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wave riding at an extreme level, reserved for elite professionals; timing and safety planning are critical and access typically involves boat support.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Occasionally sailed by world-class wave windsurfers during specific swells; described as one of the most technical challenges due to power and speed.
Generally not recommended at the main break due to extreme shallow reef and wave power; foilers may consider nearby deeper channel/lagoon areas.
- Foil Friendly
- No — Not suitable at the main break; reef depths often too shallow.
Left-hand slab that detonates over impossibly shallow reef; the face throws at once rather than progressively. Exposed reef break known for extreme danger and very consistent performance in the main season.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–7 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides can work; rising and falling tides noted.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open, exposed reef break with minimal shelter; reef sits offshore (about 1 km / 500 m noted across sources).
- Wind Effect
- Glassy with NE–E offshore winds; rough with onshore winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds its shape as swell grows and becomes increasingly thick/heavy rather than simply closing out; can maintain very large size into extreme categories.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Epic/world-class quality.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Extremely powerful, thick hollow barrels.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Thick, hollow left-hand reef slab appearance; ‘below sea level’ effect as it sucks the reef dry.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast peeling barrels.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal ride length reported as 50–150 m; high-intensity barrels over that distance range.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal (50 to 150 m).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Teahupoo (Tahiti) in the full forecast view.
Teahupoo (Tahiti) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–12 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- ESE117°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2612 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.8–3.3 m12s period
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Teahupoo (Tahiti) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.8–3.3 m with a period of about 12s. 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
- Shallow sharp coral reef
- Rocks
- Sea urchins (urchins)
- Sharks
- Extreme wave power and heavy hold-downs
- Strong currents in the pass / powerful draining channel
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards documented.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is not standard on-beach; emergencies rely on maritime/local support.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital is in Papeete (about 69 km from Teahupo'o); another option noted is CHPF in Pirae. Local rescue boat or coastguard coverage is not documented at Teahupo'o.
- Localism / Vibe
- Heavy — Local hierarchy and priority expectations are strict.
Rules of the spot
Strict lineup hierarchy and strong respect for local priority; implicit reef and wave etiquette. No beginners—pro/expert only.
- Pro-only / extreme-expert only; no intermediates or beginners.
- Boat access is heavily regulated during major swell events.
- Watch for several sets before entering the lineup.
- Respect local surfers and wave hierarchy.
- Paddle out from the river to warm up before a session (where access routes allow).
- Wear reef boots and a helmet.
- Sit on the southwest peak for the squarest barrels; the west end is less crowded.
- Hire a local boat captain to reach the break safely (boat access may be regulated during major swell events).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Papeete
- Nearest Town
- Teahupo'o village
- Nearest Airport
- Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT) about 75 km away
- Parking
- Limited/parking near the end of the road near the village/marina; no formal parking facilities documented.
- Public Transport
- Limited public bus service (Le Truck) between Papeete and Teahupo'o
- Access
- At the end of the road on Tahiti’s southwestern coast; access involves a boat (~5 minutes) or a long paddle (~10–20 minutes) out to the reef.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- French, Tahitian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Small guesthouses (pensions) and home-stays are the primary options in the village.
- Food & Drink
- A few local snack shops and small restaurants are located near the end of the road.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is limited; one source notes no rentals available and visitors must bring specialized gear.
- Gear Storage
- Not available (and generally limited locally).
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs may be handled by local schools; major sail/kit sewing is typically done in the capital.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Rugged, authentic Polynesian southern coast setting (Tahiti Iti area), with elite surf and nearby natural lagoon/pass scenery.
Stunning coastal cliffs with views of waterfalls and sea caves; accessible only by boat or hiking trail.
A restored ancient Polynesian temple used for ceremonies and traditional performances.
Guided boat tours to see the surf break, river mouths, and the wild coastline of Tahiti Iti.
A local eatery serving traditional Tahitian poisson cru and snacks.
Lush gardens with tropical flora and fauna, ideal for a calm day trip.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Teahupoo (Tahiti)?
The best overall months at Teahupoo (Tahiti) are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Teahupoo (Tahiti)?
Teahupoo (Tahiti) works with NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE winds. Offshore directions are NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Teahupoo (Tahiti)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Teahupoo (Tahiti): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Teahupoo (Tahiti) suitable for?
Teahupoo (Tahiti) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Expert · Windsurfing: Expert · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Expert.