Temae (Moorea)

Temae is an exposed right-hand reef break on Moorea’s northeast coast, known for extremely fast, hollow waves with strong barrel potential. The wave breaks over a shallow coral/reef bottom, so it demands precise timing and technical ability to stay off the reef and manage the speed through the pocket. The spot is described as “only works when conditions are just right,” meaning the best sessions depend on the right combination of south swells and clean offshore wind. Southwest/south winds are reported as offshore and helpful for grooming the face into cleaner barrel-ready shape, while wind variability and reef exposure can make outcomes inconsistent. Peak performance is associated with mid-to-high tide (reported as working best around roughly 0.5–1.5 m), with warnings that at extreme low tide the reef becomes dangerously exposed/shallow (below about 0.3 m). Bigger swells can hold size (up to about 2.5 m or more), but the wave becomes extremely heavy and more dangerous as size increases. Safety and local riding etiquette are central here: hazards include sharp coral/reef, rocks, and sharks, along with strong currents near the reef. Lifeguard services are not reported, and rescue is described as limited rather than dedicated on-site—so planning, respect for local riders, and reef-aware strategy are essential.