Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
Teahupo'o is surfing's most feared and respected wave—a mutant left-hand slab that detonates over an impossibly shallow reef on Tahiti's southern coast. When S-SW swells push through the deep-water pass, they hit the reef shelf and transform into some of the thickest, heaviest barrels on the planet. The wave doesn't just break—it explodes, throwing cavernous tubes that seem to defy physics. Site of the 2024 Paris Olympics surf event, Teahupo'o represents the ultimate test: equal parts beauty and brutality. The French Polynesian setting, with lush green mountains rising behind crystal-clear lagoons, makes it as visually stunning as it is terrifying.
💀 The heaviest wave on Earth • Olympic venue 2024 • Where legends are made
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-230°.
Ideal size: 2.5m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 20s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 70° (ENE). Offshore range: 30°-110°. Best window: morning.
🪸 Sharp reef, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, ⚠️ Shallow, 🏝️ Remote
Heaviest wave on Earth. Experts only. Boat access.
Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
Teahupo'o CODE RED is the ultimate expression of the wave's power—a condition declared only twice in history (2011 and 2022) when enormous swells transform the already-heavy slab into something almost incomprehensible. At CODE RED size, Teahupo'o produces waves with lips 6+ feet thick that detonate over an impossibly shallow reef. The 2011 Code Red and 2022 Code Red events produced images that redefined what was considered possible. This is surfing at its absolute limit.
🚨 Twice in history • The heaviest wave imaginable • Beyond limits
This is a big wave break, breaking left.
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-220°.
Ideal size: 9.1m. Too small below 7.6m, too big (closeout) above 10.7m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 18s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 67° (ENE). Offshore range: 22°-112°. Best window: morning.
60 minutes drive from PPT airport. Requires boat access ($150/day).
Teahupo'o at regular size (6-12 feet) is surfing's ultimate barrel—the wave that sets the standard for hollow perfection. The horseshoe-shaped tube that forms over the living coral reef has no equal: perfectly round, impossibly thick, and detonating over reef that's sometimes only inches deep. The boat ride into the lagoon, the turquoise water, and the dramatic mountains make this one of surfing's most beautiful settings. From April through October, S-SW swells deliver consistent perfection.
🥇 World's best barrel • Horseshoe tubes • The standard for perfection
Works best with swells from 202° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-225°.
Ideal size: 3.0m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 4.6m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 56° (NE). Offshore range: 11°-101°. Best window: morning.
⚠️ Shallow, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🪸 Sharp reef
60 minutes drive from PPT airport. Requires boat access ($100/day).
Taapuna is one of Tahiti's premier reef passes—a powerful left-hander that delivers world-class barrels when South Pacific groundswells march through. The wave breaks over a shallow reef shelf, throwing thick lips and creating tube riding opportunities that rival the island's more famous breaks. While not as heavy as Teahupo'o, Taapuna demands respect—the reef is sharp, the lips are heavy, and the local crew knows every section. For experienced surfers seeking Tahitian perfection without the Teahupo'o intensity, Taapuna delivers authentic South Pacific power in a slightly more forgiving package.
🇵🇫 Tahitian excellence • Reef pass power • World-class left
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 170°-230°.
Ideal size: 2.3m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 320°-40°. Best window: morning.
Winter season (May-Oct). Consistent SW groundswells.
Dangerous reef. More crowded than other Tahiti spots.
Papara provides a refreshing contrast to Tahiti's heavy reef breaks—a beginner-friendly beach break on the island's south coast where black volcanic sand meets warm Pacific waters. The wave offers mellow peaks that work across all tide stages, making it ideal for learners and longboarders seeking something less intense than the island's famous reef passes. The setting is quintessentially Tahitian: palm trees, black sand, and crystalline water, without the reef hazards that make other spots so challenging. For families or surfers needing a mellower session between reef adventures, Papara is Tahiti's forgiving side.
🖤 Black sand beach break • Beginner-friendly • Mellow vibes
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 160°-240°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Winter south swells. Good for beginners to intermediate.
Papenoo sits on Tahiti's north coast where a mountain river meets the sea—a rare spot that catches North Pacific energy during the summer hemisphere winter. This rivermouth setup creates shifting sandbars and reef sections that offer variety depending on conditions and swell direction. When north swells pulse through, Papenoo provides an alternative to the island's south-facing waves, extending the surf season for those based in Tahiti. The black sand beach, mountain backdrop, and less-crowded lineup make it feel more remote than its proximity to Papeete suggests.
🏔️ North shore Tahiti • Rivermouth variety • North swell catcher
Works best with swells from 340° (NNW). Workable range: 300°-20°.
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 180° (S). Offshore range: 140°-220°. Best window: morning.
Summer season (Nov-Mar). North Pacific swells.
Rivermouth with strong currents on bigger days.
Temae is Moorea's most challenging wave—a fierce right-hander breaking over shallow reef in one of the world's most beautiful settings. When south swells wrap around Tahiti's sister island, Temae transforms into a powerful, hollow wave that demands commitment and skill. The paddle out from Temae Beach is straightforward, but the wave itself is not—shallow reef, fire coral, and resident sharks add consequence to every session. For experienced surfers willing to handle the intensity, Temae offers world-class barrels in a tropical paradise setting that feels like surfing inside a postcard.
🦈 Moorea's fierce right • Shallow reef power • Paradise intensity
Works best with swells from 180° (S). Workable range: 150°-210°.
Ideal size: 1.4m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Offshore wind from 225° (SW). Offshore range: 190°-260°. Best window: morning.
Autumn/Winter best. April often cleanest.
Shallow reef. Fire coral and sharks present.
10 minutes drive from MOZ airport. Requires boat access ($50/day).
15-20 min paddle or short boat ride from Temae Beach.
Hauru Point sits on Moorea's northwest corner, catching North Pacific swells during the Southern Hemisphere summer when the island's south-facing breaks go quiet. This consistent left-hander breaks over reef in a stunning setting—the iconic Moorea peaks rising behind, turquoise lagoon water, and typically uncrowded lineups. While not as intense as Temae, Hauru still demands respect with its shallow reef and occasional shark visitors. For surfers based in Moorea during the off-season or seeking alternatives when south swells fade, Hauru Point delivers reliable waves in one of the world's most beautiful locations.
🏝️ Moorea's northwest gem • North swell catcher • Uncrowded paradise
Works best with swells from 320° (NW). Workable range: 290°-350°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Offshore wind from 135° (SE). Offshore range: 100°-170°. Best window: morning.
Fare Left is Huahine's most iconic wave—a powerful reef pass left with quality barrels that is the region's most surfed break. Known for heavy localism from the "Black Shorts" crew, respect is absolutely essential. The pass channels SW groundswells into long, hollow lefts over coral reef. Accessible by 30-minute paddle or boat from Fare town.
🇵🇫 Huahine's signature pass • Heavy localism • Quality barrels
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 190°-260°.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 15s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 60°-120°. Best window: morning.
Winter SW groundswells. 72% clean waves in June.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🦈 Sharks, 👊 Localism, 🌀 Strong rips
Heavy localism—the "Black Shorts" crew. Sharp reef. Sharks. Long paddle or boat access.
Huahine (HUH) is the nearest airport; Tahiti/PPT is the international gateway.
Parea is a more mellow reef break on southern Huahine Iti, offering an intermediate-friendly alternative to the intense Fare passes in the north. A right-hander that catches S-SW swells, it's popular with hotel guests and visiting surfers looking for quality waves without the heavy localism of Fare. Beautiful setting on the quieter half of Huahine.
🇵🇫 Southern Huahine • Intermediate-friendly right • Less localism
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 170°-240°.
Needs at least 9s period. Ideal: 13s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 20° (NNE). Offshore range: 340°-60°. Best window: morning.
Coral reef. Less intense than Fare. Less localism.
Fly to Huahine (HUH) via Papeete/Tahiti (PPT, international entry), then ~30min south to Huahine Iti.