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Beach
both
Level 4/10

Papara

Tahiti, French Polynesia
🌀Strong rips

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.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
SSW (200°)
Direction range
160° - 240°
Size range
0.6m - 2.5m
Ideal period
14s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
N (0°)
Offshore range
320° - 40°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
all
Optimal range
0.3m - 1.5m

Water temp

27°C

Wetsuit

Boardshorts / Rashguard

Difficulty

4/10

Crowd level

4/10

Access: Easy beach access.

Getting There

Airport
PPT
Drive time
40 min

Best Season

Peak: May-Oct

Winter south swells. Good for beginners to intermediate.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Surf-forecast spot guide