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.
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Boat
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions