Papenoo
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.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (340°)
- Direction range
- 300° - 20°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 140° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
4/10
👥 Summer Holidays (Jul 4 – Sep 1) — expect extra crowds
Access: Black sand beach access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Papenoo?
Papenoo works best on a low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Papenoo?
Offshore wind at Papenoo blows from the S (180°). Anything in the 140° to 220° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Papenoo?
Papenoo wants NNW swell (300° to 20°) between 0.8m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Papenoo?
The main season at Papenoo is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Summer season (Nov-Mar). North Pacific swells.
How do I get to Papenoo?
Fly into PPT, then allow about 25 minutes by road. Black sand beach access.
What kind of wave is Papenoo?
Papenoo is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Summer season (Nov-Mar). North Pacific swells.
Getting There
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