Teahupo'o
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.
Teahupo'o surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to PPT, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Pacific is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Pacific — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Vous préférez le français ? Recevez le Strike Report en français, gratuitement →
Get the full Teahupo'o trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 230°
- Size range
- 1m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m - 3.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (70°)
- Offshore range
- 30° - 98°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1m
- Danger below
- 0.1m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Teahupo'o?
The Teahupo'o profile favors low tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session. The profile flags a low-tide hazard below 0.1m.
What wind direction is offshore at Teahupo'o?
The Teahupo'o profile uses wind from ENE (70°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 30° to 98°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Teahupo'o?
The Teahupo'o scoring profile favors swell from SSW (180° to 230°), a swell-height range of 1m to 4m, and a reference period of 20s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Teahupo'o?
The main season at Teahupo'o is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Oct, Mar. April-September. Heavy water slabs.
How do I get to Teahupo'o?
The spot profile lists PPT as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 60 minutes.
What kind of wave is Teahupo'o?
Teahupo'o is a slab break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Oct, Mar
April-September. Heavy water slabs.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Papara
🖤 Black sand beach break • Beginner-friendly • Mellow vibes
Taapuna
🇵🇫 Tahitian excellence • Reef pass power • World-class left
Papenoo
🏔️ North shore Tahiti • Rivermouth variety • North swell catcher
Temae
🦈 Moorea's fierce right • Shallow reef power • Paradise intensity
Hauru Point
🏝️ Moorea's northwest gem • North swell catcher • Uncrowded paradise
Plan a trip around Teahupo'o
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.