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.
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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
👥 Toussaint Break (Oct 17 – Nov 2) — expect extra crowds
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Teahupo'o?
Teahupo'o is a slab in Tahiti, French Polynesia, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Teahupo'o?
The name loosely translates as 'to sever the head' or 'place of skulls', after a battle that once took place in the village. Tahitian Thierry Vernaudon and a few other locals first surfed it in 1985. It hosted surfing at the 2024 Olympics, about 15,800 km from Paris, the furthest any Olympic venue has been from its host city.
What swell works best at Teahupo'o?
Teahupo'o picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 4m, with the sweet spot around 2.3 to 3.3m. Period matters too: aim for 20s or longer, as anything under 14s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Teahupo'o?
An ENE wind is dead offshore at Teahupo'o, and anything from the NNE round to the E keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Teahupo'o?
Teahupo'o is at its best around low tide, roughly 0.3m to 1m on the local chart. Below 0.1m it gets dangerously shallow.
When is the best time of year to surf Teahupo'o?
The most reliable run of swell at Teahupo'o comes Apr to Sep. There's a second window in Mar and Oct too. April-September. Heavy water slabs.
How cold is the water at Teahupo'o?
The water at Teahupo'o averages around 27°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Teahupo'o good for beginners?
No. As a slab, it's strictly for experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Heaviest wave on Earth. Experts only. Boat access.
How do I get to Teahupo'o?
The nearest airport on our list is PPT, then it's roughly a one-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Teahupo'o?
The closest breaks we track are Papara (31 km), Taapuna (46 km) and Papenoo (48 km), handy when Teahupo'o isn't working. We track 4 spots around Tahiti in total.
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
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