Located in the South Pacific, The Islands of Tahiti consist of 118 islands and atolls, made up of the well-known Society Islands including Tahiti and Bora Bora, Tuamotu Islands, Gambier Islands, Austral Islands and Marquesas Islands. Here the team from The Islands of Tahiti tourism board pick out the five best spots for surfing.
Teahupo’o
Home to the best waves, Tahiti is a surfer’s paradise due to its position facing the full uninterrupted force of the South Pacific. The mythical wave of Teahupo’o, located on the Peninsula of the island of Tahiti, presents athletic and ideal surf conditions. The legendary surf spot of Teahupo’o is already part of the various surf spots which The Islands of Tahiti has to offer to both expert and novice surfers. Teahupo’o has extensive surfing locations with seven spots within five miles of each other, where surfers go to catch the waves all breaking in different swells and winds.
Taapuna
Located near the capital of Papeete, Taapuna is an exposed reef break that has fast, powerful and hollow left-handers which are suited to surfers with a reasonable level of experience. To access the surf at Taapuna, surfers will need to paddle around 20-minutes out from the shore or have boat access. For the best experience, use a shortboard and head out during the winter months. Given Taapuna is so close to Papeete, it can get quite busy so we would suggest visiting during the week and outside of school holidays for less crowds.
Maraa
Located just south of Taapuna; Maraa is an exposed reef where the waves break quite a distance out and wrap around into the pass. The waves at Maraa are shallow left-handers, which do require surfers to have a good level of experience and it is recommended for short boards. Surf conditions are best in Maraa during the winter, where surfers can expect a relatively quiet surf spot, with a cool local vibe.
Papara
Papara surf is the best spot catering for all levels. Located on a gorgeous black sand beach, on the south side of Tahiti the wave is pretty standard of a beach break. It is easy to access and with it being suitable for all levels and is one of the more popular spots to surf in Tahiti. Head to Papara during the winter months for the best surf, surfers can expect both right and left-handers, ranging from small and gentle to fast and powerful. To get the most out of surfing at Papara surf spot use either a funboard or short board.
Papenoo Rivermouth
Located on Tahiti Nui’s north shore is Papenoo Rivermouth, it is the perfect spot for a summer surfing trip. Papenoo Rivermouth hosts a gorgeous black sand beach with waves that offer surfers both beach and reef breaks. Surfers can expect both right and left-hander waves around two-three feet. We would suggest going during the summer months for low tides offering the best conditions perfect for short boards.
For more details on The Islands of Tahiti see tahititourisme.uk