About Tahiti Surf Travel
While their respective worlds rotate in distant hemispheres, France and Polynesia clasp hands throughout French Polynesia’s sunny specks of land, scattered across the warm South Pacific, halfway between South America and Australia. Tube-rich Tahiti is French Polynesia’s most famous island, and while it is known for its romantic verdancy and the sensational death pits of Teahupo’o, there are several surf spots on the island. For years Tahiti has hovered at the frontline for moneyed aficionados of shallow reef-pass barrels, undeniably gracing influence to today’s large number of Tahitian surfers, some of them elite tube maestros. French Polynesia, actually 118 islands spread across five archipelagos, is one of the world’s most expensive tourist destinations, and the tight Tahitian lineups can be crowded and hostile, but aside from these pitfalls, the island is one of the world’s most exotic and beautiful places to surf if you can swing the funding and good chance of reef rash.
Surf Crowds
Most of Tahiti’s surf spots get crowded quite often, with both locals and visitors alike, and while Tahitians are known for their golden hospitality and kindness, it may be a different story when you’re out jockeying for waves with them. For years Taapuna has been crowded, seeing as it is reliable and close to Papeete. The black-sand beachbreak at Papara also gets extremely crowded, and we all know about Teahupo’o, which actually is only a circus when the WCT is in town.
Surf Hazards
Since the surf is hollow, shallow, and powerful, you must know your limits before paddling out. Besides heavy water, the number one hazard is the live, sharp coral reef lurking just below the surface. The tropical sun is another danger, so proper sun protection is key (unless you have dark skin). The currents flowing in and out of the reef passes can be gnarly. Localism can be a problem, but be cool and you’ll have no problems.
Best Surf Seasons in Tahiti
1) Fall
From March to June, the southern hemisphere awakens, providing numerous south swells to hit the marquee Tahitian spots. The WCT’s big Teahupo’o contest happens every May, which should tell you that fall is a great time to surf Tahiti. Additionally, fall is the dry season, and the wind tends to blow offshore much of the time, too.
2) Winter
The southern hemisphere is alive and kicking all winter long, which means consistent swell all the way through October.
3) Spring
The southern hemisphere quiets down considerably, especially toward the end of October, and can basically remain dormant all the way until March or April. This is the rainy season, which means LOTS of rain. How do you think Tahiti got so green?
4) Summer
Tahiti’s summer, from November to March, is the off-season, which means North Pacific swells are the go, and Tahiti’s north coast is where it’ll be happening (maybe). Typically not the best time of year, the wind is often onshore, the surf is smallish as it receives roughly half the swell Hawaii gets during these month.
Directions to Best Surf in Tahiti
All international flights land at Faaa Airport, on the outskirts of Papeete. It’s about an eight-hour flight from LAX, four hours from Honolulu. The best airlines include Air New Zealand and Air Tahiti Nui. Once you’re there, driving is done on the right side of the road.