Surfing Tahiti, Tahiti Surf Charters- Waterways Travel

There is more to the Society Islands than Tahiti and more to Tahiti than El Stumpo, Ins and Outs and Teahupoo. Way more. On the south coast of Tahiti Iti,  Teahupoo is Tahiti’s most famous wave, but that roaring maw of a barrier reef barrel is to the Society Islands what the Matterhorn is to Disneyland – a big and prominent landmark, but there are a lot of other great rides. And make no mistake, the Society Islands are Disneyland for surfers – land of a thousand thrill rides.

Strung along both sides of the islands from Tahiti and Moorea up to the Tuamotus are other, less visible pleasures, enough to suit almost any surfing taste: the hollow left tubes of Taapuna on the northwest coast of Tahiti Nui, Ha’apiti on the southwest coast of Moorea and the fun right at Tikihau in the Tuamotus.  Back to Tahiti, there are the black sand beach break peaks at Papara Rivermouth on the north coast of Tahiti Nui, and another two dozen spots going around to the mighty jaws of Teahupoo on Tahiti Iti.

Each of the islands that make up the Society Island group, and many of the islands that make up the Tuamotu Archipelago have individual waves that are spectacular on their given day.  However, the main island of Tahiti has more breaks taking various wind and swell directions then all the remaining Society Islands combined.  It should also be noted that while Teahupoo is a beast of a wave when over 10’, when under this size the wave is an excellent barrel within the ability range of any upper level, intermediate or better surfer.

The surf of the Society Islands generally breaks on passes in the coral reef cut by freshwater flowing down from the jungly mountains and out to sea. There are exceptions to this, as there are beachbreaks and even coral reefs breaking close to shore, but for the most part, the surf breaks over coral, as far as a mile from shore.  In contrast, the islands of the Tuamotu Atolls are formed on top of the ring reefs.  In this situation the reef passes are cut by flow of current passing in and out of the atolls with the change of tides.  The waves typically break very close to shore.

The waves in both island groups are generally best for intermediate to experienced surfers. This is no place for the beginner, clueless or fumble-footed because it is not a place to make mistakes. The coral reefs are alive and often sharp.  Your guides and hosts included with each WaterWays package will educate you on the conditions and hazards prior to getting in the water.