The following is an extract from the surfers guide to Tahiti. The guide includes lots more detailed information than is provided here, via the link at the end of text. Welcome to surfing in Tahiti. Tahiti is the crossroads of French Polynesia, an archipelago of about 118 small islands spread out over 5 archipelagoes, (Société islands including Tahiti, Marquises, Tuamotu, Gambier and Tubuai) covering an a surface area as large as Europe. It is difficult to distinguish Tahiti from Moorea 1hour away by ferry, not to mention the neighboring surf-blessed islands like Huahiné or Raiatea. These are small volcanic islands protected by coral reefs, whose channels head for the spots, often named for the nearest village on land, marked by a kilometer Post (PK).

Spot quality is exceptional, but it is necessary to understand their nuances. The N coast, which receives the winter north swells, is a series of good reefs (Matavai Bay, Point Come, Motuau) and fun beachbreaks (Papenoo whose rivermouth is hollow). With northern swells, it's better to head for Moorea to the two good waves at Hauru point (Club Med), and Cooks Bay (Irihonu) where the dugouts leave from the Bali Hai hotel.

Moorea is also good during the south swell season when it's big and good for carving the long righthanders at Temae by the airport, or for the nice lefts of Haapiti. However, the hottest zone for cylindrical lefts is Tahitiian south-west coast.

From Papeete, you start with Taapuna, the first-class world renowned spot, very hollow and rather technical. More " rideable " are Sapinus, opposite the Tahiti museum, or Maraa which does not closeout when the trade winds are weak. Then, there is a good beachbreak in Papara, before passing on to the Peninsula (Iti) where flawless Vairao's lefts wrap far from the edge. Finally there is Teahupoo, the photographs of whose infamous Barrel created a global media event in 1998-1999, and Laird Hamilton now record breaking ride in 2000. Teahupoo easily competes with Hawaii's Pipe in terms of power and awe.

Located at 17° latitude south, Tahiti is perfectly exposed to the super-consistent S/SW swells which hammer the South Shore from April to October and continue to be active the remainder of the year but with less intensity. Expect 4 ft to 15 ft in season and 2ft-5 ft off-season. Exposure to the N/NW swells is less generous, 50% of Hawaiian frequency, that is to say some swells of 3ft to 8 ft per month. In short, surfing is year-round.

Eastern trade winds dominate, varying from 40 to 60 km/h with an south-east orientation in the dry season (the maraamu), and easterly and less regularly N/NE when it rains (the toerau). This means that onshore spots are only rideable in the morning. Tide range is approximately 2 ft.
For more information, maps, statistics, pictures, comments, and travel details check out the surfers guide to Tahiti.