🇵🇫 TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Teahupo'o
The heaviest wave on Earth — a slab of pure consequence
FAIR
Live Conditions
Conditions Summary
Good 6ft waves — with 12s mixed swell — hitting at the ideal angle — 2mph onshore wind roughing up the surface
LOW CONFIDENCEModel-only forecast, no buoy nearby
Why it's FAIR
Swell Direction
Primary swell is 220° — matches the ideal 225° window for this spot
Swell Period
12s — solid groundswell. Waves will have real energy and organization.
Wind
2mph onshore — light but will soften wave shape
Season
July is peak season for this spot
Data Confidence
Model-only forecast, no buoy nearby
At the Break
5.5ft
LOW CONFIDENCE
Model-only forecast, no buoy nearby
Period
12s
✓ Groundswell
Wind
2mph
N
ONSHORE
Water
80°F
Boardshorts
Swell Direction
100%
Wind Direction
35%
Primary Swell
4.7ft @ 9.8s
SW 220°
Secondary Swell
2.1ft @ 10.1s
S 188°
9 Day Outlook
6.4ft
TODAY
Jul 29
(12s)
7.7ft
TMRW
Jul 30
(11s)
7.3ft
FRI
Jul 31
(11s)
7.0ft
SAT
Aug 1
(10s)
6.0ft
SUN
Aug 2
(11s)
5.5ft
MON
Aug 3
(11s)
5.4ft
TUE
Aug 4
(12s)
7.1ft
WED
Aug 5
(12s)
11.1ft
THU
Aug 6
(13s)
Best this week: tmrw — 7.7ft
Best next week: THU Aug 6 — 11.1ft
Incoming Swell Events
Today
moderate
Swell building to 6.4ft @ 12s
Day 9
epic
Major swell arriving — 11.1ft @ 13s
Model Breakdown
ECMWF (45%)5.5ft
ICON (35%)5.4ft
GFS (20%)No data
Model confidence80%
Updated every 30 mins · Open-Meteo ECMWF + ICON + GFS
About
Teahupo'o is unlike any other wave on the planet. It breaks over an extremely shallow reef and produces a uniquely thick, heavy lip that can be twice the height of the face. It's not the biggest wave but it is the most consequential — respected and feared in equal measure. The 2024 Olympics brought it global attention but the locals have always known what they have.
The Break
The main peak — the left-hander that barrels over the reef at the end of the paved road.
Ideal Conditions
6-10ft SW groundswell, light SE trades, mid tide
Best Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best months highlighted · Current: Jul
Trip Planner
Tahiti Long Weekend
Weekend · 3 Days
Friday
Long flight to Papeete (PPT). Boat taxi to Teahupo'o village. Check into a pension or waterfront fare.
Saturday
Watch the wave if it's pumping — even from the channel it's extraordinary. Surf the smaller inside section.
Sunday
More time in the water or watching. Fly home the following morning.
Tahiti Swell Chase
Full Week · 7 Days
Day 1
Arrive Papeete, transfer to Teahupo'o.
Day 2
Boat tour of the break, surf the channel and inside sections.
Day 3
Surf when conditions allow. Hire a local guide — essential here.
Day 4
Explore the rest of Tahiti's south coast — several great reef passes.
Day 5
Back to Chopes — go as hard as your ability allows.
Day 6
Explore the Tahitian interior or nearby Moorea.
Day 7
Fly home from Papeete.
Local Knowledge
01
You need a boat to surf — rent from a local or join a charter. Do not paddle out alone.
02
Respect the locals completely. This is their home and their wave.
03
May to August is peak season — SW swells from Antarctic storms.
04
The reef is extremely shallow — booties are recommended, a helmet is smart.
05
The Olympic broadcast venue (the tower) is permanently there now — great for watching.
Best Window
Day 9 · Aug 6
11.1ft @ 13s
FIRING
Trip Cost Estimate
Flights from NYC~$680
Hotel per night~$90
Weekend est.~$950
5 day est.~$1130
Week est.~$1310