Ha'apiti
Moorea, French Polynesia
Reef breakExpert
On Moorea's wild northwest coast, Ha'apiti is French Polynesia's most powerful mainland break, a punishing left-hander over shallow coral that draws the elite of Tahitian surfing and separates them from everyone else.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–NW 1.5–3m at 14–18s
Wind
E
Light to SE under 12 knots
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
May–Sep
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Reef break
Bottom
Coral reef
Shape
Left-hand barrel, fast and hollow
Length
80–150m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Expert surfers
- •Why: Heavy, shallow barrel over sharp coral, this is not for the faint-hearted
Hazards
- •Extremely shallow coral, serious injury risk in wipeouts
- •Strong currents along the reef
- •Remote location with limited immediate assistance
Local Tips
- •The Polynesian surfing culture on Moorea is beautiful, locals are proud of this wave
- •Arrive at first light to assess conditions before committing
- •The channel is tricky, follow locals' paddle-out route
Location
-17.5592, -149.8696