The Surf Window

Raiatea

Raiatea, French Polynesia

Reef breakIntermediate

Sacred Raiatea is the spiritual heartland of Polynesia, where the great migratory voyages began, and its outer reef delivers uncrowded surf for those who make the journey to this most spiritual of islands.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–W 1.5–2.5m at 14–18s

Wind

NE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

May–Oct

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Rights along the outer reef

Length

80–180m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Outer reef exposure and coral bottom require experience

Hazards

  • •Coral reef, booties strongly recommended
  • •Boat traffic in the lagoon
  • •Limited surf infrastructure, find a guide

Local Tips

  • •Raiatea and neighboring Taha'a share a lagoon, explore both by boat
  • •Vanilla cultivation on Taha'a means the island literally smells of vanilla
  • •The Faaroa River is the only navigable river in French Polynesia, stunning by canoe

Location

Map showing the location of Raiatea in Raiatea, French Polynesia

-16.7333, -151.4333