Sapinus
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Reef breakAdvanced
A lesser-known right-hand reef break on Tahiti's north coast, Sapinus fires on north swells and is a quality alternative when the south-facing breaks are small.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Wind
Offshore winds
Tide
Varies
LowMidHigh
Season
Varies
The Wave
Type
Right
Bottom
Coral reef
Shape
Open, walling right, clean sections with occasional hollow moments on bigger north swells
Length
80–180m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced
- •Why: Coral reef wave requiring experience, though less extreme than Teahupo'o, a serious but navigable challenge.
Hazards
- •Coral reef throughout
- •Less frequented, meaning less local knowledge of hazards
- •Variable current patterns
Local Tips
- •Sapinus fires when the famous south-facing spots are flat, track north swells carefully in the December–February window.
- •The north coast of Tahiti has a dramatic, rugged beauty quite different from the calmer south shore.
Location
-17.5667, -149.6500