Papara Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

S, SW

Wind

Glassy or N

Surf Height

Waist high to a bit overhead

Tide

Low to medium.

Papara Surf Guide

If you're a normal surfer who's looking to ride some normal waves in Tahiti without worrying about dying, Papara is one place for you. A beautiful black-sand beachbreak, Papara is on the south shore of Tahiti Nui, and since it is user-friendly, it's the most popular place to surf. The waves are standard beachbreak, with lots of closeouts, but also lots of good, peaky, punchy, hollow ones -- longboards don't work too well out here. There can be a bit of backwash at high tide.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

Beginner to Manoa Drollet

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

Can be tense.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

Crowded.

Spot Rating

Poor

PoorPerfect

Very fun.

Shoulder Burn

Light

LightExhausting

Light

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Clean

Hazards

Turning your back to the ocean.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Fish

Access

Straight off the beach.

Bottom

Sand.

Best Season

April-October

Do you have local knowledge about Papara?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]