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Taapuna - Break Data
Surf spot travel photo of Taapuna
Description
Before Teahupo'o was famous, and before Tahiti was a major surf destination, the world-class lefthanders at Taapuna played host to only a handful of local surfers (remember Arsene Harehoe in those old Quiksilver movies?) and visiting pros. But with time and surfing's popularity increase, the wave has remained the same: a perfect, hollow left that requires skill and confidence to master its technical, variable sections (there are three). Its close proximity to Papeete makes it a prime candidate for crowds and hassles, so act accordingly if you do think you can handle the legendary Taapuna left.
-- Michael Kew 		Best Tide:
medium to high (incoming)
Best Swell Direction:
W, SW
Best Size:
3 to 10 feet
Best Wind:
glassy or E
Perfect-O-Meter:
8 (1=Lake Erie; 10=Jeffreys Bay)
Bottom:
coral
Ability Level:
advanced
Bring Your:
pin-tail barrel board
Best Season:
winter
Access:
boat or a 20-minute paddle from shore
Crowd Factor:
crowded
Local Vibe:
can be tense
Bicep Burn:
6 (1=1ft Waikiki; 10=15ft Ocean Beach)
Poo Patrol:
1 (1=clean; 10=turds in the lineup)
Shark Danger:
6 (1=none; 10=bring an iron cage)
Places To Eat
The entire outer Papeete region has a billion places to eat, from the countless roulottes (vans-turned-mobile-diners) and snack bars if you're on a budget. Everything else up to five-star cuisine is available--just depends on your flow of green.
Places To Stay
Like the number of cheap restaurants, outer Papeete's range of accommodation can suit any budget, from the cheapest city pension to the most expensive waterfront resort. Between Faaa and Punaauia you'll find a number of places. If you're really looking to splurge, there's nothing better (or closer to Taapuna) than Le Méridien, Tahiti's most luxurious hotel.

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Things To Do
As with any South Pacific paradise, the fishing, diving, and snorkeling are world-class. Since Tahiti is quite mountainous, hiking is always a favorite pastime, especially to the numerous waterfalls and scenic vistas. To westerners, getting a Tahitian tattoo is often considered chic.
Surf Shops
Kelly Surf Shop in the Fare Tony Center, Papeete, tel. 45 44 00; Maoti Surf and Skate Shop in Papara, tel. 75 73 45; Board House & Party in Pirae, tel. 81 05 00.

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Have a correction, update or addition for this spot? Contact us at travel@surfline.com