Home › Pacific Islands › Tahiti › Tahiti South
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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
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medium to high (incoming)
W, SW
3 to 10 feet
glassy or E
8
coral
advanced
pin-tail barrel board
winter
boat or a 20-minute paddle from shore
crowded
can be tense
6
1
6
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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.
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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.
Or try
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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.
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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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