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Raiatea is considered the traditional centre of French PolynesiaÕs religion and culture, where many voyages of Pacific discovery started. The surf spots are more remote and quality is highly dependent on swell direction and wind exposure. Huahine is smaller, but boasts a number of quality reef passes including the matching pair of FarŽ Left and FarŽ Right, the regionÕs most surfed waves. Because of their isolation these islands have a long history of resistance against the official government, a strong feeling of ownership of the spots, namely localism, has developed. The ÒBlack ShortsÓ on Huahine and Raiatea will only let outsiders surf with them once they have proved themselves to be their friends and loyal to the surf.
When to Go
ItÕs a year-round destination, favouring N winds for the epic rights. The northeasters blow from November-April, while swells are generated by massive lows in the North Pacific. The S swell season lasts the majority of the year, with the peak months being May-September, but it is not uncommon to have classic south swells before or after winter. Dominant winds are E-SE trades shifting NE and calming down in summer. Jan-March are the quietest and July-Sept the windiest. As for tides, it can only fluctuate by 0.6m max, but incoming or outgoing current will alter water heights.
Surf Spots
Statistics |
J
|
F
|
M
|
A
|
M
|
J
|
J
|
A
|
S
|
O
|
N
|
D
|
| dominant swell |
NW -N |
N -SW |
SE -SW |
SE -SW |
N -SW |
NW -N |
| swell size (ft) |
4-5 |
5 |
6-7 |
7 |
5-6 |
4-5 |
| consistency (%) |
80 |
70 |
80 |
90 |
70 |
80 |
| dominant wind |
NE -SE |
NE -SE |
E -SE |
E -SE |
E -SE |
NE -SE |
| average force |
F3-F4 |
F3 |
F3-F4 |
F4 |
F4 |
F3-F4 |
| consistency (%) |
71 |
77 |
62 |
62 |
75 |
73 |
| water temp (C) |
28 |
28 |
27 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
| wetsuit |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
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Travel Information
Weather
Cooled by the gentle breezes of the Pacific, the climate is sunny and pleasant Ð the year-round lowest temp is 21¡C (70¡F). Seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. From November through May the climate is warmer and very humid, with daily temperatures of about 29¡C (84¡F) and from June through October, the climate is cooler and drier with daily temperatures of 27¡C (80¡F). Most of the rain falls during the warmer season. Water temps are just ideal around 27¡C (80¡F) and a bit of neoprene would only be useful to protect against coral cuts or gusty trades.
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Lodging and Food
In FarŽ, Pension Chez Guynette starts at $20 for a dorm bed and Motel Vanille starts at $100 for a 2 person bungalow. In Uturoa, Hinano Hotel ($90 a/c room for 2) well located if you rent a boat. Expect $10 eating local food in ÔRoulottesÕ or $20 in restaurants.
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Nature and Culture
FarŽ comes to life on shipping day, HuahinŽÕs people travel to town by le truck to sell their pigs, copra and melons and buy goods from the incoming supply ships. Tourist attractions include buying pearls, shark feeding, big game fishing or sailing cruises. In Raiatea, visit Taputapuatea, the largest marae (religious monument) in Polynesia or vanilla plantations. Brush up on your French.
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