Teahupo’o Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right on, this is Rusty, and we’re staring straight down the barrel at the forecast for the classic South Pacific slab. We’re talkin’ Teahupo’o.

We’ve got a bit of a slow burn to start the window, then things get serious. This is an expert-level reef break, no question, and it’s very consistent when the swell shows. The water temp is sittin’ at 79°, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

We start off pretty quiet. Tuesday the 28th of July has a tiny little 3 ft swell from the southwest, but it’s packing some serious 16-second period. The combined energy is still weak though (655), and with a moderate cross-off breeze, it’s clean but marginal. Wednesday the 29th sees a jump to 6 ft from the SW, period drops to 12 seconds, and the combined energy gets a bit more punchy (1101). Still, the wind is messy, and the surf is labeled marginal. Thursday the 30th pumps up to 7 ft, but the wind shifts onshore with rain, and it’s a messy 1 out of 10. Friday through the weekend is a write-off with lumpy, choppy conditions and fresh cross-shore winds. We’ve got a stretch here where the surf is not worth paddling out.

Then we hit the first standout. Wednesday the 5th of August for the morning session. The swell is a modest 4 ft from the SW, but the period is a classic 13 seconds. The wind is offshore from the northeast, and the surf is clean. The combined energy hits 937—moderate but building. That afternoon is even cleaner, with light offshore winds and a very long 19-second period groundswell from the SSW at 3 ft. The combined energy is 1056. The file says excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers. That’s the sweet spot for the first week.

But the real stand-out, the one you book time off for, is the 12th of August, Wednesday afternoon. The swell is pumping at 12 ft from the east-southeast, period 10 seconds, and the combined energy is roaring at 3043 (strong). The wind is a gentle breeze from the north, cross-off, and it’s labeled as excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers. Expect a serious, heavy, walled-up Teahupo’o. The 11th of August afternoon is also a banger with 10 ft and offshore north winds, excellent for pros (1681 combined energy). The 12th morning is slightly messier but still 12 ft, and the 10th of August has solid 7 ft and 8 ft with offshore winds from the NNE (1038 combined energy), but short 7-second period, so it’ll be a bit more walled and less organized.

Just be aware that for the huge swells in the second week—10 ft to 12 ft—that is expert-only territory. Don’t even think about it if you aren’t towed in or don’t know the reef. Also, this break can get crowded often, so be ready to battle for a wave. Also, with the long-period swells, the sets will be clean but wide apart, making the paddle out a bit easier if you time it right.

The second week has a lot of surf, but the wind gets cranky from the 6th onwards with cross and onshore slop. The 10th and 11th have clean offshore windows, but the 12th is the real peak.

Bottom line: If you want the best of the best, wait for the 12th of August afternoon. That’s the one.

Rusty.

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