Teahupoo - Where to Stay

I think Freeride has surfed over there. May have a few tips for you.

I stayed with a local family but it's not tourist accomodation.
Pretty basic stuff.

There was a pension house just up the road which offered cheaper accommodation.

Try googling pension houses teahupoo.

Yocal. Some people just wing it and arrive and find local home stays but this can be stressful. Some stay in shared housing that crew have set up.
If you were traverling single I would say just rock up prepared but because you have a companion I would organise something.

A scooter or car is a massive help getting around the islands with surf gear. A bus runs but you will want independence and to be able to get to the shops and explore when you want. You will be limited with out it. Some crew stay in Papeete but it's nicer out. The locals of Teahupoo are at the end of the road literally. Local store up the road about 3km you can walk to but a bike is best, prices are high and more expensive than the carefour supermarket which is excellent. Supermarket is a roughly 1/2 drive or bus ride away Taravo. But with a car you will be far better off. Saving time and effort.

I had trouble lining up accom so hit up Simon Thorton before I left Australia. Ex Aussie who deals with surfers. Pick up and drop off at airport. We arrived on a late flight from Nz. You can't stay over night at the airport so you need to be aware of this. Us dollars for boat rides. I couldn't afford that so I just paddled . Because you have your partner and gear I would be arranging something before hand unless you can go minimal. Theft can be a problem. The wealthy are very set up but the poor quiet basic. Everything is available in Tahiti . Surf gear wise but it's expensive. The language barrier makes things harder but plenty of surfers have basic english, french Tahitian. The best thing I think is hit up as many local surfers for recommendations or accommodation options even if they can't put you up. Send a few emails messages etc.
Tahurai Henry was also running accommodation when I looked. Staying with locals has advantages even if its not in Teahupoo. If you secure a car you can stay anywhere as options aren't as limited. $$$ limit access around Teahupoo and Tahiti in general. Locals run the show. Pro houses exist and the desire for waves is fierce. But with patience you will get a bombing gem. The reef is the most beautiful I have ever seen both in regards to heavy wave quality and coral abundance. An epicentre for heavy surfing. Getting waves amongst the locals and pro's can be frustrating but it is what it is.

Pack your snorkel, Their is so much to Tahiti besides Teahupoo but you will need a car and $$$. Any connections you can make before landing will be of benefit. An incredible place for locals and those that can afford all it can offer. It aint cheap but with some of the best waves in the world you should roll the dice. Patience and respect is key. I went specifically for Teahupoo but there are other options. In a perfect world I would have an unlimited budget and a boat of my own over there. What you don't see in the pro vids is that their connections are already put in place ( places to stay and boat rides out, ski's). They have access to and $$$ to throw down that other regular travellers don't.

Boat or ski access is a massive advantage. Get some wheels if you can afford it. Other islands offer opportunities but again it depends on how big your budget is and how much $$$ and how far you are willing to throw down. Localism exists but we had no problems. Anyone local in the Tahitian islands is truly blessed. A true paradise. Go with the flow and enjoy the bombs. Heavy perfection of natures finest.

Thank you – Maururu (mah-roo-roo)

Be aware of the boats in the channel

What an awesome write up , well done RW. A friend of mine drowned there at 6-8 ft , he’s a charger and was luckily revived, got secondary drowning later that night but pulled through .

I imagine paddling out to Chopes at 8 foot and having to swing with all the locals there would be absolutely terrifying.

I found that the bigger problem, having to catch waves you wanted no piece of.

I'm guessing, like many places if you don't go you might as well paddle in.

Do the locals respect anonymous chargers or do they not give a shit after dealing with so many pros.?

They are pretty good, not all waves are ridden like anywhere,. Keen local scene of chargers, pros, and anyone keen. A+++ grade wave in incredible location. Roll the dice if you want to.

Robwilliams wrote:

They are pretty good, not all waves are ridden like anywhere,. Keen local scene of chargers, pros, and anyone keen. A+++ grade wave in incredible location. Roll the dice if you want to.

Robwilliams. Hi mate. Hey, great right up from someone who has been there, well done.AW