Kitesurfing in French Polynesia: The Best Spots on the Islands
In The Islands of Tahiti, kitesurfing spots are basically the same as those for foiling, wing surfing, and wingfoiling. The scenery is spectacular, but as there are still few practitioners in French Polynesia, you’ll often feel like you’ve got paradise all to yourself, free to enjoy the moment.
In The Islands of Tahiti, you'll see sails rising up all around the island, but some spots are more popular than others.
The Motu 'Au Spot for a Kitesurf Session in Tahiti
Tahiti has plenty to offer. There are kitesurfing enthusiasts and training programs for beginners and advanced riders. You will find a school in Punaauia, near the city hall, and another in Teva i Uta (southwest of Tahiti), but most kitesurfing schools are located in Mahina, near Pointe Vénus, one of the most famous beaches in Tahiti, and on the beach facing Motu 'Au, also known as “Motu Martin”. This is THE famous kitesurfing spot in Tahiti, the one attracting most riders.
Sheltered from waves and currents, the flat water around this islet creates ideal conditions for learning (beginners) and freestyle sessions (advanced riders). You'll always find someone here to help you get started, share tips, or to chat about gear and kitesurfing in French Polynesia.
Kitesurfing in Moorea: the best spots
On Moorea’s northwest coast, Pointe Hauru is a kite surfer’s dream. This is where the long Haapiti beach begins, and the nearby Taota pass offers some of the most beautiful surf spots on the island, facing the hotels of Moorea.
The setup area at the end of the beach is highly regulated. As it is quite narrow, you will need to move out to sea to catch the wind. The spot is very busy (sandbank, shark excursions, etc.), so you will need to be careful when riding, but the location - offering panoramic views, a beautiful lagoon, rich marine life, and consistent winds - is truly spectacular.
There is a kitesurfing school in Moorea, with lessons starting from a shallow sandbank, for added safety. You can also try your hand at towed foiling and wingfoiling.
The Best Kitesurfing Spots in Bora Bora
In Bora Bora, riders gather at the southernmost tip of Matira Point. The entire beach is sheltered from the wind, and this is the only place where the wind picks up.
A renowned kitesurfing school will take you out to sea for some truly spectacular downwind rides. There are few kitesurfers in Bora Bora's endless lagoon, which means a day spent here is like a day in paradise for water sports enthusiasts.
Kitesurfing in the Tuamotu Islands: Magical Atolls
Now imagine this: you’re kitesurfing on an atoll, with a lagoon as vast as it is flat, with steady winds, uninterrupted by mountains. There are 77 of them in the Tuamotu Islands, and some offer ideal conditions for kitesurfing.
The Best Conditions for Kitesurfing on an Atoll
On an atoll, kitesurfing is always practiced on the windward side, which means the wind blows towards the interior of the atoll. Apart from choppy water in strong winds, these large flat bodies of crystal-clear water are ideal for both speed and freestyle. However, there are some rules to follow:
- The more perpendicular the wind is to the reef, the flatter the lagoon will be.
- However, too much wind can alter the water flow in the lagoon due to the hoa (unnavigable passages in the reef), causing unexpected currents.
- Also make sure that the parts of the lagoon where you plan to do some kitesurf are not covered with coral heads, especially if they are close to the surface, as this could be dangerous.
- Don't launch from motus (islets) covered in vegetation, such as coconut trees or atoll forests: these are not mountains, but they form a barrier high enough to disrupt the wind flow.
Let's say that the unvegetated motus to the southeast of the atolls, without coral heads, are the perfect starting points for kitesurfing. What next? It's up to you to investigate and find your ideal kitesurfing spot - ;)
Hirifa, Fakarava: The best kiting spot in the Tuamotu
In the Fakarava atoll, the southern Hirifa area is one of the most famous spots in the Tuamotu Islands. Here, you’ll find everything you need: lessons for beginners and advanced riders with supervision, gear rentals, boats to chase the best wind…
You can also try paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and kitesurfing on all types of boards: twin tip, surf, foil, etc.
The best season for kitesurfing and other water sports is the dry season, from May to October: it's cooler and windier, with trade winds (southeast) and the mara'amu, a strong wind from the south.
Important note: Most of the best kiting spots are also popular with tourists. Be mindful of swimmers, paddleboarders, snorkelers, kayakers, and boats. Always stay aware of your surroundings to keep the lagoon safe and enjoyable for everyone and avoid accidents.