Surf: Close to Papeete is Taapuna, the original Tahitian tube garden and popular destination wave for those who want a hollow, dredging and technically testing lefthander, a couple of notches below Teahupoo. Any W swell and any E wind will work, so it is consistent, crowded with good surfers and suited to experienced reefbreak surfers. Environment: Usual problems of being way out there, in waters strafed by current and a local crew who demand as much respect as the wave. Surf: General: 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 and visiting pros. A perfect, hollow left that requires skill and confidence to master its technical, variable sections, 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. Tides: Medium to high (incoming). Size: Head high to quadruple overhead Wind: Glassy, E, SE Swell: W, SW Bottom: Coral. Paddling: Medium Spot Rating: Good. Access: Boat or a 20-minute paddle from shore. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Crowded. Local Vibe: Can be tense. Environment: Clean Hazards: Coral and sharks. Season: April-October