Overview
Tikehau Left is a left-hand reef break on the southern side of Tuheiava Pass, the only deepwater passage into the atoll. The wave peels over live coral.
When It Works
It draws swell from the south through west and is at its best on a southwest swell. The shape shifts with the swell: it can wall up and turn hollow on the inside, or run hollow the whole way through, with the cleanest waves generally arriving on swells from the southwest to west. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft and is moderately consistent.
Wind and Tide
Look for a southeast offshore wind. It breaks on mid and high tide, and a rising tide is the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits confident intermediate surfers, since the inside runs shallow and grindy over the live coral. Expect a fairly quiet lineup when it's working.
Access
It's only about 15 minutes from the resorts back on Tuherahera.
