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Vairao is a surf spot located on the Iti Peninsula in Tahiti, known for its smooth left-hand waves. It’s more mellow than Teahupo'o, making it a good choice for surfers looking for quality barrels without the intensity of some other spots. The environment is fairly clean, and it offers a unique vibe due to its remote location. To get to Vairao, you can either take a boat or paddle for about 20 minutes from the shore.
The surf here is recognized for its steep, fast take-off that can lead to some perfect barrels. It’s a left-breaking wave that rolls over a live coral reef, making it essential to know your limits. Vairao can handle swell sizes from 4ft (about 1.2 meters) to 12ft (about 3.7 meters), and works best when the swell comes in from the South or South-East. The wave tends to be really good during the medium to high tides, and it performs well with North-East winds. When conditions align, you can enjoy a long ride of several hundred yards before reaching the final bowl section into the reef pass. It’s primarily suited for expert surfers and shortboards.
While the wave quality is undeniably impressive, expect to put in the effort with a medium paddle out. There's not much in terms of crowd factor, so you’ll often find yourself sharing the wave with just a few others. Just keep an eye on the reef below, as it poses some hazards. The best time to surf here is from March to September, covering both autumn and winter seasons.