OVERVIEW: WIND & WATER CONDITIONS

Winds: No matter where on the globe you're talking about, the WIND is the first and foremost key to any kiteboarding destination. Similiar to the Hawaiian island chain, the French Polynesian islands get a steady flow of "South Pacific tradewinds", although not as reliable for excellent kiting here, it seems, as Hawaii...
    
Depending on their direction and the season, these 'tradewinds" are called either the toerau or the mara'amu. The mara'amu are commonly thought of as being best for kiting but the toerau can be good too... it all depends on the mood of the wind... Because wind is wind, it follows no set guidelines or rules in Tahiti and, unfortunately, doesn't always conveniently adhere to kiter's vacation schedules!

Best time of year?  The best tradewinds for kiteboarding are the Southeasterly blowing Mara'amu and are USUALLY most consistent during the polynesian winter months (dry season) of June through September. When they blow, average winds are between 15 and 25 knots/ hour, so we recommend bringing a quiver of 2 kites or more.
     These winds are not always predictable! In 2002, for example, the Mara'amu came on "late" and was best in September and October! June kiters were dissapointed... but who knew?

      Overall, the wind conditions on Tahiti and her islands ARE quite good, but they definately vary from island to island, sometimes dramatically. Although it should be made clear that the Tahitian winds CAN be undependable and frustrating, most active kiters we know on the Society islands swear they get 9 months or more of kiteable days in a year's cycle! (and their high level of kiting skills attests to that claim.)

     Of course, when it comes to ultimate kiteboarding winds in French Polynesia, it all depends on your timing and luck for any particular location- the same as most other kiting destinations around the world. (yes, they even sit on their asses in Hawaii waiting for wind sometimes!) The thing to know about these islands is that when it's good, it's REALLY gooooooood. (which makes it all the more frustrating when it's not blowing because you know what you're missing!)

Water: It's hard to beat the WATER conditions of French Polynesia for kiteboarding. Don't even think about a wetsuit! (but do remember to bring some kind of sun-protective polyware). The water is a balmy 80 degrees+ (fahrenheit) in most places and very clean and clear. The colors are an unforgettable and dreamy mixture of blues and greens constantly changing and shimmering depending on how the sunlight hits them. Nice!
    
       Most of the island's kitespots are in the lagoons, well protected from the deep open waters of the Pacific. This means there are no waves, no sharks, (really), and in most kite spots, the lagoon is a perfect non-intimidating depth of between 3 and 15 feet. On super nukey days, you'll get some chop, but not much... If you WANT waves you'll have to venture out to the passes where the surfers are, but that isn't really recommended for most kiters unless you're at an extremely high and confident level due to the inherent dangers of mixing coral, waves, wind, kite, and lines... (Interpret: kite the passes at your own risk!)

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GETTING ISLAND SPECIFIC:          
     The following links give kiting condition specifics for each of the Society Islands listed:
(Launch spots, local conditions, tips, what to do when the wind's NOT blowing, where to stay, and more...)

Tahiti

Bora Bora

Raiatea & Tahaa

Moorea

Huahine

     Note: If you don't find the answers you're looking for on these pages, it may be because we just dont know the answer! We don't claim to know all the details of Tahitian kiteboarding, but merely try to be a good general guide for now... As time goes on, this site will get better and more informative.

     WE'RE OPEN TO KITER'S SUGGESTIONS, EXPERIENCES AND NOTES! If you go to French Polynesia, (or live and kite there) and have a kite experience or knowledge that would help this site out, please let us know and we'll post it for the benefit of the next Tahitian bound kiter!

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