Overview
Turtle Head is a twisting, short right that reels down a shallow platform reef, marked by a spectacular rock that shelters the break. Sitting on the backside of the island, it shouldn't really work on north swell, yet waves wrap around the southern tip and peel down the reef, throwing a gaping tube section along the way. This is an experts-only wave.
When It Works
The wave draws swell from southwest through north to northeast (SW-N-NE), with southwest swell the best match. The right breaks over dead coral reef and is usable from 1.2 m / 4 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. It's moderately consistent, so count on worthwhile windows when the setup lines up rather than waves every day.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest offshore wind. The reef can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one is strictly for experts, thanks to the shallow platform reef and its tube section. The lineup tends to stay fairly quiet.
