La Vague de Ti Reef - Le Morne, Mauritius
Ti Reef is a small reef wave located between La Pointe and Manawa, off the lagoon of Le Morne. It's the ideal place to learn to surfkite in the waves in complete safety, while enjoying an exceptional natural setting.
📝 Description
Ti Reef is a modest, gentle, steady wave that breaks on a shallow but accessible coral flats. Located just before Manawa, it forms a perfect ramp for first attempts at waves.
Less exposed than Manawa or One Eye, it's also less intimidating, making it a great option for riders wanting to learn to surf their kite in a controlled environment.
🎯 Level required
Ti Reef is suitable for intermediate kitesurfers comfortable in the lagoon and wishing to gradually introduce themselves to wave riding. It's also a perfect spot for wave lessons offered by some of Le Morne's schools.
The spot remains accessible as long as you're able to get out of the lagoon and manage your positioning facing the wave and wind.
🌊 Technical characteristics of the wave
Type: Reef wave on flat coral bottom.
Orientation: Left-hand wave.
Height: 0.5 m to 1.5 m depending on swell - ideal for learning without pressure.
Shape: Wide, slow, predictable - it unwinds smoothly without closing abruptly.
Wind direction: Side-shore to side-off with southeast trade winds - very clean to initiate first turns.
🌬️ Ideal wind conditions
The wind generally blows between 15 and 22 knots from the southeast, creating an excellent orientation for backside or frontside surfkiting.
Ti Reef works well as soon as a light to moderate swell enters the reef - often as little as 1 m of southwesterly swell.
🗓️ Best time to ride Ti Reef
The wave is active mainly during the southern winter, from May to October, when the trade winds are steady and the swells well oriented. This is the best period for safe progress.
Off-season, the wave can work during cyclonic passages or summer swells, but the wind is often more irregular.
🛟 Safety and landmarks
Ti Reef is Le Morne's most forgiving wave spot. The bottom is coral but relatively flat. At high tide, the depth makes for more comfortable sailing, even in the event of a fall.
The current remains moderate and the distance to the lagoon is short. Still, it's advisable to wear slippers and not to sail alone, especially when first learning.
The current remains moderate and the distance to the lagoon is short.
🪂 Practice styles
Initiation to surfkiting: This is the ideal spot for the first strapless wave catches, to learn to surf smoothly and gain confidence without pressure.
Freeride in twin-tip: Even with a classic board, Ti Reef's small walls allow you to play and make your first turns safely.
🚗 Access and logistics
The departure is from La Pointe or the Kite Lagoon du Morne. Once underway, follow the reef outwards to the Ti Reef area, identifiable by its even, white foam, located between the beach and Manawa.
The spot is about 500 meters from the shore. Easily accessible, even on a short sail. Perfect for alternating between lagoon and wave.
The spot is about 500 meters from the shore.
📍 Points of interest
Ti Reef is often used as a transition zone before exploring Manawa or One Eye. It provides a bridge between the flat sailing of the lagoon and the engaged conditions of the outer reef.
From Ti Reef, the view of Morne Brabant is spectacular, providing a unique backdrop for progression sessions.
🌡️ Water temperature
The water varies between 23°C in winter and 30°C in summer. A thin wetsuit (2 mm) is recommended for extended sessions between June and September. The rest of the time, a simple anti-UV glycra is sufficient.
