Teahupo’o, a village on the island of Tahiti, has been selected to host the surfing competitions at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, and this decision is well-founded. The wave at Teahupo’o, which originates from powerful storms in Antarctica, is renowned for its impressive and intimidating reputation among surfers. It creates spectacular and powerful tubular waves that can reach extreme heights.
According to surfing coach and author Jason Borte, surfing at Teahupo’o requires not just courage, but also a fine-tuned sensitivity to navigate waves that can be life-threatening. “Here, you can’t just rely on luck; it demands both strength and precision,” Borte states.
Teahupo’o, which translates to “pile of heads” in Tahitian, is more than just a challenge for surfers; it is a magnificent sight. Tim McKenna, a veteran surf photographer, describes the surroundings as “impressive,” with clear, warm waters where one can see corals and fish. “It’s a unique place, where you surf against super green, pyramid-shaped mountains,” he adds.
The choice of Teahupo’o for the Olympics is not solely based on the waves. France’s overseas territories, which include Tahiti, offer some of the best surfing opportunities in the world, particularly in light of the subpar weather that often affects summer events in mainland France. This contrasts with the disappointing weather that plagued the surfing competitions at the Tokyo Olympics.
McKenna notes that while Saint-Leu on Réunion Island could have been an ideal Olympic venue, the risk of shark attacks was a significant concern. Teahupo’o provides a level of safety that is crucial for promoting the sport.
Surfing has deep roots in Polynesia, where it was created by ancient Polynesians. This background makes Teahupo’o a symbolic choice as a host location. The first to ride the big waves here were Hawaiian bodyboarders in 1986, and since then, it has become a hotspot for surfers from around the globe.
Despite controversies regarding the construction of a judging tower for the Olympics, a solution has now been found. A smaller tower, designed to minimize damage to the reef, has been built. McKenna explains that this tower will not only be used for the Olympics but also for future surfing competitions, which is a significant advantage for the island’s surfing community.
As the competitions approach, all eyes are on two Tahitian surfers, Kauli Vaast and Vahine Fierro, who have qualified for the Games. They will benefit from a home-field advantage, which could be key to securing medals for France’s overseas territories.
The Paris Olympics will also test some of the biggest names in surfing. While the legend Kelly Slater will not attend due to strict qualification requirements, Brazil’s Felipe Toledo is under pressure as he navigates his own fears about the dangerous conditions at Teahupo’o.
As the waves draw near, the surfing world holds its breath in anticipation of what could become a landmark week for the sport.