Deep in the South Pacific Ocean, Tahiti, an idyllic island that is part of the French Polynesian archipelago, captivates visitors with its pristine landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and a lifestyle seemingly frozen in time.
The village of Teahupo‘o, located on Tahiti, commands global attention as a surfing mecca. Drawing surf enthusiasts from every corner of the world, Teahupo’o is set to be the unexpected venue for surfing competitions on the global stage next year.
In the third episode of ‘No Contest: Off Tour’ Season Two, old and new generations of wave riders recount how the local surfing culture evolved, and how the island is handling the international pressure ahead of Summer 2024. Here is all you need to know:
French Polynesia is a chain of islands stretching over 1,600 kilometers across the ocean, equidistant from the bustling cities Sydney and Los Angeles. On the shores of its largest island, Tahiti, a coastal town bears the name of a renowned, monstrously heavy wave celebrated for its mesmerizing beauty and ferocious force, also dubbed as the “Wall of Skulls” and the “End of the Road” – Teahupo’o.
Surfing culture in the quiet fishing village slowly emerged in the 1960s when the family of Peva Levy, a conservationist and former marine biologist from French Polynesia, uncovered the surfing potential.
“At that time there was no surf here. No surf at all. No one was around. Everybody was afraid to [enter the water] because there were a lot of sharks.”
Peva Levy is locally known as the ‘Godfather of the End of the Road’ and is regarded as the repository of all of Teahupo’o’s stories. He said:
“As far as I can remember, maybe I was the first to ride that wave. It was only the two of us, my cousin and I. One day he told me, ‘Do you see this wave? It will become a famous wave. Can you see that barrel? It’s special.’ And now I still think that he was really right, because this wave is so special.”
He continued:
Teahupo’o turned into one of the most formidable and prestigious arenas in competitive surfing in the early 2000s, with the Gotcha Pro events playing a pivotal role in this transformation. During this period, legendary surfers such as Koby Abberton, Nathan Fletcher, Cory Lopez, and Andy and Bruce Irons delivered breakout performances, propelling their careers to new heights.
Ever since becoming a staple of the World Championship Tour and the World Surf League, Teahupo’o has regularly been one of the most anticipated and followed events each year. Historic “Code Red” swells have showcased the heaviest waves ever ridden, along with unforgettable wipeouts and the most mind-bending big wave sessions in history.
Despite gaining recognition as one of the world’s fastest growing surfing hotspots, Teahupo’o has managed to preserve its character as a small village over time.
“Teahupo’o is a super small village. There are two marinas, one snack place, one store – and it’s a tiny store. Everything is super peaceful, and there aren’t too many people. It’s beautiful.”
Professional surfer and tube rider Eimeo Czermak provides insight into the simplicity of the area:
While Teahupo’o competes admirably with the world’s mainstream surf destinations, it differs in terms of development. In contrast to places like Bali or the Mentawai Islands, there is a notable absence of surf camps, and the region lacks hotels or private resorts akin to those found in Fiji. Visitors, however, can explore limited accommodation options, primarily centred around a few guesthouses – typically organised as intimate communal setups with semi-private rooms or small villas owned and operated by locals and their families on private land.
In preparation for the global sports community converging on Paris next year and considering French Polynesia‘s status as an overseas collectivity of France, Teahupo’o has been selected to host all surfing competitions. Looking ahead to Summer 2024, ambitious construction plans for the village were unveiled, aiming to enhance the island’s infrastructure to cater to athletes, crews, and spectators.
In the episode, locals expressed skepticism and resistance to the plans, fearing that new athlete village, as well as new bridges, roads, and paved walkways would alter their land forever.
“Every year we have a contest and nobody wants to change anything. Now they want to build a lot of things. We are not happy with that.”
Peva Levy says:
“The government wanted to do a lot of stuff, but the people from the village say, ‘you want to build all that for three days of contest?’ We’re just a little village trying to be the same in the next 20 years. We’re thinking about our kids. The longest we try and make sure that the village stays a village, the better it’s going to be for us.”
Tahurai Henry, a Teahupo’o native and owner of the Tahurai Homestay, weighed in the conversation:
Considering both the concerns of the local residents and input from the local government, reducing construction activities to prevent disturbances in and around the village is being considered.
Nonetheless, excitement is brewing within the local surfing community for next year’s wave showdown.
“Tahiti is coming in hot!”.
exclaims Vahine Fierro, the 2018 WSL World Junior Champion and future World Tour contender
In the heart of the South Pacific, Tahiti stands as a testament to nature’s beauty and cultural heritage. With Teahupo’o poised to host global surfing competitions in 2024, the world is about to witness the convergence of tradition and modernity in this island paradise.
Watch the third episode of ‘No Contest: Off Tour’ Season Two, ‘Tahiti’, by pressing play way above.
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