With the Billabong Pro Tahiti underway and the forecast predicting a great run of solid swell, we take an inside look at the world’s most infamous wave: Teahupoo.
Location: Teahupoo is on the southwest side of the main island in Tahiti, about an hour’s drive from the capital, Papeete. It is known as the “the end of the road,” as it is the termination point of the only road that follows the southwest coast. The wave itself lies in a coral pass about 500 meters offshore of the main village, a five-minute boat ride or 20 minute paddle to the break.
The optimal conditions: To paddle out on a clean four- to six-foot south swell with the sun piercing through the lush mountain backdrop is close to surfing nirvana … More