Teahupo’o, the Tahitian wave

With an elegance matched only by its ferocity, Teahupo'o (pronounced chop-pu) is Nature’s beast. Situated southeast of Tahiti, this peninsula cradles one of the globe's most celebrated surf spots.

Originally

Born from the convergence of the powerful swells of the deep Pacific Ocean and the coral reef, the legendary wave displays its formidable strength, challenging even the most skilled surfing professionals. According to Tahitian tradition, this natural behemoth, nicknamed the "skull mountain" (tea-hu-poo), draws upon a divine energy, with waves reaching heights exceeding 7 metres.

Throughout the centuries

Until 1985, the mythical wave was revered from afar, feared for its raw power. It wasn't until Thierry Vernaudon's audacious glide that someone dared to tame the wild Tahitian break. From 2000 onward, Teahupo'o captured the imagination of surf enthusiasts worldwide, immortalised by the iconic image of surfing legend Laird Hamilton. In 2024, 15,700 kilometres from Paris, it will serve as the stage for an epic oceanic showdown.

Nowadays

The residents of Teahupo'o were ahead of the curve when it came to environmental stewardship, long before the Paris Agreement. Dating back to the 14th century, the Tahitian tradition of rahui, deeply ingrained in their society, involved temporarily restricting access to certain areas or prohibiting the harvesting of specific natural resources to allow for their regeneration, benefiting the entire community. This ancient practice has proven highly effective in preserving the natural habitat, which is home to over 1,000 species of fish, earning Polynesia the title of the "most biodiverse aquarium on the planet."

Did you know?

• The first Polynesian female writer to publish a novel - in 1991 - is named Chantal Spitz. She fights through writing against the stereotypes associated with French Polynesia and presides over the Littérama’ohi association, which aims to promote indigenous literature from territories overseas.

• The great diversity of biotopes makes French Polynesia a territory of major biogeographical and evolutionary interest. The number of endemic plant and animal species, relative to the small area of the territory, is remarkable. To discover on-site: mana, a sacred energy emanating from nature.

• The rahui, a millennial Polynesian practice, involves temporarily banning access to an area or prohibiting the harvesting of a natural resource. The goal? To promote their regeneration for the benefit of an entire community. In Teahupo'o, this eco-responsible practice aims for sustainable management of natural resources.

• Raimana Van Bastolaer is one of Teahupo'o’s iconic figures. A true local star, this close associate of the most famous surfers is an actor in the latest opus Point Break. He has done everything to give Teahupo'o the fame that the lagoon deserves.

• Surfing, better than spear throwing? In the past, Tahitian chiefs and their sons demonstrated their superiority through it, to prove that the gods were with them. Alongside spear throwing and slingshot shooting, surfing was "the ultimate display of bravery."

• The wave of the millennium: On August 17, 2000, at dawn, American legend Laird Hamilton became the first to conquer Teahupo’o at its peak (15 metres). British surfer Andy Irons became its king with a victory on the Tour in 2010. Kelly Slater, Bobby Martinez, and twins Damien and Clifton-James Hobgood also wrote part of their legend there.