The world-famous surf spot Teahupoo (pronounced “cho-poo”) is a must see for all surfer lovers. It’s known to be one of the top most deadliest surf places that delivers the best waves of your life. In 2019, (I had an opportunity to check out the waves up close and personal during the World Surf Competition held in Teahupoo.)
Why are the waves considered to be the most dangerous break in the world? Well, they have a unique combination of size, power, and speed made more dangerous because they break over a sharp coral reef lying only meters below the surface.
To many, this is not just scary, but terrifying. The waves have been known to rip the boardshorts off of surfers! And if that is not enough, there are sharks swimming around the break.
Just fifty yards beyond the Teahupoo reef lies the ocean with depths of more than 100 meters (300’+). This is the main reason for the force and power of the waves. These giant waves reach heights of up to 18 meters (50’) and break over water that is less than 2 meters (6’) deep over the reef. It is this transition from super deep to very shallow that makes the wave the scariest on the planet.
An Experience of a Lifetime
But if you are a surfer or surf fan and you are visiting Tahiti – it is a MUST see. So, we take the Konis family to visit Teahupoo. There is a large wave here that presents a wonderful opportunity for photos.
Islanders used to surf to transit between islands. Imagine making that journey? Female surfers have been well documented and are a large part of local stories and heritage. I love these images.
A local merchant convinced us to send the boys out in their boat to see the waves up close. Unfortunately, the waves were only 6’-8’ tall, not huge, but still impressive. They were able to jump in the water to see the coral below and watch a few locals show off their skills in a barrel. Of course, not one of them took any photos!
Konis Men Going Out to See the Wave
On the way back to the car, we passed this beautiful lagoon. I love the shadows on the water.
Rounding out our Tour on Tahiti:
We celebrate a great touristy day at Captain Bligh. We toured in one very small car, in one day, to see the Museum de Tahiti, Tahitian Natural Grottos Mara’a, Jardin d’eau Vaihapi, Teahupoo, and Captain Bligh! Big day.
Both Captain Bligh’s signs were obscured by the lights. But you get the idea.
Captain Bligh Night Out
We had a stunning purple sunset:
Kimberly and I competing with natures beauty
The boys enjoying the sunset up close and personal.
One more just because you’ve been so good.
In our next blog we head to Pt Venus with its black sand beach. Did you miss our last adventure with the Konis family? If so, check out the Tahitian Water Garden: Jardin d’eau de Vaipai.
Events from this blog post occurred during the last week of July, 2021. Our blog posts run 10-12 weeks behind our adventures.