To be able to charge at Teahupo’o you have to have a lot of confidence and loads of gear as back up as well as know the people there, it’s not a wave open for just anyone, you need to deserve the wildcard to be able and go catch waves in the middle of surfers and also when its windy local kitesurfers go charge the monster. Beside Chopes (Aussie slang for Teahupo’o!), there are many other breaks that are sailable, I have windsurfed many of them but this trip we mainly sailed Chopes. There is another spot called Vairao, which is super fun and a little easier when smaller. It’s a bit longer, but the longest rides are in Peru!, so Tahiti is mostly a short ride that you just send it and go for the biggest manoeuvre you can!
To get around you need a car and you need to arrange a boat depending where the action is happening, as there are many breaks which are potentially ‘sailable’ and ‘surfable’. There are also jumping spots on the other side of the island and a freeride spot, Motu Martin, which is very popular. If you need a car, best options are at the airport, and for boats there is plenty of options in the Teahupo’o area. Mainly we go with Timothy Farere, who is the best boat driver there, he takes you to the right spots for either surfing or windsurfing. If the wind called the Mara’amu is strong, usually it’s cloudy and rainy in the Teahupo’o area and is best to sail at Mara, situated between the peninsula and the city. It’s a solid wave with plenty of wind and easy access sailing from the beach rather than needing the boat. I look forward to going back to Tahiti, hopefully soon! Maruru (Tahitian for thanks) to Mystic for making it possible and to Air Tahiti Nui for all their help.