Tahiti

Surfing Betwixt Paradise: What Olympic Surfers Are Up To in Tahiti!

Find out how Olympic surfers are mixing lay days with Tahitian surf culture and making the most of their time before the big event!

While the world eagerly awaits the Paris 2024 Olympics, the surfers in Tahiti aren’t just lounging about. Instead, they’re making the most of their time by soaking up the vibrant local culture and tackling the breathtaking waves that made Teahupoʻo famous. As they gear up for the competition of a lifetime, they’re not just honing their skills in the water but also taking part in some laid-back adventures around the idyllic island. You know what they say—surfing is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle!

Among the surf elite, the energies are buzzing. Megan Spurrell, fresh off her jaunt to French Polynesia, chats with fellow adventurer Lale on the Women Who Travel Podcast about the electric vibe of Tahiti’s surf scene. Spaces are filled with stories, laughter and camaraderie, creating a rich tapestry of personalities weaving through waves. Meanwhile, The Daily Beast’s Craig Copetas humorously points out that nothing screams "Paris" quite like the sight of surfers riding gargantuan waves in Teahupoʻo. You might forget all about croissants and Eiffel Towers when you see Olympians carving their way through this oceanic playground!

Adding another layer to this thrilling narrative, Kiwi surfer Saffi Vette has been experiencing the unique twist of life aboard a cruise ship during the Olympics. Her whimsical account of adjusting from hotel suites to the swaying waves of the Pacific is enough to make anyone jealous. The competition may be serious, but the joy of enjoying Tahitian sunsets between heats resonates as deeply as any wave she rides. Surf competitions may get serious, but who wouldn’t want tales of late-night deck parties under the stars?

However, not everything is smooth sailing. Recent stormy weather posed significant challenges, delaying the competition for two and a half days. The Quarters of the women’s event saw defending champion Clarissa Moore put through her paces, reminding us that even the best can face setbacks. So, while the waves are in play and strategies are being honed, the surfers are finding joy in their beautiful surroundings.

Interestingly, the decision for Tahiti to host the surfing competition for the Paris Games raises eyebrows—who knew that the world’s surfing elite would be riding waves thousands of kilometers away from the “City of Lights”? Beyond its picturesque views, Tahiti's surf culture received a much-needed boost, contributing to its growing influence and presence within the global surfing community. 🏄‍♂️

Amid this backdrop of competition and relaxation, the heart and soul of surfing culture is alive and well within Tahiti. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that come Paris 2024, the surfers show both remarkable talent and striking artistry as they make waves on one of the most legendary surf spots in the world! 🌊🤙