Everyone’s favorite tropical slab is back and the year’s heroics are set to be the best in history. If the swells behave, both the mens and womens competitors will be pushing the limits of professional surfing once again.
The start of the event is scheduled for May 22, with a solid swell on the way. The event is also a precursor for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The famous Tahitian reef and community will host the event.
What’s on the Line
This year, 22 men and 10 women will compete with world-champion and local wildcards such as Carrisa Moore, Kelly Slater, and Mihimana Braye. The event is number eight on the tour with four to go until the season finale at Trestles in California.
Teahupo’o is a critical event for the surfers competing to secure a top five spot on tour. So far, Caitlin Simmers leads the women with 29,490 points while Griffin Colapinto leads the men.
Several of the tour’s top competitors are standouts at Teahupo’o. Heavy-hitters Jack Robinson and Kelly Slater will go up against each other in Round 1. For the women, world number one Caitlin Simmers will take on Australian world champion Tyler Wright.
The Wave at Teahupo’o
Teahupo’o is one of the world’s most intense waves. Its sheer power is matched by its precarious location at the edge of a dramatic slab of shallow coral reef.
When deep, open ocean energy swells hit the reef at Teahupo’o, it heaves over itself, creating monstrous caverns that break over five feet of water. For even the best surfers, it’s nothing short of life-threatening.
In addition to its flawless power is the surrounding environment. Tahiti is one of the most stunning places on the planet. Surfers stare out at jagged green mountains and emerald seas. It’s no wonder why the surfing world is obsessed with the legendary ‘End of the Road.’