Tahiti

Why Surfing in Tahiti is the Ultimate Olympic Adventure (with Helmets!)

Get ready for breathtaking waves and jaw-dropping photos from Tahiti as surfers gear up with helmets for the Olympic Games!

As the Paris Olympics gear up, all eyes are on the small village of Teahupo'o in Tahiti, where surfers brave some of the biggest and most dangerous waves on the planet. While wearing a helmet isn’t a common practice in surfing, several Olympians have chosen to don protective gear at this year’s games, citing the relentless power of the ocean known as the 'Wall of Teahupo'o'. Not only is the surf deadly, but it has given the surfing event an electrifying aura that keeps fans at the edge of their seats.

Photographer Ben Thouard knows the risks all too well. To catch stunning images of surfers tackling these monumental swells, he must suit up and face the fury of the ocean himself. Armed with a camera and a deep love for the sport, Thouard dives into the heart of the waves, capturing moments that showcase the incredible skill, determination, and even fear of those competing. It’s a dangerous job, but for him, it's a labor of love that offers a front-row seat to Olympic history in the making.

Amid the dynamic surfing action, emotions were stirred when reigning champion Carissa Moore and local favorite Vahine Fierro faced elimination in a surprising turn of events, highlighting the unpredictable nature of competitive sports. Meanwhile, Caroline Marks powered through the quarterfinals, proving that the competition is as fierce as the waves themselves. Regardless of the outcome, each surfer will be contributing to the legacy of surfing in Tahiti, a location renowned for both its breathtaking beauty and treacherous waters.

As locals fight to protect their environment from the impact of the Olympic Games, the surfers are equally invested in showcasing their skills while honoring the unique culture and landscape around them. It’s a thrilling intersection of sport, nature, and community that defines this extraordinary chapter in Olympic surfing history.

Did you know that Teahupo'o boasts waves that can reach over 25 feet and are often considered among the heaviest in the world? Local surfers refer to the waves as "the best in the world" but know all too well that they require immense respect and skill to navigate safely. Also interestingly, the environmental concerns raised by locals have brought global attention to the importance of sustainable practices in sports and tourism, paving the way for a new era of responsibility at such prestigious events.