5. Teahupoo, Tahiti

Stop # 5
23 Aug - 3 Sep The Billabong Pro Teahupoo, Taiarapu- Tahiti by Jock Barnes

Intro
Armageddon is how many surfers would describe it. No wave on tour provokes as much fear as Tahiti’s end of the road. The history of this event is as a WQS event originally but as the photos started to surface showing its potential it wasn’t long until a sponsor put their hand up to run a WCT out there. No wave has been publicized more than chopes in this last decade and in many respects Teahupoo has set a new benchmark on what the term heavy should mean.
The wave
Once it is bigger than six feet there is only one way to ride this left hand beast and that’s get in fast, pull in deep and get the hell out there. This one is a real proving ground and if there is any little dents or weaknesses in your armor here is where they are going to show. On a positive note it offers without a doubt the most perfect and exhilarating barrel on tour if you’ve got the stomach for it. Teahupoo is the only wave to ever rival pipe as the heaviest wave on tour. Everything will be tested at chopes and that’s why we keep coming back.
Equipment
Boards and plenty of em! Most surfers will bring two or maybe even three board bags to Teahupoo because one wrong move and she’ll snap like an oversized tooth pick.  Most surfers will have a complete range from their usually short board all the way up to a 7’2 or 7’6. Paddle power is half the obstacle and the other half is holding a line inside the barrel. Most surfers will opt for heavy glass jobs, pintails, thicker stringers, mid to full rails and shallow concaves with double concave or vee in between the fins.
Keep your eyes on.
Local trialists, Andy Irons, the Hobgoods, Kelly and local Michel Bourez