Don't Ride This Wave* *Unless your name is Hamilton, Slater or Moore
Robb Report Singapore|March 2024
The 2024 Olympic surfing competition will be held at Tahiti's Teahupo'o, a monster swell that rears up over a razor-sharp reef. Going for gold could be deadly.
Jen Murphy
Don't Ride This Wave* *Unless your name is Hamilton, Slater or Moore

It's day two of the 2023 Tahiti Pro surf competition. I'm perched on the roof of a VIP boat 122m from Teahupo'o, one of the world's most dangerous waves. Surf icon Kelly Slater has just been swallowed by a heaving wall of turquoise water. I'm so close to the action that when he's finally spit out from the ride, my face gets misted in ocean spray. Below me, Australian Jack Robinson, who will go on to win the event, sits on the edge of the boat performing breathing exercises ahead of his heat. Around me, a flotilla of kayaks, jet skis, surfboards and small vessels bobs in the channel, acting as a floating stadium for fans.

For many of the competitors-and the 1,400-odd residents of the wave's namesake village-this year's contest is a dress rehearsal for an event with a far larger global profile in a few months' time. While many of the world's top athletes will travel to France in July for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the most talented surfers will head here, to the southwest corner of Tahiti island's small peninsula, Tahiti Iti, to vie for gold at Teahupo'o in just the second surf competition in Olympic history.

Olympic officials could have chosen a site off the coast of France, such as the surf towns of Biarritz or Hossegor, but historically, Mother Nature brings more sizeable waves to Tahiti in the summer months. Plus, surfing has deep cultural ties to the region. The sport originated in Polynesia and dates as far back as the 12th century; it was practised by Polynesian royalty. Teahupo'o is also a world-class wave that challenges the mental and physical prowess of even the most experienced competitors. The high risk of surfing this particular spot guarantees thrills that officials anticipate will boost viewership.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2024 من Robb Report Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2024 من Robb Report Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من ROBB REPORT SINGAPORE مشاهدة الكل
Beachfront Paradise
Robb Report Singapore

Beachfront Paradise

Known for its intricate architecture and contemporary structures, Iniala Beach House in Phuket stands as a grand retreat just a few steps away from the shores of Natai Beach.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Emerald Magnificence
Robb Report Singapore

Emerald Magnificence

Embrace the splendours of Hokkaido's natural beauty from a different yet equally majestic perspective at Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
The Real Deal
Robb Report Singapore

The Real Deal

In Guadalajara, one discovers the rise of luxury tequila Volcan de mi Tierra and the passion in bringing forth the highest expression of the spirit.

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
This Month's Feed
Robb Report Singapore

This Month's Feed

Only the best dining and drinking spots in Singapore.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
World Builders
Robb Report Singapore

World Builders

At Bellerby & Co., hundreds of hours are spent crafting globes that don't just depict the planet-they chart, in mesmerising detail, your individual journey or your family's history upon it.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
The Home Of Equine Elegance
Robb Report Singapore

The Home Of Equine Elegance

AWARD-WINNING INTERIOR design studio EightyTwo transforms the essence of comfort, luxury and aesthetic elegance with bespoke home solutions that are crafted to reflect one’s personal tastes and enhance your well-being.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Film-schooled
Robb Report Singapore

Film-schooled

Which Autumn 2024 collection best embodies your sartorial look?

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Lead With Passion
Robb Report Singapore

Lead With Passion

At a glamorous event in Singapore, Tumi launched the Asra collection for Spring/Summer 2024 with the help of South Korean superstar Mun Ka Young.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Bag The Look
Robb Report Singapore

Bag The Look

From utilitarian daily beaters to versatile style statements, here are the latest work bags to elevate your office cachet.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
The Vanity Table
Robb Report Singapore

The Vanity Table

The latest grooming products to know.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024