So far 2019 has been a really good season for waves in Tahiti. For 4 months in the prime season there was many big and clean swells. There is not many options with these kind of swells, as only a couple of breaks can handle that size with tow-in surfing sessions for those that want to chase the biggest waves! The wind has been not too bad with a good synchronicity with the peak of the swells. Not a lot of windsurfing sessions, but most of the time unforgettable days – quality not quantity.
Usually May and June are great and July and August a bit stormy, but there was not too much of that this year. September started out super well with an out of control big windsurfing session on the first week. I’ve had some memorable moments this year like an unsuccessful mission out at sea with Kevin Pritchard, the biggest wipeout of my life and many other good days with friends, but the highlight was a crazy day in August, that day I will never forget!
MASSIVE
I was hungry for a massive Teahupo’o day and during the second week of August the forecast really picked up. Thursday was set to be huge with a very west swell and stormy winds and then Friday more fun, with the swell going down a bit. I work as physiotherapist and osteopath and I have my own business; I had a lunch break on Thursday just long enough to go to ‘Chopes’ (a.k.a Teahupo’o). Going for a big windsurf session at Teahupo’o during your lunch break is a nerve-racking experience and to stand any chance of success, everything would have to be perfectly prepared.
SETUP
So on Wednesday night, after a long day of work, I rigged my magic 4.7 Goya Fringe in the garden and checked my special big wave custom board by master shaper Keith Teboul, the perfect combo to tackle big Teahupo’o.
This story is from the Issue 391 - November December 2019 edition of Windsurf.
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This story is from the Issue 391 - November December 2019 edition of Windsurf.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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