A Monster Energy preview of the 2024 Shiseido Tahiti Pro
Teahupo’o is an other-worldly wave that sits a half mile offshore of Tahiti-Iti — the small peninsula on the southern end of the island.
Location, Location, Location
Teahupo’o is an other-worldly wave that sits a half mile offshore of Tahiti-Iti — the small peninsula on the southern end of the island. This wave is often wider than the wave is tall, and the sharp reef sits mere feet beneath the surface. Surfers have died here. So why is it one of the most popular big barrels in the world, as well as this year’s Olympic surfing venue? Because the view from inside that barrel — looking out to a cheering crowd in the channel, with towering green peaks in the distance — is mind blowing. And with the mid-season cut behind us and a ton of swell on the way, the CT and its surfers are poised to absolutely score this year. And when “Chopes” is doing its thing, there’s literally no better show on earth.
Grab a seat. Settle in. The Teahupo’o freak show is about to begin.The 2024 Shiseido Tahiti Pro runs from May 22 - 31. Tune into worldsurfleague.com to cheer on the Monster team!
Monster Threats
Ethan Ewing: After breaking his back here last year, he’s a comeback story waiting to happen.
Bettylou Sakura Johnson: Few will be as comfortable in the Polynesian punch as BSJ.
Crosby Colapinto: He’d never been to Chopes, but showed up early to practice and got the best wave of the day on the best warm-up day. Kid’s a natural.
Gabriel Medina: He’s one of the most consistent and lethal competitors at this venue. Smart money is on this man.
Seth Moniz: Riding the momentum from his 3rd in West Oz, Seth’s tube-riding prowess could see him into the finals.
Yago Dora: Having just barely made the cut, Yago’s got something to prove and has a natural knack for Teahupo’o.
Two questions:
How’s the forecast? Playful for the start, and potentially epic during the back half of the waiting period.
Who’s practicing for the Olympics? Gabe and Ethan will be repping their countries (Brazil and Australia, respectively) for the Paris Olympics, which, in a genius move, will leverage their French Polynesian territory as a satellite locale for the games in July.