Did you know a guy owns Teahupoo? | NO CONTEST OFF TOUR

Surfers around the world have long held Tahiti close to their hearts. Not only is the Polynesian island nation home to one of surfing’s most beautiful cultures, it also houses one of surfing’s most famous, feared and intimidating waves. Ever since the mind blowing 1998 Gotcha Pro first put Teahupo’o on the map surfers have been fascinated with the ferocious reef break known as “The Wall Of Skulls”. As well as an endless competition highlight reel some of the greatest waves of the past 25 years have been ridden in Tahiti, powered by both paddle and PWC.

In 2024 Teahupo’o will be thrust into the wider global sporting spotlight, after France declared the notorious South Pacific reef pass would become the host surfing venue. Not only will the eyes of the world be focussed on the incredible beauty above and below sea level, but on the people and the way of life that make Tahiti so special. If conditions collude next August the images will be beamed around the world, and the tiny town could change forever.

In the latest episode of No Contest, host Ashton Goggans makes the trans-Pacific pilgrimage to Teahupo’o, the little fishing village that punches above its weight in surfing circles, to run a microscope over the impact the Games will have on this patch of paradise. After touching down in Papeete he connects with modern surfing powerhouses Kauli Vaast, Michel Bourez, Vahine Fierro and Eimeo Czermak, meets the man who can lay claim to first surfing at The End Of The Road, local “Godfather” Peva Levy, and connects with two of the area's favourite modern hosts, Tereva David and Tahurai Henry, to tap into the mana of the islands and find out what makes Tahiti tick.

This special episode of No Contest comes at an important time in the life of one of surfing’s most special corners. We hope you enjoy watching the show as much as we enjoyed pulling it together. 

Kauli Vaast passing through The Landes

When he is not traveling the planet for competitions, Kauli divides his time between Tahiti and the Metropolis. If the bird is difficult to find, it is always a pleasure to see it surfing and to be able to chat a little.

Some time ago, at the end of spring, we took advantage of his visit to the Landes to spend some time with him. If a more substantial project should soon see the light of day, here is while waiting for a few snippets of what happened in the water that day.

A lambda session for a surfer who is not.