While the serene beaches of southern France attract sun-seekers, their calm waves often fall short for surfers craving the thrill of big breaks. That is why the Olympic surfing events are being held in Tahiti, a world away from Paris. However, the distance hasn't dampened the excitement of the Kiwis competing, writes 1News reporter Henry McMullan.
It's not easy to intimidate a seasoned surfer, but Teahupo'o in Tahiti manages to do just that.
With 3- to 7-metre barrelling waves crashing onto a shallow reef, it's a formidable break.
New Zealand surfer Billy Stairmand described the wave's fear factor as intimidating.
"A lot of people get hurt out there. The name, Teahupo, means 'ball of skulls,' which can be intimidating."
Saffi Vette, another New Zealand surfer, said self-belief is key to success in Tahiti.
"Have the courage to tackle these waves. Any hesitation can lead to a bad outcome. It's a heavy wave where anything can happen, and it can either make or break you."
Saffi Vette and Billy Stairmand are representing New Zealand in surfing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. (Source: 1News)
Our two Olympic surfers are currently living on a boat in Tahiti where they are studying the break and learning from locals.
"I feel like it does give them a slight advantage, obviously, growing up here and having this wave as their home break," said Vette.
"We've spent so much time here and gaining the respect from the locals here and really getting to know this beautiful place. It's one of those waves that your heat can change in a second, you can get the best wave out there with the last minute of a heat and change the whole situation."
The Kiwi pair are fired up and ready to take centre stage.
"The fizz levels are high. We're looking forward to putting on our rashies and obviously wearing the fern on our chests," said Stairmand.
"That's pretty important to us, so I really wanna go my hardest out there and do my best, but definitely going for one of those medals."
Meanwhile, in Paris, 16,000 kilometres away, surf enthusiasts are gearing up to watch the Olympics.
With the nearest surf beach an eight-hour drive away, a man-made wave is the closest the Paris surf community can get to the action.
Corentin Bouchenoire, a local surfer, shared his excitement: "I'm very excited to watch the Olympic surfing games here in Paris with my friends. We're planning a small party with food and drinks."
Jean Baptiste, another Paris surfer, said the inclusion of surfing adds new viewers to the Olympics.
"It's cooler to have surfing and skateboarding in the Olympic Games because they represent a sense of freedom and peace."
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