It’s easy to get caught up in the viral nature of anything wild that happens at Teahupo’o. The wave and its lineup of regulars have churned out so many deep, thick, heart-stopping tubes and moments in recent years that it can all overshadow how well-rounded today’s batch of Teahupo’o headliners are. Names like Kauli Vaast and Mihimana Braye are two that stand out because they’re actively competing for spots on the Championship Tour, yet still find their way into our social media feeds when Tahiti gets hit with a solid swell.
Young Eimeo Czermak is in that same arena. At 19 years old, the kid they all call Meko is noticeably adept at that whole steep and deep routine with his home wave. He has a distinct backside style in big barrels that could only be crafted with a high wave count there. But he’s not exactly a one-trick pony. Meko’s highlights at Teahupo’o are world class, complemented by an impressive set of skills above the lip. Ironically, he’s on the North Shore right now waiting for this year’s Vans Pipe Masters to get the green light — a contest that’s mixed up the traditional Pipe Masters approach in an effort to highlight aerial surfing as much as riding barrels.
