Teahupo’o produced more than its fair share of wild highlights during its last big swell. And none were as viral as the near-disaster when a boat scratched and clawed its way over a cleanup set.
Now imagine you’ve just flown into Tahiti, camera equipment in tow, and you get an invitation from one of the people on that very boat to…well, ride along in another boat the next day. Hawaii’s Marcus Rodrigues strolled right into that very scenario when he was invited onto Tim McKenna’s boat (Tim shared details about his firsthand experience here).
“I was definitely a bit hesitant after seeing what happened to the cameramen the day before,” Rodrigues admits, “but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to film from the best seat in the channel alongside Tim McKenna and some of the best, world-renowned cameramen.”
Accepting the invitation turned out to be a good call.
“The Tahitian locals and visitors pushed the limit with every set that came through,” Rodrigues added, giving nods to local standouts like Kauli Vaast, Matahi Drollet, and others.
The show from the boat featured an all-time paddle session.
“This was the closest I’ve ever been to the waves on a boat at Teahupo’o,” he said. “The waves were super glassy in the eight to 10-foot range with 12-foot sets and absolutely perfect.”
