“Postcard perfect”
Teahupo’o is probably the most “postcard-perfect” wave of all the world’s “postcard-perfect” waves — more so than even Pipeline, I’d argue. And like many other iconic waves, you can spot an image of a Teahupo’o tube without any landmarks or identifying factors. You just know it when you see it; a lip as wide and thick as the barrel itself; one that throws so far in front of the wave face that the tube is wider than it is tall; the way most of it drops below sea level from just about any vantage point; the way we inevitably look down on any surfer from a shoulder that seems to be only a few feet from the foam ball at any given moment. They’re all distinct characteristics you can’t find anywhere else.
The Chopes hype is still riding off an incredible combo swell that happened to fall during this year’s Championship Tour contest window. Add in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics contest set for Teahupo’o in late July and the wave’s profile is currently higher than ever.
As usual, Tim Bonython made his way to Tahiti along with the (combo) swell. As somebody who’s pointed a camera at the wave countless times, Bonython understands the best opportunities, conditions, swell directions, and positioning for getting the best shots at Teahupo’o. He’s seen all the wave’s moods and this particular day he came fresh off a flight and into the channel for what turned out to be a “postcard-perfect” day — as good as it gets.
“We’ve been just absolutely spoiled shitless,” he jokes. “So many amazing rides. Teahupo’o is just exactly what you want it to be. No winds. Incredible colors. Sun’s out. The surfing is as good as it can be. (It’s) the world’s best wave. People ask me which is my favorite wave to shoot, I’ve gotta say this place. This place is the place to be when it’s over 10 feet. And today it’s over 10 feet. It’s just nonstop. It’s too good.”
