Olympic Pregame Session Scores Pumping Surf At Teahupo’o (Photos)

Dashel Pierson
·4 min read
This photo gives a very realistic view at the distance between the surf break, the boats in the channel, and the judging tower. The wave itself is intense and short-lived before the whitewater washes over the shallowest part of the reef - then drops off a few feet into the lagoon.
This photo gives a very realistic view at the distance between the surf break, the boats in the channel, and the judging tower. The wave itself is intense and short-lived before the whitewater washes over the shallowest part of the reef - then drops off a few feet into the lagoon.

The countdown has begun. It’s only a mere matter of days until the Paris 2024 Olympics kickoff, and surfing’s second-ever appearance in the Games goes down in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. Already, in the leadup, the locals have shown their dominance at the wave during a heavy warmup session. Since then, the swell has quieted down a bit. Calm before the storm.

Related: Olympic Surfing 101: Everything to Know Before Paris 2024

Now, an air of giddy anticipation looms like the lush mountains surrounding the tiny village at the End of the Road. A handful of international Olympians have already arrived, putting in their practice time at Chopes before the big event, dialing in their boards, and (re)acquainting themselves with the sharp and shallow reef. Will a significant swell show during the July 27th – August 5th window? It’s a little too far out to tell just yet. But in the meantime, that eagerness, that pregame anxiety, that excitement remains. Because, well, the world will be watching.

Related: Tahitian Locals Shine As Teahupo'o Flexes For Olympic Warmups

In the days leading up to the Olympics, the SURFER team will be on-the-ground at Teahupo’o, covering all the action. And the same goes for when the event starts. Stay tuned. For now, here’s a glimpse at the pregame sessions, as seen through the lens of Ryan “Chachi” Craig.

Related: Olympic Surfing Countdown: Daily Dispatches from Teahupo’o

[All photos and captions by Ryan "Chachi" Craig]

Mexico’s Al Cleland Jr. is no slouch in heavy surf with great tube-riding ability and is definitely someone I wouldn’t be surprised to see take a medal in this years Olympics. Especially if the surf gets heavy.
Mexico’s Al Cleland Jr. is no slouch in heavy surf with great tube-riding ability and is definitely someone I wouldn’t be surprised to see take a medal in this years Olympics. Especially if the surf gets heavy.
The Teahupo’o village bus stops are now wrapped with Paris 2024 branding as the entire “End of the Road” is prepping for a global audience later in the month.
The Teahupo’o village bus stops are now wrapped with Paris 2024 branding as the entire “End of the Road” is prepping for a global audience later in the month.
It’s all smiles with Carissa Moore, surfing's one and only female Olympic gold medalist! It’ll be great to watch her compete and try to repeat her gold-winning performance.
It’s all smiles with Carissa Moore, surfing's one and only female Olympic gold medalist! It’ll be great to watch her compete and try to repeat her gold-winning performance.
USA coach Shane Dorian and USA’s Griffin Colapinto fired up on the pregame swell that slammed the islands this past week.
USA coach Shane Dorian and USA’s Griffin Colapinto fired up on the pregame swell that slammed the islands this past week.
Griffin Colapinto looking calm and collected in heavy Teahupo’o surf.
Griffin Colapinto looking calm and collected in heavy Teahupo’o surf.
Jo?o Chianca flew in a couple days too late to catch the peak of last week's swell, but when he arrived he immediately locked in to some of the best waves that Saturday had to offer.
Jo?o Chianca flew in a couple days too late to catch the peak of last week's swell, but when he arrived he immediately locked in to some of the best waves that Saturday had to offer.
Before Kauli Vaast towed in a massive cavern the following morning, he was enjoying what he considers ‘playful’ surf.
Before Kauli Vaast towed in a massive cavern the following morning, he was enjoying what he considers ‘playful’ surf.
All smiles for local boy Kauli Vaast who will represent France In this year's Games.
All smiles for local boy Kauli Vaast who will represent France In this year's Games.
Leo Fioravanti with Mo’orea’s Tikanui Smith assessing the sunrise conditions before heading out.
Leo Fioravanti with Mo’orea’s Tikanui Smith assessing the sunrise conditions before heading out.
Italy’s Leonardo Fioravanti was one of a few Olympians to fly down early to Tahiti to catch last week's swell, and he put on an impressive performance.
Italy’s Leonardo Fioravanti was one of a few Olympians to fly down early to Tahiti to catch last week's swell, and he put on an impressive performance.
The new Olympic tower illuminated against the lush Tahitian mountains of Teahupo’o at sunset.
The new Olympic tower illuminated against the lush Tahitian mountains of Teahupo’o at sunset.
Most all tour boats have been wrapped in Paris 2024 branding and will serve as the official boats during the event hosting competitors and media.
Most all tour boats have been wrapped in Paris 2024 branding and will serve as the official boats during the event hosting competitors and media.
An aerial shot of one of the most picturesque locations in all of surfing and this year's event site for the Paris 2024 Olympics: Teahupo’o Tahiti.
An aerial shot of one of the most picturesque locations in all of surfing and this year's event site for the Paris 2024 Olympics: Teahupo’o Tahiti.
Lots of temporary tents line the shoreline, which I assume will be viewing areas and interactive spots for friends and family during the event.
Lots of temporary tents line the shoreline, which I assume will be viewing areas and interactive spots for friends and family during the event.
The biggest environmental impact of the games was the hotly contested judging tower, and what I am told is the Olympic staff/resident/athlete areas can be seen in this aerial image of the village. What is now an eyesore of white buildings was once a field of taro crops only a few months ago. I’m hoping the Olympics do the community of Teahupo’o a solid and make sure to break-down and replant as much of the natural landscape as possible in the months following the event.
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