Teahupoo: Tahiti's Mythic Wave

In 2000, a new and spectacular wave was “discovered”, created by an unusual reef break off the coast of Tahiti. Within days, this wave–known as Teahupoo–had become a mecca for surfers from around the world who flocked to Tahiti for competitions and to test their mettle against the most terrifying wave ever ridden. In this one-of-a-kind volume, acclaimed extreme-sports photographer Tim McKenna shares with readers a collection of photographs chronicling the beauty, brute force, and unsurpassed surfing opportunities associated with Teahupoo. In the text, the athletes themselves describe the competitions, triumphs and dramas, superhuman exploits and life-threatening risks they have experienced as they tried to conquer this most fascinating wave. Readers hear from such renowned athletes as Hawaiian big-wave legend Laird Hamilton, Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, Shane Dorian, Manoa Drollet, Raimana Van Bastolaer, Vetea David, Malik Joyeaux, Robert Territehau, Jason Polakow, and Mike Stewart, whose first-person anecdotes complement McKenna’s stunning photographs. Taken from boat, helicopter, and beneath the water, these images depict the ruthless beauty of Teahupoo, which, when combined with the lively text, immerse us in an unforgettable encounter with a rare force of nature.

Photographer Tim McKenna has had his work published in numerous magazines and is included in Perfect Waves: The Endless Allure of the Ocean. He lives in Tahiti. Guillaume Dufau has worked as editor of many of the world’s foremost surfing publications and worked with Tim McKenna on Perfect Waves. Jack McCoy is a director and cinematographer.