A powerful southwest swell delivered flawless 10-foot waves to the legendary break at Teahupo’o on Monday, drawing elite local and international surfers to one of the most revered surf spots on Earth. Amid dramatic rides, perilous wipeouts, and a near-tragedy averted, the day offered both high-performance surfing and a stark reminder of the ocean’s unforgiving power.
The swell, marked by thick, heaving sets, created ideal — if treacherous — conditions at the iconic reef pass. Despite overcast skies and minimal wind, brief bursts of sunlight added an ethereal quality to the scene as surfers capitalized on the clean, barreling waves.
Local surfers led the charge. Tahitian charger Matahi Drollet showcased unmatched composure, threading deep barrels with seemingly effortless precision. Fellow Teahupo’o native Eimeo Czermak committed to the heaviest set waves, repeatedly throwing himself over critical ledges. Meanwhile, Gilbert Teave earned praise for taking off deeper than anyone else, pulling into waves that many others opted to avoid.
“The locals were absolutely dominating,” one observer noted. “They knew the reef, the swell, and the rhythm of the break like no one else.”
Joining the local talent were visiting big wave surfers including Jacob Turner and Makana Pang from Hawai‘i, both of whom impressed with their fearless approach.
But the day was not without serious consequences. One surfer suffered a severe gash to his shin after a brutal encounter with the reef and was rushed to the hospital.
More alarming still was a near-fatal accident involving British surfer Tom Lowe. After taking off on a west bowl wave and failing to surface, Lowe was knocked unconscious after impacting the reef and took multiple waves on the head. Swift action by veteran waterman Vetea David, who was on safety duty, proved lifesaving. David spotted Lowe floating unresponsive in the lagoon and pulled him to safety with the help of Sage Burke. The pair administered CPR on the sled of a jet ski, successfully reviving him.
“Tom is incredibly lucky,” one eyewitness said. “Without that immediate response, it could have been a very different story.”
The incident underscored the very real dangers of surfing Teahupo’o on days of consequence. Even for the most experienced, the margin for error remains razor-thin.
Photographer Tim McKenna captured the session from the channel, where the roar of each wave was met with cheers, gasps, and, at times, silence.
Special thanks were extended to McKenna and Teahupo’o Taxi Boat for facilitating the documentation of a day that blended beauty, bravery, and raw ocean power.
