Hype can be a peculiar phenomenon. Even when something lives up to expectations, the pre-release buzz can sometimes lead to disappointment. Yet, as humans, we can’t help but get excited. The anticipation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, particularly for surfing’s second-ever appearance, is reaching fever pitch. This historic event will take place at Teahupo’o, Tahiti from July 27th to August 5th.
With the SURFER team on the ground – photographer Ryan “Chachi” Craig and Associate Editor Dashel Pierson – providing coverage leading up to and during the contest, we can’t resist diving into the excitement. We’re surfers, after all, and our enthusiasm is part of our nature. Stay tuned here for daily updates from Teahupo’o as the event approaches.
“This might be the last glassy Teahupo’o lineup for a few days as the predicted onshore flow came on strong just after midday today,” reports Chachi. “Before that, however, the conditions were immaculate, albeit very peaky, more similar to a beach break than the heavy reef pass we’ve all grown to love.”
“The wind eased a bit from Monday, and the sun popped out in the morning,” Chachi continues. “The lineup was fairly mixed up, with south and southwest swells and very low intervals, almost giving it a beach break feel. With the games 10 days out and the forecast still uncertain, it’s anyone’s guess what the waves will look like during the competition window. But many athletes are out there every day, practicing in whatever conditions might arise.”
Despite Tahiti being some 10,000 miles away from the official Olympic venue in Paris, France, the tiny village at the End of the Road is still receiving the Olympic treatment – for better or worse. Competitors are arriving, the swell is down, but the anticipation is high. “Every day, small changes are taking place at Teahupo’o as the Olympic staff hustles to get everything ready before the games,” Craig reports. “Today, they placed Olympic rings in front of the wave statue, which immediately became a hotspot for passersby snapping photos.”
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