Thrills and spills in Tahiti!

Inspiration

Tahiti-French PolynesiaNature and Outdoor ActivitiesCoastal

Derrière les vagues, les montagnes de Tahiti à l'horizon
© Ben Thouard - Derrière les vagues, les montagnes de Tahiti à l'horizon

Reading time: 0 minPublished on 13 February 2024, updated on 16 April 2024

We head to French Polynesia with photographer Ben Thouard, in search of waves, surf, and breathtaking shots.

Le surfeur John John Florence sous une vague à Tahiti
© Ben Thouard - Le surfeur John John Florence sous une vague à Tahiti

Hawaiian surfer John John Florence (world surfing champion in 2016) sizes up the unique Tahiti waves.

Une vague spectaculaire s'abat sous la pluie
© Ben Thouard - Une vague spectaculaire s'abat sous la pluie

Even in the rain, the power of these waves is breathtaking.

Le bleu de l'eau à Tahiti
© Ben Thouard - Le bleu de l'eau à Tahiti

The ocean has a truly mystical side.

Le fracas de la vague
© Ben Thouard - Le fracas de la vague

But it also has a strong character, and I like to be there to witness it…

Owen Wright dans la vague de Teahupoo
© Ben Thouard - Owen Wright dans la vague de Teahupoo

The Australian Owen Wright rides the Teahupoo tube, one of the world's most famous and dangersous waves.

L'écume d'une vague à Tahiti
© Ben Thouard - L'écume d'une vague à Tahiti

As if sculpted by the light, this rising wave creates a unique spectacle for a fraction of a second.

Apnée dans les fonds polynésiens
© Ben Thouard - Apnée dans les fonds polynésiens

Freediver Yoram Zekri explores the Polynesian depths.

La vague de Teahupoo à Tahiti
© Ben Thouard - La vague de Teahupoo à Tahiti

The famous Teahupoo wave in the Havae Passe, with a coral carpet just beneath.

Une vague gigantesque à Tahiti en 2011
© Ben Thouard - Une vague gigantesque à Tahiti en 2011

On 27 August 2011, an exceptional swell created one of the biggest waves ever seen in Tahiti.

By 本恩·图阿尔(Ben Thouard)

Ben Thouard is an aquatic photographer based in Tahiti. A huge fan of the ocean from a very young age, that's where he finds his inspiration and spends most of his time. It's simply where he feels best...

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