The world’s best surfers have converged in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, for the Tahiti Pro. Due to the unique wave conditions in Tahiti, the first round of the competition has already taken place, and there have been many unexpected outcomes. After WSL officially greenlights ideal wave conditions for the competition, the elimination round and bracket stages have yet to take place. As the site of the 2024 Olympics, surfers at Teahupo’o have been making the most of the opportunity by honing their surfing skills on the waves here until then.

American surfing superstar Griffin Colapinto is preparing for the elimination round by gaining expertise on these challenging waves. However, the surfer has invited his trainer along to this practice of barrel rides so that they may try out some moves before the big competition. Colapinto and his instructor, Tom Whitaker, were filmed while surfing Tahitian swells, and the resulting video quickly went viral online.

Conquering the Tahitian waves before the contest

The present wave situation at Teahupo’o is not ideal for a nice surf, and the WSL does not want to take any chances with the fans. Griffin Colapinto is no different from his fellow surfing stars in keeping their fans entertained while they wait for ideal wave conditions suitable for the WSL contest by uploading numerous videos and photos from their time in Tahiti. Colapinto is ranked third in the WSL and has secured his spot in next month’s Rip Curl Finals; yet, he is still training on Tahitian waves in preparation for the 2024 Olympics and the Tahiti Pro.

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Tom Whitaker, Colapinto’s trainer, is a former surfer who competed in World Surf League tournaments. Colapinto began the Instagram video by performing a barrel while seemingly losing himself in the movement. In addition, he commented, “I love surfing with my coach,” and in the next segment of the video, his instructor, Whitaker, can be seen catching a wave. The surfing coach gracefully barrels down the wave. Colapinto uses the same technique again later in the video. Both surfers have enjoyed their time in the Tahitian waves as they wait for the WSL to declare the main event.

Griffin Colapinto has already secured his spot in the Rip Curl Finals, but instead of sitting this one out, the surfer has opted to compete in the Tahiti Pro in order to rack up some more points before the season ends.

Surfing at SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro

Heat 3 of the first round of the Tahiti Pro featured the battle of three surfers—Mihimana Braye, Griffin Colapinto, and Caio Ibelli—on August 11, 2023, at Teahupo’o. The 35-minute, six-wave fight was completely unexpected. When Mihimana Braye stepped in for an injured Ethan Ewing, he scored a 7.33 in the opening wave, whereas Colapinto could only manage a 5.00.

Braye had a 5.27 in the second wave, while Ibelli started with a 3.00. Colapinto had a 5.67 on his third wave, while Ibelli only managed a 4.67 on his fourth. Both surfers advanced to the elimination round, and Braye is now waiting for his opponent in the Bracket Stages. Once surfing is up and running again in Tahiti, Colapinto will have to compete against Matahi Drollet in a heated elimination round.

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