Matahi Drollet Puts on Another Teahupo’o Masterclass (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By August Howell | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 9:33 PM ET

It’s wild how one surf session can be so good for one person and so horrific for another. For Tahitian local Matihi Drollet, June 3 started like a dream. One of those solid, drop-everything days at Teahupo’o. Not the biggest ever, but clean and heavy and with a solid groundswell. Just the way he likes it.

But this was also the session where UK surf legend Tom Lowe nearly died on the reef. Had it not been for Sage Burke and Vetea David, the tone around this day would be heavier than it already is. Fortunately, Tom is in stable condition in a Tahitian hospital, and we can now take stock of just how ridiculous these waves were.

Matahi was already considered a master at this reef at 17 years old. What does that make him now at age 27? A wizard? A czar? An omniscient barrel-whisperer? Regardless of title, Matahi is consistently on the cleanest and squarest orbs that come through Teahupo’o. He never appears rushed on the drops and looks criminally at ease in the most critical places.

Hit play, sit back and take notes. While waves like this are out of the question for most surfers, Matahi's technique on late drops and deep tubes can theoretically be applied anywhere. Goofy or regular, we should all put pen to paper.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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