One of the Best Teahupo’o Waves Ever Surfed Is a Photo of the Year Contender

Originally posted on SURFER | By August Howell | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 3:47 PM ET

Jerome Brouillet will forever be associated with one image: the viral kickout of Gabriel Medina at Teahupo’o during the 2024 Paris Olympics. But the Tahiti-based photographer has a deep portfolio of surfing images on his hard drives, and he’s particularly attuned to Teahupo’o’s moods and moments.

On July 28, Jerome was again on a boat in the channel when he pointed his lens and let the shutter fly. This time, it was aimed at Matahi Drollet. The 27-year-old Tahitian has already earned his mantle as one of the most barreled surfers ever to paddle in at this patch of reef. But what happened next surprised even Matahi — a remarkably deep, technical tube ride over a tempestuous foamball.

Just as Matahi made the most of every second, Jerome didn’t miss anything. Click, click, click. The spread was more than just picturesque photos of a beautiful and scary wave. It showcased one of the best ever fully maximizing his ability and doing the type of surfing so few of us are capable of. A line that is more often approached in dreams than in reality. Watch Matahi relive the experience in the video below.

Jerome's photo is one of three finalists in the Big Wave Challenge 5-Hour Energy One Shot Photo of the Year award. Surfers and filmers picked the three nominees from a pool of 24 entries. The winner will be revealed (and take home a $5,000 check) at the award show at the Lido Theater in Newport Beach on September 13.

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

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