SURFER Guide Teahupo'o: Tereva David & Tahiti Surf Experience

It runs in the family too, like his Uncle Vetea David, aka "Poto", a renowned waterman who was one of the first surfers at Teahupo’o and leads the Tahitian Water Patrol to this day. Tereva owns and operates the Tahiti Surf Experience and works alongside his brother Dorence, and cousin Hanui David, together they provide lessons, guiding, and coaching to surfers, both local and foreign, of all levels. This past year Tereva played host and coach to a group of ISA surfers preparing for the Olympics, including stand outs like Al Cleland Jr, Alonso Correo, and Brisa Hennessy.

If you’ve been dreaming of a surf trip to an exotic place with warm water and absolutely incredible surf, going to Tahiti and linking up with Tereva should be at the top of your list. While some may consider Tahiti a ‘mainstream surf destination’, it’s not to be mistaken for just another surf spot. Sure, it has played host to professional competitions for decades (including the most widely watched event of the Paris Olympics), but it holds a surf culture unique to anywhere. 

The lineups are usually small, and very intimate, with most locals having known each other since childhood. Each surfer that joins a session paddles up to everyone to make eye contact and say “Iaorona” (hello). Even if the lineup is widely spread out they’ll still look around and acknowledge everyone with eye contact, a wave or slight bow of the head. It may sound like a simple thing but it is actually quite radical in the modern world of surfing where hoards of people descend on any break they please without much regard to the locals or to each other. In Tahiti, Respect is King. 

As for getting to surf with Tereva, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Sure, you could save some money trying to figure it out on your own. Or, you could support a local legend and paddle out as a welcome guest. Not only would be introduced to his family and friends–including surfers like Kauli Vaast, Tahurai Henry, Michel Bourez, Eimeo Czermak, Hau Mana–you’ll be surfing in the right spot for your skills, guaranteed. Want to find a mellow wave to warm up on? No problem. Want to learn how to position and drop into the wave of your life at Teahupo’o? Boom, Tereva’s got you covered. 

His knowledge obviously extends beyond the local breaks too, whether it’s finding a nice snack or a gourmet meal, Tereva knows all the chefs, fisherman, and aunties who serve up the best food. His close friend, Heimana Hall, was the chef for the US Olympic Team when they came to town, and offers a not-to-be-missed food tour in Papeete and neighboring Moorea, aptly named Tahiti Food Tours (featured alongside Tereva in Red Bull's No Contest, Tahiti) . Heimana weaves the history of Tahiti with an epic array of local foods–a blend of French, Chinese, and indigenous Polynesian ingredients–that will make you feel like you’re a way cooler version of Anthony Bourdain (because you get to surf). 

With direct flights to Papeete from LA, SF, Seattle, and Honolulu, getting there is actually easier than you’d think. My advice would be to spend at least a few days getting to know the main island and then a few more on Moorea too, easily reached by an afffordable high-speed ferry that leaves multiple times a day. If you’ve got your eyes set on Bora Bora, or some other island, Tereva is still your guy–he’s connected to all the best surfers on all of the islands. If you’re interested in really scoring, you can fly into Papeete and let him make the call from there–maybe you’ll score some outer island you never even knew existed.

With Tereva as your guide, everything becomes easier–no need for a rental car or boat taxis as he can offer transportation to and from anywhere on the island and has an amazing boat for getting out to the reef (sparing you the long paddles from shore). Catch the wave of your life? Boom, crack a cold Hinano back on the boat and soak in the sight of the beautiful Mount Orohena rising more than 7,330 feet above the turquoise seas. 

There are no hotels at the end of the road, but if you want to stay in Teahupo’o village we recommend Tahurai’s homestay for a true taste of the Tahitian surf culture. If they’re full, there are other homestays nearby, just ask Tereva. Or, if you’re traveling with your significant other and want something more fancy but still close to the village, try the Vanira Lodge. If you want to be closer to town and other amenities, there are plenty of resorts to choose from, we recommend Te Moana. 

To contact Tereva you can message him on Instagram at Tahiti Surf Experience, or through Thermal Travel. Maururu Roa ("thank you very much") to all the Tahitian locals for sharing their paradise with visitors.