The first surfer to claim the first ride at Teahupoo was Tahitian Thierry Vernaudon in 1985. A few local friends support his story. The entire island is surrounded by coral atolls, making for exciting surf.

How many surfers have died at Teahupoo?

Teahupoo, Tahiti

The wave looks as if it sucks up the whole ocean even though swells rarely get above 10 feet in height. Since 2000, there have been five recorded deaths.

When did Laird Hamilton surf Teahupoo?

On August 17, 2000, Laird Hamilton was surfing a famous break off Tahiti called Teahupoo. The break at Teahupoo already had a fierce reputation, but on this day, Laird and his friend Darrick Doerner saw a wave approaching unlike anything they had ever seen before or since.