Upcoming Surfing Competitions in Tahiti: Key Dates, Entry Requirements & What to Expect

Tahiti is hosting two major surfing competitions in 2025, attracting top talent and surf enthusiasts from around the world. Here’s what you need to know:

• TOA Pro QS 2,000: Held in Papara from 5–10 May 2025, this Qualifying Series event is a key stepping stone for surfers aiming to enter the Challenger Series.
• SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro: Running from 7–16 August 2025 at the legendary Teahupo'o, this Championship Tour stop challenges the world’s best on massive, hollow waves.

Quick Facts:

• Teahupo'o Waves: Known for swells up to 7 metres, famous for their difficulty and beauty.
• Entry Requirements: Championship Tour spots are earned via rankings or wildcard entries, while the Tahiti Trials provide local surfers a chance to compete.
• Spectator Tips: Plan ahead for accommodation, and consider water-based viewing options for the best experience.
• Cultural Etiquette: Respect Tahitian customs like "Mana" and "Tapu", and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the environment.

Whether you’re competing or watching, these events showcase Tahiti's unique surfing culture and world-class waves. Pack your essentials, respect local customs, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.

Paparā is back! The TOA Pro QS 2,000 will kick off the 2025/2026 Hawai’i/Tahiti Nui season

Major Surfing Competitions in Tahiti (2025)

Tahiti, long celebrated as a surfing paradise, continues to dominate the global scene in 2025 with two major events on the professional and qualifying circuits. Following its spotlight moment during the Paris 2024 Olympics, Tahiti remains a must-visit destination for surfers worldwide.

SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro (7–16 August 2025)

The SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro takes centre stage on the Championship Tour, held at the world-famous Teahupo'o break. Known for its towering waves that can reach up to 7 metres, this location is revered by surfers for its challenge and beauty. Local surfer Kauli Vaast captures its essence:

"When it's getting big, it's the heaviest wave in the world for me and the most perfect wave in the world" [2].

Running from 7 to 16 August 2025, this 10-day event has been a cornerstone of the professional surfing calendar for over 20 years. It’s a critical stop for athletes chasing championship points and looking to prove themselves on one of the most demanding waves on the planet.

TOA Pro QS 2,000 (5–10 May 2025)

The TOA Pro QS 2,000 is a key event on the Qualifying Series, held in Papara and featuring both men's and women's divisions. Scheduled from 5 to 10 May 2025, this competition is an early stepping stone for surfers aiming to earn points and qualify for the 2026 Challenger Series [1]. For many, it’s the first step toward climbing the ranks in professional surfing.

These events not only offer competitive opportunities but also solidify Tahiti’s reputation as a global surfing hub.

Olympic Surfing Impact on Tahiti

Tahiti’s status as a premier surfing destination received a significant boost through its role in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Teahupo'o, located over 15,000 km from Paris, was chosen to host the Olympic surfing events as part of an effort to "spread the Games across France" and include French overseas territories in the Olympic narrative for the first time [2]. This historic decision has amplified international interest in Tahiti and its surfing culture.

The table below provides a quick overview of the 2025 competitions:

Competition	Dates	Location	Event Type
TOA Pro QS 2,000	5–10 May 2025	Papara, Tahiti	Qualifying Series
SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro	7–16 August 2025	Teahupo'o, Tahiti	Championship Tour

These events highlight Tahiti's unique ability to attract both rising stars and seasoned professionals, further cementing its place at the heart of the surfing world.

Entry Requirements and Qualification Pathways

Entering Tahiti's major surfing competitions involves navigating specific eligibility pathways. Each event sets its own criteria, ranging from global rankings to local trials, creating opportunities for seasoned professionals and up-and-coming surfers alike.

Championship Tour (CT) Event Eligibility

The SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro, part of the Championship Tour (CT), showcases the world's best surfers, with 32 men and 16 women competing at the highest level [4]. Spots are earned through the previous year's rankings and established qualification systems.

A key route to the CT is the Challenger Series (CS), the qualifying circuit for the Championship Tour. Each year, the top 10 men and top 7 women from the Challenger Series secure their place on the CT for the following season [3]. This ensures that only the most consistent performers across multiple events make it to the elite level.

In addition to the core competitors, each CT event includes four male and two female wildcard entries [4]. These wildcards provide a chance for local talent to compete, with more details on this process covered in the next section.

Wildcard Entries and Local Trials

Wildcard selections follow a structured process overseen by the WSL Commissioner's Office. As explained by WSL Commissioner Jessi Miley-Dyer:

"The WSL Season Wildcards are selected by the WSL Commissioner's Office following applications from athletes. The wildcard selection process takes into account competitive performance, such as World Titles, CT and Challenger Series rankings, and event results, as well as a medical evaluation if applicable" [5].

The Tahiti Trials offer local surfers a direct pathway into the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro. Held at Teahupo'o just before the main event, the winner secures one of the men's wildcard positions. For 2024, the Tahiti Trials took place on 18 and 19 May at Teahupo'o [5].

This pathway has highlighted impressive local talent. Vahiné Fierro, a Tahitian surfer, earned her wildcard entry for the 2024 event by excelling at her home break, including two consecutive third-place finishes at previous Tahiti Pro events [5]. Her success underscores how local expertise at Teahupo'o can open doors to the global stage.

Wildcards have also been pivotal in launching careers. Kauli Vaast, who won gold at the 2024 Olympics at Teahupo'o, first gained attention through a wildcard entry, finishing as runner-up at the Tahiti Pro in 2022 [6]. This performance established his reputation and paved the way for his Olympic triumph.

For surfers aiming beyond the CT, there’s also a separate route to qualify for the Olympics.

Olympic Qualification Pathway

Olympic surfing qualification is managed by the International Surfing Association (ISA), with Tahiti set as the venue for future Olympic events. The process emphasises elite performance and global representation.

To qualify for the Olympics, surfers must compete in both the 2023 and 2024 ISA World Surfing Games [7]. This ensures that competitors demonstrate consistent performance on the international stage. The Olympics feature 24 men and 24 women, with each National Olympic Committee allowed up to 2 surfers per gender (or 3 if they win the ISA World Surfing Games) [7] [9] [10].

The 2024 Olympic qualification highlighted several pathways to Teahupo'o. Connor O'Leary secured his spot for Japan through the 2022 ISA World Surfing Games team quota, while Ethan Ewing qualified for Australia via the 2023 World Surf League rankings. Kauli Vaast earned France's position through the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games - Europe division [8].

On the women's side, Caitlin Simmers represented the USA through the 2022 ISA World Surfing Games team quota, Tyler Wright qualified for Australia via 2023 WSL rankings, and Vahiné Fierro secured France's spot through the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games - Europe [8].

Host nation advantages also come into play, with France guaranteed one male and one female slot unless they qualify through other means [7] [10]. Additionally, universality places are available for eligible nations, provided athletes finish in the top 50 of the 2023 or 2024 ISA World Surfing Games [9].

As ISA President Fernando Aguerre explains:

"Surfing is such a personal, individual expression of performance that it was really important for us to continue to enable the surfers to win the right to qualify based on their own performances" [7].

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What to Expect During the Competitions

Tahiti's surfing competitions deliver top-tier action, featuring everything from Championship Tour heats to Olympic-level performances. Whether you're competing or spectating, understanding the event structure, wave conditions, and logistics is key to making the most of the experience.

Competition Formats and Scoring

In Tahiti, surfing competitions follow a heat-based format where surfers aim to achieve their two highest wave scores. Each wave is rated by a panel of five judges on a scale from 0.1 to 10 [14]. To maintain fairness, the highest and lowest scores are dropped, and the average of the remaining three is used [11][12][14]. A surfer's combined score from their top two waves can total up to 20 points [11].

Judges evaluate performances based on several criteria: commitment, difficulty, innovation, variety, manoeuvre combinations, speed, power, and flow [11][14]. At Teahupo'o, the wave's unique nature shifts the focus heavily towards barrel rides, rewarding deep barrels, critical drops, and smooth execution within the tube [11][12][13].

Erik Krammer, Technical Director for surfing at the Olympics, explains the approach:

"The foundation of judging is based on comparisons with other waves on the day. Those are attached to the judging criteria including commitment, degree of difficulty, drop, size of wave, and critical section" [12].

He also highlights how judges assess barrel rides:

"The judges will look at the amount of travel time in the barrel even if they fall at the end, taking into account the length and difficulty of the wave" [12].

Luli Pereira, the WSL's Director of Officiating and Head Judge, elaborates:

"Normally it's a wave that kind of puts you in doubt that the surfer is going to be able to come out of the barrel" [12].

Penalties for interference can reduce scores [13][14], and judges often use the first significant wave of a heat to establish a scoring baseline [12]. The dynamic nature of Tahiti's waves adds to the excitement and challenges of the competition.

Key Surf Breaks in Tahiti

While Teahupo'o is the undeniable star, Tahiti boasts several world-class surf breaks, each with its own appeal and challenges.

Teahupo'o is the crown jewel of Tahiti's surf scene, hosting Championship Tour events. Vahine Fierro, who won the Tahiti Pro stage of the WSL Championship Tour in May 2024 [16], describes the allure of this iconic wave:

"Once you get a good wave out there, it's almost like you get addicted. The best drug I think you can ever have is to catch a wave at Teahupo'o and then you will forever come back to get in a new one" [16].

Carissa Moore shares similar admiration:

"This is such an extraordinary wave. I really consider it a wonder of the world" [16].

Papenoo, known for its consistent waves and strong currents, offers a more accessible option. It's a favourite among local surf schools and a great spot for beginners, though even experienced surfers must respect the powerful currents [15].

Taharuu Beach stands out with its striking black-sand shoreline and strong surf. The laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery make it a popular spot for both surfers and beachgoers [15].

On the nearby island of Moorea, Haapiti is celebrated for its reliable waves and breathtaking views. It caters to surfers of all skill levels, with wave heights reaching up to 10 feet during the peak surf season from April to October [15]. For the best conditions, plan your surf trip between May and October, during Tahiti's dry season [15].

Spectator Experience and Access

Watching these competitions is as thrilling as participating. However, Teahupo'o's remote location requires some planning. Visitors flock to the island during these events [2], with local communities preparing by extending business hours and even hand-painting road signs to encourage safer driving [2].

For an elevated experience, VIP packages for the Tahiti Pro offer perks like private viewing boats, on-water event access, and daily transport [17]. Considering Teahupo'o's isolated setting, water-based viewing options provide an unmatched perspective.

For those unable to attend in person, live broadcasts ensure fans worldwide can catch every moment of the action. Tahiti's competitions are not just events - they're unforgettable experiences for surfers and spectators alike.

Respect and Safety Considerations

Tahiti's surfing competitions are not just about the thrill of the waves - they're deeply tied to Polynesian culture and the powerful connection locals have with the ocean. Showing respect for local customs, caring for the environment, and following safety protocols ensures everyone can enjoy these world-class events while honouring the island's rich heritage.

Respecting Tahitian Customs

At the heart of Tahitian culture lies "Mana", a spiritual energy believed to flow through all things. As one cultural guide explains:

"The primary essence of cultural etiquette in Tahiti is 'respect for the Mana', which translates to a spiritual power or essence present in every entity, including people, places, and nature." [18]

This philosophy calls for mindfulness, particularly during major events. Simple gestures, like learning a few basic phrases - "Ia Orana" (hello) and "Māuruuru" (thank you) - can go a long way in showing appreciation. Visitors are encouraged to follow local cues in social interactions; for instance, cheek kisses might be customary, but it's best to let locals take the lead.

Respecting "Tapu" (taboos) is equally important. Avoid stepping over food, touching someone's head without permission, or taking photos of people or sacred sites without asking. When attending cultural events or visiting sacred places, dress modestly. Women might wear a pareo, while men could opt for longer shorts or trousers. If invited to someone's home or a community gathering, bringing a small gift offered with both hands is a thoughtful gesture, and a heartfelt "thank you" often holds more value than tipping.

This respect naturally extends to caring for Tahiti's environment, which is an integral part of the local way of life.

Eco-Friendly Event Practices

Honouring Tahiti's culture also means safeguarding its pristine environment. With tourism and large-scale events putting increasing pressure on natural resources, the surfing community has embraced sustainability. Traditional surfboard production, for instance, generates considerable waste [19]. Opting for boards made from materials like wood, cork, bamboo, or paulownia, and wetsuits crafted from Yulex, Ariaprene, or recycled materials, can help reduce environmental impact.

Coral reefs, vital to Tahiti's ecosystem, need special care. Using reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding harmful chemicals like octinoxate and oxybenzone, and participating in beach clean-ups are small but meaningful ways to help. Reducing single-use plastics and choosing sustainable transport options further supports these efforts.

Local conservation initiatives also play a key role. For example, the ECOBOARD Project by Sustainable Surf has certified around 500,000 surfboards since 2012, ensuring they meet sustainability standards. Michael Stewart, Cofounder of Sustainable Surf, highlights the cultural roots of this approach:

"Native Hawaiian culture that gave the gift of surfing to the world, originally infused sustainability and regeneration into all facets of surf culture. It was simply another expression of their own deeply sustaining cultural traditions that truly valued the health of the land, the sea and their own communities." [19]

Choosing locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators not only enriches your experience but also supports Tahitian communities, keeping the economic benefits close to home.

Water Safety and Rescue Protocols

Teahupo'o is famous for its massive, challenging waves, but these waves come with risks - it has tragically claimed the lives of at least five surfers [22]. To manage these dangers, comprehensive safety measures are in place.

Highly trained local water safety teams are always on hand. These professionals know Teahupo'o's waters intimately. As Michel Bourez, a local French Polynesian surfer, explains:

"They're like guardian angels. They actually put their life on the line as well to come and rescue you." [20]

Puatea Ellis, a water safety worker for the Paris Olympics in Tahiti, echoes this sentiment:

"Water safety isn't just for the surfers. It's my job to keep everyone safe." [20]

Safety measures include daily ocean condition briefings and constant monitoring from observation towers [20][21]. Jet ski rescues equipped with sleds are on standby to respond quickly to emergencies. Pascal Luciani, Surfing Sport Manager at Teahupo'o, highlights the expertise of these teams:

"They know the place, they know exactly what to do when we have an athlete in bad condition in the water, and they know how to take him out of the impact zone [the area where the wave breaks]." [21]

Protective gear, like helmets, is also encouraged. During training for the 2024 Paris Olympics at Teahupo'o, French surfer Johanne Defray fell onto coral, requiring four stitches. Thankfully, her helmet helped minimise the injury [22].

Emergency response systems coordinate efforts across multiple agencies, ensuring swift action when needed. Spectators are advised to familiarise themselves with evacuation routes and safety procedures, especially if viewing from boats or remote locations. While big wave surfing will always carry risks, these measures reflect the careful planning and dedication to safety that define Tahiti's premier surfing events.

Preparing for Your Tahiti Surf Experience

Whether you're gearing up to compete in the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro or simply heading to Teahupo'o to witness its legendary waves, being well-prepared can make all the difference. From packing the right essentials to navigating local logistics, here's what you should know before diving into your Tahiti adventure.

Packing Essentials

A successful surf trip to Tahiti starts with the right gear. Bring your surfboard, reef-safe sunscreen, a rashguard or light wetsuit, and reef shoes. If you're planning to tackle Teahupo'o’s larger waves, a helmet is a smart addition. Don’t forget a first-aid kit to handle reef cuts or sunburn.

If flying with Air Tahiti Nui, you’ll be pleased to know they allow one piece of sports equipment - including surfboards - up to 23 kg for free, as long as it’s in a single bag no longer than 250 cm. Ensure your gear is packed securely, and be prepared to sign a liability waiver.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

It’s wise to book your accommodation and transport ahead of time. Flights land at Faa'a International Airport in Papeete, and from there, you can take a taxi (around 2,500 XPF, approximately $23) or a public bus (200–300 XPF, about $2–$3 per ride). For exploring beyond Papeete, the Air Tahiti Pass offers flexible island-hopping options.

Accommodation in Tahiti ranges from luxury overwater bungalows starting at about $880 per night to more budget-friendly guesthouses, typically priced between $110 and $220 per night. For a more authentic experience and local surf insights, consider staying at a pension - a family-run guesthouse that offers a closer connection to the local way of life. Once you’re settled, give yourself time to adjust to the warm, tropical climate so you can fully enjoy your time in the water.

Acclimatising and Surf Preparation

Tahiti’s dry season, from May to October, is the ideal time to visit, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Before diving into the challenging waves of Teahupo'o, consider warming up at other surf spots. The north shore, from Mahina to Papeno'o, offers excellent practice waves, while Plage de Ahonu is perfect for beginners looking to refine their skills. Local surf schools are also available to help you get comfortable and make the most of your time on the water.

Practical and Cultural Considerations

Learning a few basic phrases in French or Tahitian can go a long way in showing respect and connecting with locals. Alongside your surf gear, pack light cotton long pants and long-sleeved shirts to ward off mosquitoes. After each session, rinse your board and wetsuit with fresh water to keep them in top condition in the tropical climate. These small but practical steps can help you fully embrace the Tahiti surf experience and make it unforgettable.

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