2024-01-13 03:56:47
Athletes selected for the Olympic Games in 2024 have started their training at Teahupoo. On the water, Kauli Vast, Vahine Fierro and Johanne Defay improve their technique. Athletes must know how to analyze the water and master reading the waves before the 4 days of competition, under the caring and precise watch of their coach.
Polynesia the 1st (MLSF), Mélissa Chongue, David Chang • Published on January 12, 2024 at 5:56 p.m., updated on January 12, 2024 at 5:59 p.m.
196 days before the Olympic Games, training is intensifying. No flexibility in the planning of selected surfers. They will have to adapt to any type of wave and weather conditions that will arise during the four days of competition.
“It’s really global training here at Teahupoo, it’s spending the most time in the water, positioning, what type of wave. We also work on what type of boards that go with what type of conditions because we can have all kinds of conditions. This is why you have to spend more time to be able to surf all conditions“, confides Kauli Vast.
“Our training sessions are scattered in different spots. Beach waves, on Teahupoo so you can be ready whatever the conditions. The Teahupoo wave is known for being a perfect wave, intimidating and big but it can also have small days. Kauli and I are the two surfers who have ridden the wave the most among the surfers selected for the Olympics. But the ocean resets everyone a bit so it depends on which wave you’re going to take in the series.“, analyzes Woman Fierro.
“We are not the same, everyone has their own vision, their own approach, it’s good to have everyone. They can all share and we can progress together”
The Reunionnaise Johanne Defay, already registered for the WSL tour, took a vacation here at fenua to enjoy some time with family but also and above all to better tame the wave. “It’s a little easier to read, the peak, where you start. It’s a little more reassuring (…) There, it’s truly heavenly, it’s not very big either, so it’s perfect for testing the boards and having a good time, being comfortable in the water“, explains Johanne Defay.
In the eyes of the French team coach, Hira Teriinatoofa, the presence of Johanne Defay only facilitates the preparation of the three competitors. For him, teamwork has already proven itself in the past. “It’s regarding creating cohesion, and having everyone, we’re not the same, everyone has their own vision, their approach, it’s good to have everyone. They can all share and we can progress together.”, specifies Hira Teriinatoofa, designated as bearer of the Olympic flame during his visit to fenua,
The Olympics aren’t the only priority for our local surfers. Kauli Vast and Vahine Fierro are also preparing for the ISA World Championships which will take place in Puerto Rico from February 24 to March 2.
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