At Speed

Matahi Drollet drives through a fast-moving section at Teahupo'o during an August 2025 tow-in swell.

From the channel, the speed of the wave was obvious immediately. Once Matahi set his line beneath the lip, everything began moving at once. The swell drew forward, the section folded and the board accelerated hard across the face.

Matahi reads Teahupo'o differently to most surfers. He knows where to place himself, when to engage and how much speed the wave will allow. Watching him build momentum through sections like this is something you don't forget easily.

At Teahupo'o, hesitation shows immediately. On this wave, there was none.