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Tracks speaks with the Tahitian wave warrior about life on a predominately English speaking tour, traveling with his girl and who will win the 2010 ASP world tour. |
In this Redbull video you get some amazing waves in Indo, stupid question, good trip?
It was such a good trip, the waves were always fun and the crew were awesome so we had some good memories… I was the only rider from Nike 6.0 as a man – the other surfers were the girl’s, Carissa [Moore], Coco [Ho], Laura [Enever] and Monica. So, it was pretty much a girl trip (laughing). The thing is I could get the biggest sets, and the heaviest one too.
You got some crazy barrels, and launched some big airs over the shallow reef, which do you prefer?
Big barrels are my favourite, but when the section is good, a big air is more than welcome
You’re from Tahiti but Europeans love to claim you as there own, why is that?
I’m from Tahiti of course but I’ve been doing the pro junior in Europe for 2 years so I met a lot of friends there and spend more time there than in OZ or anywhere else. They say I’m European because Tahiti is a French territory.
You’re from a land most of us can only dream of, tell us about growing up and learning to surf in Tahiti?
Growing up in tahiti was the best thing that can happen to a kid,we are surrounded by water so ive been hunging out in the river’s, seas etc. the nature and the people are really nice, everyone one loves surfing and paddling around in canoes. I surf the first time in front of my house in Mataiea when I was 9 or 10 years old with my older brother Naea. My cousin gave us two old broken boards to start with – I remember I had two fins only and it was a 6’2. I have never been to a surf school or anything like that just surfing with friends on the reef breaks. When I graduated from school I went to Europe and OZ to make a couple of pro junior’s to see how I go – I went good, so I kept going till now.
How old were you when you first surfed Teahupoo?
The first time I surfed Teahupoo, I was 14. Teahupoo was too far from where I used to live. It’s easy to break your board too, that is the reason why I did not surf that much when I was a kid. It scared me for the first time because that wave was so strong and perfect, even now it scares me but only when it gets really big. Teahupoo is my favourite one in Tahiti – 6 to 10 foot is the perfect size.
You have moved on from traditional surf companies and have Nike 6.0 and Red Bull as major sponsors. Do you like the point of difference?
I love to be sponsored by Nike 6.0 and Red Bull. They are the two best companies on the surf industry I reckon. They have been pushing me so much to succeed and have sent me into some amazing trip with some of the best surfers in the world. I feel so much confident since I ride for them because I feel like they gave me the chance to leave my dream. My goals are to do better and better each year. I did not make a good result at the Quiky pro, but there is plenty more coming so the race is still on.
What’s it like having English as a second language on a tour predominantly English speaking?
It is ok for me; my English is not that good but I’m improving slowly with the time. Everyone on the tour speak English so I have to learn so I can understand the judge and commentator
What’s your favourite thing to do away from surfing?
Cruise with my girl… Search for waves.
Do you travel with your girlfriend to any events? Which ones and why?
I travel with her when she’s on vacation, she is an elementary school teacher so every five weeks she comes with me. It is really important to me to know that she watching me. It helps a lot.
What would winning a world title mean for you and Tahitian people?
It means the world to me. I never dream about it to win a world title, but if I do win one, I will make the biggest party at home for a week. It would be so good for the future generations of Tahitian surfers too, because they will know that if I made it they are capable of doing it too.
Who do you think (apart from yourself) is looking the best for the 2010 ASP world title?
Taj [Burrow] is pretty much the guy who deserves to win this year. Something has changed in him. He seems ready to get it this year. I think he will.
Which event on the ASP world tour is your favourite?
Tahiti is my favourite event for sure! Home, family, friends, sunny, good-barrels, Tahitian crowd… It’s the perfect contest for me.
Thanks Michel and all the best at Bells mate.
By Col B
Note: HIGH NOON is a new feature here at Tracksmag.com were we talk to surfers of note and interest. From top level professionals to industry insiders, feral legends and vital grommets.
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