What is the lineup of note in your neighbourhood? And how hard would it be to make some noise out there and gain respect for your wave-riding abilities? It’s a daunting thought for most of us. But what if your local lineup was one of the heaviest and most terrifying waves on the planet?
That’s what the groms of Tahiti face as they move up through the ranks, graduating from the relative safety of the beachbreaks and gentler reef passes, then finally facing the end boss … Teahupo’o.
At just 18-years of age, Eimeo Czermak is still a pup, but his attack at Teahupoo is one far beyond his years. Perhaps it’s the invincibility of youth? Or perhaps, as the opening song in this edit suggests, it’s a voice withing screaming at him to go bigger, harder, get better.
Whatever it is, it makes Eimeo one of the most exciting groms on the planet to watch in heavy waves. Oh, and he's not half bad in the air either.
