The South Pacific is open for business.
Recently, the first major swell of the Southern Hemisphere season arrived in Tahiti, sending Teahupo’o into overdrive and producing the kind of terrifying footage that reminds everyone why the wave remains one of the most feared and revered waves on Earth.
One clip, in particular, quickly went viral.
Shot from the channel, the footage shows surf photographer Guy Mac positioned frighteningly close to the action as a giant Teahupo’o barrel detonates nearby. The wave, ridden by local legend Matahi Drollet after being towed into position by fellow Tahitian Tavaitoa David, throws an enormous plume of spit directly into the channel.
The blast hits Guy Mac like a freight train. Or a massive oceanic loogie.
For a moment, the photographer disappears completely beneath the explosion of water and spray as the barrel unloads. The clip has since spread rapidly across social media, offering a rare perspective on just how much power Teahupo’o can generate when a swell pushes into the 20-foot range.
Related: How Is This Real? Mutant Tahitian Slab Wave Defies Logic (Video)
Fortunately, by all accounts, Guy Mac emerged unharmed.
The viral moment was only one chapter in a memorable run of surf.
Elsewhere during the swell, rising Fijian standout James Kusitino endured one of the heaviest wipeouts of the swell. Footage from the session shows the stylish young charger taking the full force of a massive Teahupo’o lip directly onto the head after hitting the eject button upon takeoff. The wave’s impact was enough to make even seasoned observers wince. Luckily, he emerged after the wipeout throwing peace signs, indicating that he was okay.
For surfers across the Pacific, the swell also marked an important seasonal milestone.
Every year, the first significant Southern Hemisphere pulse provides a preview of what’s to come for Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. This swell’s journey began deep in the South Pacific before lighting up Tahiti and continuing its march north.
As Surfline explained: “Our storm pulled together in the southwest corner of the Pacific, backed by strong high pressure support over New Zealand and generating seas in the 40 to 45’ range. This swell already made a stop in Tahiti, deliver a few days of pumping surf, and will give Hawaii’s southern shores the biggest surf they’ve seen so far this year before eventually moving into Southern California.”
If the opening act in Tahiti is any indication, summer is officially on the way.
Related: Shane Ackerman Faces Mutant Slab From Hell in All‑Time Wipeout Reel (Video)
Original Post from this site