A daredevil photographer has snapped a series of fascinating shots which reveal what it’s like to surf inside breaking waves at one of the deadliest spots in the world.
With crystal clear waters and inviting scenery, Teahupo’o is a slice of paradise on earth, although its turbulent waters have claimed the lives of several athletes over the years.
Surfer Ben Thouard, 29, has shared his collection of images after swimming into the waves off the south-west coast of Tahiti, in French Polynesia.
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Photographer Ben Thouard, 29, snapped the photos while swimming into the surf at Teahupo’o, on the south-west coast of Tahiti
Teahupo’o is a slice of paradise on earth, although its turbulent waters have claimed the lives of several surfers over the years
The name Teahupo’o loosely translates to ‘place of skulls’ or ‘to sever the head’, references to bloody tribal battles from the island’s past
Photographer shoots incredibly beautiful footage inside waves
Teahupo’o is legendary within the surfing world and has a reputation as one of the most famous and dangerous spots on the planet thanks to waves that exceed 20ft.
To capture his photos, Thouard scouts out particular shapes and the right swell direction, and shoots most of his pictures during the ‘golden hour’ of sunrise or sunset.
Thouard, who’s based in Tahiti, spent his childhood holidays on his family’s sailing boat and was taught how to surf by his brothers when he was just eight years old.
He said: ‘To me waves are like magic – they’re mesmerising. I think this is the greatest creation from Mother Nature which is so beautiful and fascinating.
Teahupo’o has a reputation as one of the most famous and dangerous surfing spots on the planet thanks to waves that exceed 20ft
To capture his photos, Thouard scouts out shapes and shoots most of his pictures during the ‘golden hour’ of sunrise and sunset
Thouard, who’s based in Tahiti, spent his childhood on his family’s sailing boat and was taught how to surf when he was eight years old
‘It happens for just a split second, upsetting the laws of physics and creating captivating shapes which are unique.’
Thouard said the ocean has always been part of his life and it was only natural for it to become his main subject.
He said: ‘I think the best way to photograph nature is to become part of the nature, and so swimming is the best way to feel and capture the energy that can be found out there.
‘Some days I go out there and swim for hours without taking any good pictures, while other days I could shoot a bunch of really pictures in just an hour.
‘It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.’
Thouard has been mesmerised by waves since he was a child and believes they are ‘the greatest creation from Mother Nature’
At least five deaths have occurred at Teahupo’o since 2000, but that hasn’t deterred the world’s best surfers from riding its waves
Thouard has travelled around the world for surfing and windsurfing trips, and hopes to publish a book of his pictures in the future.
With gigantic swells and razor-sharp coral reef just below the water’s surface, Teahupo’o is said to have ‘the heaviest wave on earth’.
Despite the dangers that threaten to cause serious injury or death, the extreme sport’s top athletes have been flocking to the idyllic island for years to conquer monster waves.
At least five deaths have occurred at Teahupo’o since 2000.
The name Teahupo’o loosely translates to ‘place of skulls’ or ‘to sever the head’ – references to bloody tribal battles from the island’s past.