Vaast, Colapinto Shine as Tahiti Pro Gets Underway

The Lexus Tahiti Pro commenced on Thursday, showcasing impressive performances amidst massive, flawless waves at Teahupo'o. Among the standout surfers was Kauli Vaast, the Olympic gold medalist from Tahiti, who excelled in his home break. Griffin Colapinto of California also delivered a stellar performance, navigating the challenging tubes.

Teahupo'o, the location for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, once again provided exceptional conditions for the world's elite surfers. The event marks the final competition of the regular season. The top five male and female surfers at the season's conclusion will secure a spot in the World Surf League's one-day Finals in Fiji later this month.

Vaast, competing on the challenger series, received a wildcard entry and consistently tackled the most formidable waves. He achieved a combined score of 16.30 out of a possible 20. Expressing his ambition, Vaast, who previously reached the final of the championship tour event in 2022, stated his desire to win. He also acknowledged the support of his team.

Italo Ferreira, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist and reigning Tahiti Pro champion from Brazil, also shone in the initial heat. However, Colapinto secured the highest heat score of the day, earning 18 points for his impressive rides. The surfer from San Clemente had been anticipating the larger surf leading up to the event, describing the waves as some of the best he had ever ridden. He emphasized the fulfillment of riding such waves and his enthusiasm for competition.

Jordy Smith of South Africa, currently ranked second in the world, narrowly avoided elimination. However, Kanoa Igarashi of Japan, the Tokyo 2020 silver medalist, faced defeat in the elimination round, potentially impacting his chances of reaching the Finals in Fiji. Filipe Toledo of Brazil, a two-time world champion, also lost in the elimination round, ending his hopes of making the top five.

The women's competition is set to begin, with 12-year-old Kelia Gallina making history as the youngest competitor ever in a world championship tour event. Gallina, who began surfing at Teahupo'o at a young age, won the trials event and will compete against Molly Picklum of Australia and Lakey Peterson of California in the first round.