Trip to Tahiti: Chasing the Wave of My Dreams

It all started with a simple question:

“Where would you like to spend your next birthday?”

Without hesitation, I answered:

“In Teahupo’o, Tahiti.”

Because there, right there, is the wave of my dreams.

Months later, the universe conspired. I received an invitation to participate in a trip to Tahiti with a crew that was going to film a body surf movie in some of the most photogenic places on the planet. They asked me if I wanted to surf and help with the filming. The ticket was paid for; I only had to cover my food and lodging.

I didn’t think twice: I said yes, and so the adventure began.

The Idea of the Trip

The purpose was clear: to train on barreling waves, connect with the local culture and people, and above all, elevate my surfing skills on more technical and challenging waves.

It was a mix of spiritual journey, physical training, and filmmaking experience.

Tahiti is a place that teaches you from day one—not just how to surf better, but how to live more presently, more in tune with nature.

The Culture, the People, and the Food

The first thing that surprised me was the spirit of the people.

Tahitians are incredibly generous, peaceful, and humble. They greet each other by pressing their foreheads together, like a kiss to their third eye, their spiritual vision.

They live at a more relaxed pace, everyone knows each other, and they welcome you with a genuine smile. They have that something that makes you feel comfortable and at ease.

Tahitian food is another journey in itself.

My favorite dish was poisson cru, raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk—an explosion of freshness and flavor. They eat a lot of fish, local tubers, and there's also a strong French influence: baguettes, croissants, pastries, and Mediterranean dishes.

What's most special is the quality of the ingredients: everything is fresh, natural, and full of life. Eating in Tahiti is a sacred experience.

The Wave: Teahupo’o

And of course, Teahupo’o.

That wave I had seen so many times in videos was now right in front of me.

I was lucky enough to surf it several days—some with 4- to 6-foot waves, others with 6- to 8-foot waves—and each session was unique.

The wave is powerful, fast, and perfectly cylindrical.

Its barrel is so big you could imagine a house inside. The water is a pristine, crystal-clear blue, with mesmerizing hues. But it's also a demanding and dangerous wave: the reef is close, very shallow, and the ocean's energy there is raw, unfiltered.

When the sun hit the water, the rays reflected off the wave with an almost blinding brilliance.

Standing in front of Teahupo'o is to witness the pure beauty and power of the sea.

Another wave I loved was Taapuna, with its own magic and rhythm, perfect for honing my technique and enjoying the flow. One of my best sessions on my trip to Tahiti was at Taapuna with my bodyboarder friend Sarah. One morning the wave was incredible; it was just the two of us, a couple of locals in the water, and some cameramen. That day we managed to catch several good waves, and some of them filmed us, which was a lot of fun. I'm super grateful to Sarah, who was very kind and took me swimming with manta rays and sharks. She showed me her favorite waves and took me to eat at delicious local spots for poke bowls, pizza, and ice cream.

The Economy: Tahiti isn't Cheap

Tahiti is an island, and that's reflected in the prices. Everything costs two to three times as much as in other places, but the quality is worth it.

For example, lodging in Teahupo’o can cost around $40 per night in a shared hostel.

For food, you can expect to spend between $50 and $80 per day, although if you cook for yourself, you can cut that in half.

The key is to plan, travel with other travelers, and adapt to the local pace.

What Tahiti Has Taught Me

The greatest lesson was simple yet profound:

You have to dare to live your dreams.

I had dreamed of visiting Teahupo’o for ten years, and finally that dream came true.

I surfed big, barreling, heavy waves… and with each one, I broke not only a physical barrier, but also a mental one.

I understood that the only limit is the mind, and that our limiting beliefs are the real obstacles.

When you trust in your power, work with discipline, and maintain faith, magic happens.

Sometimes dreams take time, but they always come true—you just have to keep showing up, be there when the universe says, “It’s your turn.”

Concepts That I Take Away

• Spirit of the people: generosity, humility, and unity

• Amazing, pristine natural environment: pure, untouched, and vibrant nature

• The shape and energy of the waves: perfect, powerful, sacred

• Strength, color, reef: everything in balance, everything with purpose

• Language & culture: French and Tahitian, a blend of sweetness, respect, and island rhythm

• Where the Aloha Spirit truly lives

In Short

Tahiti isn't just a surf destination—it's a gateway to a more authentic version of yourself.

There, between the ocean and the mountains, between the barrels and the smiles, I understood that life is about flowing, trusting, and daring to dream big.