"After 2 years I am happy to be back on Maui, this time with the F-One America team. I flew from Tahiti two days after I scored a huge swell. It takes about 5 days for a swell like that to hit the shores of the Hawaiian Islands. I knew the timing would be good. The question was which spot to go to and if the wind would be there. I've seen lots of pictures and videos from windsurfers riding some lefts on Maui, and as a goofy footer, I always wanted to ride them but never had the right conditions before. This time around the conditions all lined up: south swell, good trade winds and sun!
We made our way to the spot. In the beginning the wind was not so strong and we were not sure if it was rideable. But after waiting a bit, the wind came on a bit stronger and we went out and caught as many waves as we could.
The conditions were really nice. I was accompanied by local F-One ambassador Christian Barcellos, with side-offshore wind and some good sets over 5 feet. The atmosphere was quite special, we were riding surrounded by lava landscape so falling was not allowed!
I was using a Strike 4.2m + Phantom 740 and 85 carbon HM mast + 4’7 board. I had a blast and I hope you will enjoy the edit made by Jackson McMuldren."
Have you ever listened to a professional surfer talk about his very first experience at Teahupoo?
Teahupoo is not only a wave, it is a myth. Every single surfer in the world wishes to be able to drop into this beast, but being a good surfer is not always enough.
Sharing those moments with Ian just makes us realize how intense it is to paddle out there. You just have to look at Ian’s face to feel the adrenaline going through his body. Ian went to Tahiti not only to surf Teahupoo but as he mentions, "to become a better surfer." Everyday -- watching, adjusting, being calm and precise… Ian takes us with him on this journey.
