under the mythical surf break of Teahupoo, site of the 2024 Summer Olympics, with photographer Ben Thouard

Toulon photographer Ben Thouard fell in love with Polynesia fifteen years ago. He settled in Teahupoo, a mythical surf spot in Tahiti. The place is world famous with one of the most powerful waves on the planet that bears this name. It is the place chosen to host the surfing events of the 2024 Summer Olympics.

This wave has become his obsession. He photographs it from all angles, then immerses himself in it to admire it from below. That day, he gets up early to prepare his camera, well protected in its waterproof case. On board his small motor boat, he arrives at the site of the giant wave: “That’s really the magic of Teahupoo”he confides to the magazine “1:15 p.m. on Saturday” (replay).

“The wave will always be different”

“There’s no one in the water yet and there are some cool little waves. I think it’s going to be a great day to go see all that turbulence and catch the vortices that you see inside. And there was a moment when I wanted to get out of the image to really only keep the wave”explains the photographer who dives under the surface of the sea in apnea.

“I discovered a fabulous playground with lights, extraordinary movements, textures… You wonder if the water is liquid, ice or metal. I know this little corner of the reef by heart, but the wave will always be different. It’s a bit like a drug. It’s a place where I need to come back, to spend time there, to recharge my batteries. I think I will always have that call.”asserts Ben Thouard.

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