When Raimana called Laird, he was preparing to head for Kauai for his first foil session of the season, with an early north swell on the forecast. 
But Raimana wanted him down in Tahiti to enjoy the biggest south swell so far this year and help promote French Polynesia at the same time ! Hard to refuse such an invitation !  
Raimana has been the ambassador for Tahiti Tourism these last few years and a local campaign to promote tourism with the local population is in full force. Who else represents better the Polynesian spirit of 'aloha' than Raimana taking care of his surfer friends around Teahupoo.  
After 11 time world champion Kelly Slater and Jeremy Flores a few weeks ago during the Billabong Pro,  now it's the other high-profile surfing athlete Laird Hamilton who will get the royal treatment in Raimana's amazing World... read more

A taste of paradise, this is what Bixente Lizarazu wanted for his holiday break with his son.  Surf, stand up paddle, whale, shark and ray watching were on the menu for the French 1998 world champion footballer,  now TV presenter for TF1,  who wanted to remain active by getting a taste of Nature's perfection in French Polynesia.  Raimana Von Bastolaer  "Raimana World" was hosting the father and son for this special holiday, making sure they had the best fun in the best conditions in Moorea and Teahupoo.  Tim Mckenna and Tahiti Fly Shoot were invited to get a few holiday shots from above and in and under the water.  Here are a few snapshots of their perfect holiday.

Sean Poynter (US) wins this 2012 Air Tahiti Nui Stand Up Paddle world tour edition in Sapinus, Tahiti, French Polynesia against twice world champion Kai Lenny.  Leading legends like Arsene Harehoe (Rogue) or Vetea David once more demonstrated their talents in challenging conditions,  Arsene moving up to the 6th place overall in the 2012 world ranking. But the event saw the younger generation rise with very impressive performances such as that of 15 years old Poenaiki Raioha (Naish).  Peyo Lizarazu and Aaron Napoleon fought fiercely through the quarter final heats having to settle for respectively the 13th and the 17th place here in Tahiti. No doubt they will soon fight to step back up.

Sapinus Pro presented by Air Tahiti Nui

Flawless conditions for the second year in a row for the Tahiti stop of the Stand Up Paddle World Tour. Basque surfer Peyo Lizarazu wins his first world tour event in solid conditions. Tahitians  Patrice Chanzy and Didier Tinhin make their way to the finals finishing 2nd and 4th. World Champion Kai Lenny who scored the bomb of the event finished 3rd. Another great edition.

Next step of the SUP world tour will be Brazil with the Ibiraquera Pro.

Get all the info and heat details at :

 http://www.standupworldtour.com/

The Waterman league world SUP championship at Sapinus is only a couple of months away. The first big south swell of the season was the perfect occasion for the Tahitian locals to practise for the upcoming event.
Raimana Van Bastolaer, Vetea David, Patrice Chanzy, Thierry Domench, Yannick Salmon, Matthieu Foulliard, Manu Bouvet.

"Go Deeper" is Stephane Lambert's slogan for the IronMana race: Spirit of Aito. The organiser of Bora Bora's ultimate race has again put his event one step ahead of the competition by adding more categories this year.  This Liquid Festival included a 56 km race for Va'a Hoe men, a 40 km Va'a race for women, a 36 km SUP event and a 5km race for the world's best swimmers many of whom came to take part.  The competitors drew inspiration from the stunning setting of the turquoise waters of Bora Bora,  which gave them the strength and the endurance to stretch themselves to their limits.  Visit http://www.kainaluxt.com/ for more info on this amazing event.
 

This is Polynesia's most prestigious race with outrigger canoes from all over the world competing in a 3-day event in which canoes race  between the islands of Huahine,  Raiatea, Taa'a with a backdrop of beautiful Polynesian landscapes, finishing at the island of Bora-Bora.  The competitors race through taxing wave conditions into the calm of the turquoise lagoons.  This is one of the toughest races in the world and the teams train for years in preparation for it.

The Tahitian stop of the World Stand Up Paddle Tour by The Waterman League scored epic conditions at Sapinus. Solid 12 '+ conditions greeted the competitors during the first day of competition of the main event. Duane Desoto, Garrett McNamara,  Peyo Lizarazu, Ekolu Kalama,  Kai Lenny and many others rode some of the most challenging waves ever on Stand Up Paddle boards. Australian Dave Muir won the event edging out local surfer Tama Audibert with  Aaron Napoleon and Heifara Tahutini finishing 3rd and 4th.  The new leader of the SUP World Tour is Peyo Lizarazu. Next stop Brazil.  

Special thanks to Air Tahiti Nui for supporting this memorable event.

The Bora Bora Patagonia shoot

Following in the steps of Stephan Lambert, accomplished waterman, Tim went sourcing some new adventure & sports images for Patagonia. Stephan reflects the brand perfectly. In the heart of French Polynesia's most sought-after island, nestled on a remote motu far from the resorts, he is setting up a new kind of holiday package.  It is based around training in and with the elements, to help sportsmen, but not only them, find within themselves the truth and the energy that will move them forward on all of life's levels . Check out Stephan's new site:  Kainaluxt.com

The Stand Up Paddle Teahupoo Exhibition
The Waterman League presents some of the best Stand Up Paddle riders taking on Teahupoo in perfect conditions.
Ekolu Kalama, Duane Desoto, Keali'i Mamala, Kanoa McGee, Vetea David, Patrice Chanzy, Didier Tin Hing, Guillaume Bourligeux, Arsene Harehoe