Gearoid has a board by the door, ready to fly off to anywhere in the world where the wave is up… surf travels buddy.
It goes without saying that Sligo surfer Gearoid is living his best life.
A life that takes him from Biarritz to Barcelona to Tahiti and all spots in between.
Seeing the great man walk on water in Barca on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas I’d back him against anyone in the world.
All of which hoves into view as we are reminded of the Olympics next year in Paris.
Where we are told only this week that the water in the Seine is clean enough.
For the first time in a century for competitors to dive and swim in it.
Although the waves are obviously not big enough for the surfers.
Swell stuff
You might think that Biarritz might step in but our friends in the French Polynesia on the other end of the world have only put their hands up.
And for those of us still trying to master the board then the good news is that the season of lighter swells, October to March, is ahead of us.
On the north side of the island, visitors can find Papenoo’s wave, set on a black-sand beach.
Around 25 minutes’ drive to the west of the capital in Papeete.
Beginners are advised to stay close to the beach to catch a wave.
While those more experienced can head to the river mouth for the exhilarating breaks.
While the Tahitians tell us that the Haapiti district of Moorea on the southwestern coast.
With its warm barrier-reef protected lagoon is for adrenaline=seekers.
You should head to the break near a reef pass or an opening in the barrier of coral which makes for safe rides into a deeper channel.
Now as a baby boarder, that’s still having to advance to standing up.
We were naturally taken by Papara’s Break on the south side of Tahiti Nu.
Located close to the reef shelves that feed Teahupo’o’s legendary waves, Papara provides an all-level playground.
With its consistent break over sand and easy-to-navigate surf.
While those who snorkel and don’t swallow (guilty) then Taha’a, one of the Society Islands, will give you the chance.
To discover an array of sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins and whales.
Board and lodging
And no worrying about motels or flop accommodation here.
Surfers will tell you all about Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort. It is surrounded by sweeping beaches with views of Moorea in the distance.
Located close to the beach break in Papara, visitors can make this their refuge for some relaxation and recuperation post-surf.
Or Vanira Lodge which sits within walking distance of the three main Teahupo’o surf spots.
Visitors can recline on the veranda of their lodge overlooking Tahiti’s peninsula after a day of catching waves.
The Manomano Lodge is said to be the place for surfers who want to enjoy the all-level reefs of Papara.
Where you’ll stay under rainforest-clad peaks.
Now being an Intercontinental fan around the continents our eyes naturally fall on The Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa which is sat right on the water.
With picture-postcard views of Moorea on the horizon.
While if you really want to go native then visitors can fully immerse themselves.
In the culture and daily life of a Polynesia family in a family-run Tahitian Guesthouse.
And, of course, you’ll receive valuable advice on what to see, understand, feel and experience around the islands.
You’ll get a one-stop through LA round trip with Air France and Virgin Atlantic from £2,585 round trip.
