Fanning a Teahupoo danger

TAHITI is the most anticipated event on the World Surf League Tour as it is widely regarded as surfing’s ultimate test with the waves being not only big but also extremely powerful.

It produces the best barrelling wave in the world.

The reef lies about 1km offshore and the wave breaks out of extremely deep water onto a live and incredibly sharp coral reef and when it’s big, it’s a very serious proposition, even for the world’s best surfers.

We love watching Tahiti and know every wipe out has serious consequences.

However, this year’s surf forecast for the event looks like the feared reef will not deliver the waves it has been famous for.

Long-range swell forecasts have become extremely accurate over the past five years and it takes a bit of the anticipation out of the event.

The first day, Sunday, may in fact be the best day with a moderate dropping swell predicted to deliver reasonable waves in just the four to five feet range.

It will also be without defending champion Kelly Slater, who is recovering from his broken bones in his foot and his absence.

So, who’s going to win? Based on the forecast and the type of wave Teahupoo will be, I’m going to tip a rank outsider in Nat Young, from America, with Julian Wilson and Mick Fanning the biggest dangers.

Four-Day Surf Forecast: Our long cold winter has delivered a lot of surf and a huge run of offshore winds. The good news is that it continues! While today and tomorrow will be small and only tiny clean waves on the beach breaks, Saturday and Sunday look like excellent days with clean winds and solid waves on all the reefs.