Last Monday we asked everyone if they had any questions for Vainui our resident blogger from Tahiti. We have picked 25 questions for Vainui to answer (20 questions total, 5 of them were repeat questions (Jordan Ordino, Sony Rock, J Cabana, Will Winstead and Christine Jung). Thanks to all who asked questions, and the 25 names listed in this blog win Billabong Stickers from last weeks Monday Funday.
“Are the waves great in Tahiti?” – Miguel
For all those wondering if the surf in Tahiti (and in French Polynesia) is really as good as they say, the answer is YES!!! It’s neither a legend nor a fairy tale: the waves in Tahiti are pumping year-round. The swell travels thousand of miles to finally hit our coral reefs and this sudden change in depth generates some of the most perfect and powerful waves you’ll ever surf. No jokes. And to be honest, the only reason why I want to surf other countries is to meet new faces and get a change of scenery.
“Where are the best waves in Tahiti?” -Emily Sears
Hmmm, that’s a tough one. Honestly, it depends on what kind of waves you enjoy surfing. If you like the beach break, Papara, on the south west side of Tahiti is a good option. If you just want to surf the reef, all our spots between Taapuna (located just out of town) and Teahupo’o (at the very end of the road) offer world-class waves. My personal favorite is a left-hander located in Moorea, Tahiti’s sister island. My point: try them all and choose which one’s best for you 
“Hey Vainui!! My parents have visited Tahiti a couple times now, and I really would love to go visit now too! What is the best time of year to go to Tahiti?!”
- Christina Lowe
I’d say between late April and late October, which is our winter & dry season. The temperatures are (slightly) cooler and the sun is out nearly every single day. But if you want to embark on a sailing trip, be aware that it is also the time of the year when the wind is stronger and the swell bigger (or let’s just say huge).
“What is the average water temp there?” – Cara
It’s warm enough so that you never have to worry about wearing a springsuit (short arm, short leg wetsuit) .
“What is your favorite thing about Tahiti?” – Heather D.
Its beauty & its vibes. It is as simple as that.
“What’s it like living in Tahiti? Besides the amazing waves what all does it have to offer?” – Travis Huber
Amazing wind, nice weather, beautiful landscapes, friendly people, countless outdoor activities… as well as the opportunity to live a simple yet satisfying life. But I have to admit that doing the same thing over and over again gets boring, that’s why I like to travel at least twice a year.
“Is it true that the word “tattoo” originated from Tahiti?” – Andy
True, the word « tattoo » comes from the tahitian word « tatau ».
“What’s the best place (local hot spots in town) to kick back @ night???”
- Haile Haile
When in town, you might want to consider the following options: 3 Brasseurs (for beers and live music), Morrisson’s café, Gaia, Ute Ute & Mango Café (bars often offering techno/electro sounds), Paradise Night (more of a traditional night club), Royal Kikiriri, Plazza & Royal Tahitian (night clubs & hotels offering local music).
“What are the crowds like? Especially leading up to and during an event like the Billabong Pro. Oh, and are the rooms over the water overrated? They look awesome.” – Marvin Kimble
Tahiti roughly counts 180,000 inhabitants and there are (unfortunately) not that many tourists visiting. However, before and during the Billabong Pro, the quiet little village of Teahupo’o becomes unbelievably crowded, with hundreds and hundreds of people gathering at the end of the road. Everybody comes together… and leaves together. That’s weird, really. And about the overwater bungalows: it’s something you have to do at least once in a lifetime: it’s so fun waking up with the crystal clear lagoon in front of you and the fish swimming underneath your feet
Questions about the Billabong Pro
“How shallow is it at the contest site and is the reef sharp?” – Rod
From surfing Teahupo’o and eating it so many times, I’d say the depth probably ranges from 4ft to just a few inches. My advice: don’t try to surf the waves all the way to the end. Get your barrel and kick out, or else you have a good chance of being dragged onto the sharp reef.
“Is Joel Parkinson gonna be surfing in Tahiti? And do you know if he’s recovered from his foot injury?” – Pete Donovan
You probably know it by now, Parko is not going to enter the Billabong Pro, and worse than that, he’ll probably out of the contest scene for a few months. Being injured is probably the worst thing that can happen to a professional athlete. We hope to see him again soon in a pro event.
Questions about me :D
“What does your name mean?” – Leanne
Vainui means Great Water (Vai being water, and Nui being for everything great, big, large). It comes from a much longer Tahitian name « te vai nui hania e te ra » meaning « great water caressed by the sun.
“Vainui have you ever wanted to live somewhere else?” – Ciji
I thought about it sometimes; mostly when I was getting bored and didn’t know what to do with myself. Now I realize how lucky I am to live in a country that has so much to offer: great quality of life, incredible surfing and kiting conditions, friendly people, and beautiful landscapes. Traveling helped me realize that I’m definitely, definitely, and island girl, even tough I enjoy every once in a while going to Sydney, LA or Paris
“What inspired you to start surfing and what type of talent do you need to learn the sport?” -Stephan
My friends are the ones who inspired me: while in high school, they were talking about it aaaallllll the time. So I was like, “Huh, maybe it’s worth giving it a try”. And I don’t think you need any specific talent; it’s more a question of character: you have to be the kind of person who never gives up and who keeps trying no matter what. Yes, you have to be 100% committed and you have to understand and accept the fact that you’re going to fall a lot before figuring it out. When I started out, I used to say to myself: “When learning to walk, toddlers fall all the time. It’s hard for them, yet they keep trying until they finally make their first steps. And that’s what I’m going to do as well.”
“What made you want to take up surfing and what do you love about it? Also, who do you think is gonna win?!” – Brittany
I just love this feeling you get when you paddle for your wave, I love this feeling of just going with the flow, you know. I love making rollers and cut backs all the way to the end. I love to open my eyes while duck diving to look at the sun through the water. I love to see the whales & dolphins entering the pass. And I love those last waves you catch right before dark. Surfing is a combination of so many beautiful things… And I love to share those magic moments with the best people I know.
About the winner… don’t ask me: when I have to choose between 2 lines, either in the traffic or at the airport, I always end up choosing the slowest one, FOR REAL – I’m really not good when it comes to predictions
“What was the scariest wipeout you have had out at Tahiti?” – Ryan Fitzpatrick
It happened about a year ago but remember it like it was yesterday. It was so scary I had to write a whole blog about it: Surfing Tahiti, Dream or Nightmare? To keep it short I nearly drowned in 10ft waves. I really thought I was going to die & since it happened, I always feel some kind of tension when I paddle out on big days; I get so nervous that I don’t really enjoy my session. Not cool.
“What’s the biggest wave you have ever caught?” – Hunter Jones
Since that accident (read the above question), I’ve realized that I’m far from being a big wave rider. Now I know where my limits are, and I rarely paddle out when it’s bigger then 7ft. I love my sport, but I don’t want to die surfing. Not yet 
“I was wondering if you have a favorite spot to just sit, relax, and compose yourself after a day’s worth of surfing?” – Daniel Simms
My friend Petero who owns the Haapiti Surf Lodge lives up on a hill, right in front of my favorite break. When he sees me getting out of the water at sunset time, he often calls me from his veranda to come have a drink or two with him. I go take a hot shower, and when I get out, snacks and cocktails are ready. We sit on his veranda, chat about life while drinking and keeping an eye on the break. And when the sun finally disappears, I just lay back and look at the stars. Classic I know, but during those moments, I swear that his place is the best place on Earth. No doubt about it.
“What difference stands out the most between USA and Tahitian culture? – Leah
That’s a really hard one, and I honestly think I would need 6 pages to discuss this subject. First, we have to ask ourselves what elements define a culture. History? Traditions? Beliefs? Religion? Way of life? All of these I guess, and probably a lot more as well. There is so much to talk about; this question deserves to be divided in many other questions for me to give you a satisfying answer. But I have a better idea: tell me how you would define your culture, and I’ll tell you what makes it different from mine. But still, it will just be our own perceptions and point of views, not the absolute truth… hmmm, that sounded way too serious
“Do you ever feel like you get less respect on the water while you’re kiteboarding, rather than surfing?” – Ron Garbacki
No, I don’t think so. I just believe that a lot of people who are taking up kiteboarding don’t know the basic safety and priority rules. That’s what makes the sport more dangerous than it already is. I noticed that as soon as you know these rules, everything gets better. Really, I have never felt that kiteboarders were less respectful than surfers. Whatever the sport, you will always meet someone who will give you a hard time, either not respecting you in the water or trying to discourage you, and for that, I don’t know what reason. And when it happens, I think of this quote, “Stay away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that. The really great makes you realize that you too, can become great”.
-Vainui
