Watch: Tikanui Smith // Chopes 2020
Last year we ran a Tim Bonython video about the young Chopes locals stepping up to the mark. After years of travellers getting the best waves, a new generation of locals were claiming their rightful place at the top of the totem.
"I honestly don't see any international guys that are better than the locals these days," said photographer Domenic Mosqueira.
Now, with Tahiti isolated, and the storm belt delivering multiple big days, the locals are increasing their advantage.
In this vid, Tikianui Smith bags a truckload of barrels from the last few months alone.
Comments
Some amazing take offs in there.
It’s a very short wave isn’t it
Swell direction maybe?
I'm sure I've seen footage of it being a fairly long wave at times.
Yeah if you get caught inside be prepared to get smashed !
Drone shows it well, the wave has no back it's just all ocean pushing over the reef. Effin scary wave
Nasty drop in at 2.32
Some monsters in that lot. Done well fellas!
Look like Russell Bierke at 3:37 on the boat.
Ha ha, yeah, I saw that as well. Would be good to see some of him surfing that day.
The wave which starts around 4:30 is freakin' insane.
we ain't calling him "tiks da freak" for nothing !! he is one of the best out there for sure, always pushing the limits.. respect beast
The floggings they must have had to get it that wired make me shiver.
Frightening.
On some of those take off's, he's sliding down the face sideways until his fins bite into the wave. Fuck that. He's got bigger balls than me. :)