Taapuna Master event details

The 32nd edition of the Taapuna Master, a surfing and bodyboarding competition, took place in Punaauia over the weekend. The event featured multiple categories, with Miliani Simon and Heiarii Williams winning in the surfing events and Sarah Lamotte and Tahiri Tehei victorious in bodyboarding.

Weather conditions during the event

The sun appeared only briefly at the start of the finals, and the event concluded on Sunday under rainy conditions. Despite the weather, bodyboarders returned to the water after a day of rest for the final rounds.

Tahiri Tehei's victory and next steps

Tahiri Tehei won the bodyboarding event for the third time in his career by defeating Tevahitua Cheung in the final. Tehei noted that he faced a younger opponent who had just started bodyboarding, contrasting with his own experience as a multiple champion in Tahiti. After the win, he traveled to the Canary Islands to compete in the final event of the IBC world tour.

Sarah Lamotte's dominance in women's bodyboarding

In the women's bodyboarding category, reigning champion Sarah Lamotte finished first in all three series, with Claire Mulatier and Manon Gentilhomme completing the podium. The competition saw less suspense compared to the men's events.

Heiarii Williams' surfing victory

Heiarii Williams succeeded Tereva David in the surfing competition. In the final, Williams faced Peio Charriaud, Teiva Tetahio, and the young Liam Sham Koua in the qualifying rounds. After a calm start, Williams took the lead with a high-scoring attempt and secured a final score of 11.50.

Miliani Simon's win in women's surfing

The women's surfing event was won by Miliani Simon, who secured victory in the third and final series. She defeated Raipoe Chapelier and Takihei Ellacott, with Kelia Gallina finishing just behind the podium.

Other competition results

Dayven Faua won the drop knee category by defeating Tahiri Tehei with a score of 9.70 to 9.10. In other "fun" categories, Stevens Pahape triumphed in kneeboarding, Teiva Tetahio in surfing, and Tanguy Michaud in bodyboarding. Full results list the winners and runners-up in each category.