In The Mix David Tuarau

In: In The Mix by doclach 0 Comments Tue 31st Jan '12

Tags: David Tuarau , Tahiti , Tahitian Ten

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We bring you the next instalment of "The Tahitian Ten" interview series, based on some of the most innovative riders on the planet at the moment performing in the super heavy and respected wave called Teahupoo. Developer of "le Gainer Flip" - David Tuarau is next to reveal more about himself and the amazing surf that is his frontyard. If you haven't read the first interview, be sure to read here first

Doc: Hey David, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your life of bodyboarding?
DT: Ia orana, I was born and raised in Tahiti and grew up with a family of 3 brothers and a sister. I lost my father about six years back, but my mom is still taking good care of us. All my family comes from a background of canoe paddlers (Va'a in Tahitian). It is the national sport here. When I was 13, I put the paddle aside and picked up my first bodyboard just to try something different, and it was pretty fun. At 21 years of age, I started doing competitions and started making the finals. Since then, it's motivated me to continue competing and have managed do pretty well so far.

Doc: I'm told you speak your native Tahitian tongue as your first language and French as a second language, as you are very proud of your Tahitian heritage. Can you share with us what you are most proud of in your spiritual and historical ancestry? And thankyou for going to the trouble of writing responses in English, it's much appreciated.
DT: The Tahitian language is our national language. I believe that for we the local people, it's a must to at least try to speak our language, otherwise I consider it a lack of respect to our culture, so I speak Tahitian very well. French is our second language, but it's ended up being the most used day to day language.

Doc: The "Gainer Flip", otherwise known as "What the Fuck" - what brought you to developing the move? What has been the biggest wave you have busted this move out on and landed it
DT: The "Gainer Flip" I did just by a natural feeling. I didn't really plan it too much. The first one I did was on a head high wave.

Doc: Tahurai says you are always creating new moves. Apart from the Gainer Flip, what other sorts of moves have you been working on? Are there vimeo sections where we can see them?
DT: Yeah, I have a few things in mind, but I prefer to keep them low key and keep it as a surprise hehehe.

Doc: How much do you think your progressive riding inspires and especially pushes your mates?
DT: I'm not sure if my riding inspires my friends and others, but I'd be super stoked if it did.

Doc: In Surge films episode v2.0 http://vimeo.com/35170844 at 2.46 you're flipping off the end of a jetty. Is this how you practice for the Gainer flip and other moves? Also are there other ways you practise getting your body to do these acrobatics?
DT:hahaha, nah, I was just messing around, I never really acrobatically practice new moves outside of bodyboarding, I just kind of go out there, it's just a trial and error kind of thing until I get it down, even if I get hurt.

Doc: do you have aspirations/wishes to compete in events in other countries with the IBA tour? Or are you happy surfing your incredible home breaks?
DT: I'm pretty content with just surfing the waves we have here in Tahiti but at the same time, I'd like to see what I can do outside of Tahiti. I think we just need some support, internationally that is... I'm currently sponsored by PRIDE, Tahiti and am very thankful to have this sponsor as it provides me with all the necessary equipment to ride, but like Tahurai mentioned, it'd be great to have some stronger support to give us the opportunity to compete internationally. There's only so much I can do just here in Tahiti.

Doc: You get a lot of international visitors , how do you expect them to behave in the waves there and what are some of the stupidest things you've seen?
DT: I think the most important thing for foreigners to do when they come to Tahiti is to just respect the people and the nature. If you paddle out and see some locals, just say hi, it's not that hard. If you show respect and be humble, the welcome will be doubled!

Doc: Being so progressive, where do you think Bodyboarding needs to head with its moves in competition to keep it interesting for the audience?
DT: I think that it's all about new moves in both comps and free surfing, otherwise the sport kind of remains the same. Surfers are doing all of our old moves and more, so it seems nothing separates us from surfing anymore, which will only stunt the growth of our sport. New stuff needs to be done to keep it interesting! The possibilities are unlimited!

Doc: Teahupoo - can you please explain for people who haven't ridden it big, what it is like to paddle over the lip, commit, drop, scoop, barrel and bust out a gainer at the end step by step?

DT: First thing, when you surf Teahupoo and other waves in Tahiti, the most important thing is to respect the locals and the nature. Concerning "Le Gainer Flip" So take the drop, bottom turn, set-up, get your speed, and eye the air section, hit it and turn 90 degrees to the right so you're facing the shore, (as it's a left) and then put your head way back as if you were doing a backflip, and then... just let the rotation flow until you land. Be careful! This move can hurt pretty bad if you land wrong, especially sideways.

Thank you very much for your time David
DT: Ia orana, Mauruuru Roa Fluidzone!

Photos// Mike Cerrone & Eric Schnitzler

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