Tahitian team rider Tereva David moves comfortably between several demanding roles. He surfs the power of Teahupo‘o, documents life in the islands and shares his experience as a high-level surf coach.
His footage offers more than spectacular barrels. It reveals local knowledge: reading swell direction, understanding the reef and recognising when a beautiful wave becomes genuinely dangerous. That perspective is developed through a lifetime in Tahiti, not a short visit.
Tereva has also coached elite surfers including Connor O’Leary and Kanoa Igarashi. The same observation required to navigate Teahupo‘o helps him analyse technique, preparation and equipment for other athletes.
His work captures what makes a strong team rider valuable: performance in serious waves, thoughtful feedback and an ability to bring the wider surf community into the experience.
Adapted with permission from Rusty Surfboards USA.
