Teahupoo (France) (AFP)

A turquoise blue water that permeates waves of phenomenal power: it is on the spot of Teahupoo, which will host the Olympic Games in 2024, and other waves of the island of Tahiti that the team of France began the preparation of the Tokyo games this summer where surfing will make its debut.

Johanne Defay - "La Réunion" - landed a few days ago on the French Polynesian island while her two friends, Jérémy Florès and Michel Bourez are evolving at home.

"It was important to have all three of them here, it was the start of a story, it was important to score with our pros," said national coach Patrick Florès to AFP.

All three, players on the professional circuit, have qualified for the Tokyo Games (July 24-August 9) which will mark the arrival of surfing in the great Olympic family. An additional sport in Japan, surfing should also be in 2024 in France and it will be on the Teahupoo wave that the events should take place. A mythical wave, which frightens many surfers, by its power and its proximity to a coral reef.

Considered for a time on the site of the JO-2020 (Chiba), this unprecedented grouping of French surfers with a 'French team' staff was finally set up on the Polynesian island. Because, apart from Teahupoo, Tahiti offers a large range of waves including that of Papara, similar to those of Japan. And that it should make surf vibrate in 2024.

Alongside Patrick Florès, to supervise the three athletes, officiate a coach from Olympic Preparation (PO) Frédéric Corbin, a physical trainer Xavier Mondenx and a local coach, Hira Teriinatoofa, double world champion who will be the pillar of the Blues on the island from the perspective of the JO-2024.

- Grouping -

"This is an important grouping, we have a lot to see on this new Olympic system. I never thought it was so complicated, there are a lot of new rules for this event, the preparation, the image, the sponsors ", blows Jérémy Florès, who came to settle there 3 years ago in Tahiti, where" there is the most beautiful wave in the world, at Teahupoo ".

To the rhythm of the swells, Defay, Florès and Bourez watch for the best waves. But not easy for the three French to surf in unison: Johanne Defay, accompanied by her coach Simon Paillard, came "to surf as much as possible" and offer a first on the wave of Teahupoo when the Polynesian Michel Bourez and his sidekick Jérémy Florès, old teahupoo briscards, don't like playing with little waves.

However in winter, the dreaded Teahupoo almost relaxes even if it can reach ... 2 meters.

They do not sulk their pleasure on the mythical wave known for its tubes, under a blazing sun but also under torrents of water which do not alter the brilliant blue of the breaking waves.

Surrounded by Bourez and Florès, Johanne Defay is doing her classes on Teahupoo.

"I was quite stressed, excited before going there. For a first, it was already quite big but there was a good orientation. It was impressive and it was scary but the tube itself was a little easier ", says the surfer before going back a few days later.

- "Scary" -

Smaller waves this time (about a meter) but whose power did not spare Defay, who hurt his neck.

She could have rubbed it again during the next session common to the three Blues, scheduled on Teahupoo. But the wind was long overdue. So the trio tried their luck on the Mentirapa spot, announced as more eventful.

However, Teahupoo delivered a beautiful show that day. What delighted Carissa Moore, the world quadruple N.1 who came especially.

"It is a great opportunity to be able to surf here, it is a challenge for me. I really enjoy myself even if, yes, it is a little scary!" Launches the American, who will find the French from the March 25 in Australia for the first stage of the pro circuit. Kick-off of an unprecedented Olympic year.

© 2020 AFP