Vairao Ignites Tahiti with Pure Bodysurfing Energy

What a show at Te Ava Rahi! The IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Qualification Series (BWT QS) stop at Vairao delivered an electrifying display of world-class bodysurfing in one of the most breathtaking arenas on the planet.

Under bright tropical skies and in powerful, hollow waves, the world’s best bodysurfers lit up the reef with commitment, creativity, and pure stoke. This was more than a competition, it was a celebration of the soul of bodysurfing.

Powerful Waves, Pure Commitment

With solid surf exceeding 1.5 meters, the 21 riders in this QS event faced fast, heavy, and technical conditions that demanded absolute precision. Every takeoff, every line, every maneuver counted.

From Tahiti to Hawaii and Peru, the international field rose to the challenge, delivering an unforgettable show of modern bodysurfing at its highest level.

Nainoa Lamy Drops a Perfect 10

The Men’s Open final belonged to Nainoa Lamy, who dominated the lineup with an incredible total of 18.30 points.

But the highlight? A jaw-dropping wave that earned the only perfect 10 of the entire festival:

• A fearless front flip entry

• A deep, critical barrel

• A clean exit flowing into multiple spins

It was explosive, technical, and simply unforgettable, a performance that will be talked about for a long time.

Nainoa Lamy

Men’s Open Results:

1. Nainoa Lamy – 18.30

2. Steven Pierson – 16.10

3. Ariitea Buvry – 13.36

4. Natua Teriitahi – 11.80

Puatea Ellis Leads the Women with Style and Power

On the women’s side, Puatea Ellis delivered a standout performance to take the win with 13.40 points, ahead of reigning world champion Delori Gomes.

Blending grace, strength, and deep ocean knowledge, Ellis embodied the true spirit of bodysurfing.

“Bodysurfing is the foundation of surfing, you feel everything with your body.”

Her victory marks a major step forward on the world stage and secures her place among the discipline’s elite.

Puatea Ellis

Women’s Open Results:

1. Puatea Ellis – 13.40

2. Delori Gomes – 10.50

3. Cloé Vercoutere – 9.00

4. Prisca Amaru – 4.50

Standout Moments All Around

The energy didn’t stop at the finals. One of the most memorable performances came from Henarii Hoffman, a water patrol lifeguard, who stunned everyone with a powerful and fluid ride scoring 8.93 points, a true display of style and control.

Nainoa Lamy

Puatea Ellis

The Road to 2027 Is On

As a key stop on the IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour QS, Vairao was a crucial milestone on the road to the 2027 World Championships. With direct qualification spots and valuable ranking points on the line, every wave mattered—and the athletes delivered.

Mauruuru Vairao, See You in Hawaii!

A huge mauruuru (thank you) to all the riders, volunteers, partners, and the incredible Tahitian community for making this event so special.

Next stop: Point Panic, Hawaii, from July 31 to August 3, 2026, another legendary wave, another chance to witness the very best in bodysurfing.

Get ready… the tour is just heating up.

Ranking

OPEN MEN

1. Nainoa Lamy (French Polynesia)

2. Steven Pierson (French Polynesia)

3. Ariitea Buvry (French Polynesia)

4. Natua Teriitahi (French Polynesia)

5. Henarii Hoffman (French Polynesia)

5. Elias Hollenbeck (Hawaii)

7. Vincent Janois (French Polynesia)

7. Ram Salinas Boggio (Peru)

9. Philippe Moreno (French Polynesia)

9. Teiki Conti (French Polynesia)

9. Teiva Tairoa (French Polynesia)

9. Tauirai Tetumu (French Polynesia)

13. Romain Couturaud (French Polynesia)

13. Taimoana Chaulet (French Polynesia)

15. Luis Calderon (Peru)

OPEN WOMEN

1. Puatea Ellis (French Polynesia)

2. DeLori Gomes (Hawaii)

3. Cloé Vercoutere (French Polynesia)

4. Prisca Amaru (French Polynesia)

5. Audrey Dutheil (French Polynesia)