Nate Florence knows a thing or two about Teahupo’o. Alongside Andy Irons, Eimeo Czermak and his brother, John, Florence is one of only a few regular-foots who have successfully paddled a 10-foot west bowl at The End of the Road.
So, it’s safe to say that when it comes to Tahiti, Florence knows what he’s talking about.
With the start of the Olympic waiting period just a few days away, in the edit above, Florence talks through the early forecast and also picks a pair of Gold medal favorites.
“I don’t know how big [it will be], eight at thirteen seconds, the period is pretty small, you want the fifteen-second range,” says Florence about the long-range forecast. “But if the swell stays and the wind stays nice and clean, the 29th as well as the 30th are great days. We could have some really epic waves — something the surf world will be proud of in the Olympics.”
Related: Olympic Surfing Forecast: How Big Will Teahupo’o Be for Paris 2024?
While the forecast is bound to change in the coming days (it appears local winds are the biggest wildcard), what won’t change are Florence’s favorites: his brother, John, and Gabriel Medina.
Surprised? Of course you’re not. It would be a shock if one of those two doesn’t make the final if Teahupo’o shows its teeth next week. Click play for the full breakdown from Florence. Because when Nate talks Chopes, we pay attention.
Related: Who Will Win Gold at Teahupo’o? The SURFER Staff Makes Their Picks.