Vahine Fierro - surfing champion
Vahine Fierro
Vahine Fierro has been riding the waves since she was a child. The surfer, junior world champion in 2017 and team champion in 2021, lives between Huahine, the island of her childhood, and Tahiti, where she trains daily. Her parents are also surfers, so the ocean has always been a part of her life. Vahine is an Ambassador of this Water World, the essence of a sea-oriented land. For her, surfing is much more than a job, it is a true passion that she shares with her family.
For this champion, warmth, love and joy perfectly define her French Polynesia.
« For me, Polynesia is the cradle of love. I am very lucky to be able to live here. »
She is now delighted to share her French Polynesia with you, through the two islands of her life: Huahine and Tahiti. Follow the guide, Vahine Fierro takes you with her in her little Paradise!
Surf in Tahiti
Of course, it's impossible to miss our champion's favorite activity! Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, there will be a spot for you in Tahiti: "For beginners, there are surf schools that are there to supervise and teach surfing on the North Coast and the beach waves, near Paneno'o. The experts will have the choice between these same waves, or the beautiful waves of the Peninsula (Presqu'île). Of course, there is Teahupo'o for experienced surfers, but also the other small channels next to this mythical wave: they are less dangerous than their neighbor. I think they are perfect waves." For all levels, Papara also offers very nice beach waves.
For Vahine Fierro, the main watchword in surfing is "Respect". Respect for the elements, for others, but also for your abilities: "You always have to know where you stand in front of the ocean [...] you have to be very careful because it's a sport that involves risks. Before going in the water, it is important to always look at the conditions and judge if you are able to surf or not.”
Hiking in the Society Archipelago
The surf is not the only skill she has, and the talented surfer likes to explore the inner high islands whenever she gets the chance. "I love the mountains. I love hiking and going to waterfalls. In Tahiti, many hiking trails lead to beautiful waterfalls like in the Maroto Valley.” Vahine Fierro likes to bike there: "There is a good energy there, and the valley is beautiful."
But it's on her favorite island that she enjoys the mountains the most: "On Huahine, I often go on the hike that is part of my training: Mo'a Tapu. It's an intense hike, but quite short (about 1 hour) and quite steep. When you get to the top, you have a magnificent view."
Discover Hana iti beach in Huahine
When it comes to beaches, there is no doubt that Vahine knows the subject well! She has visited beaches all over French Polynesia and all over the world, but she always returns to her favorite beach, Hana Iti, on Huahine. So if you're visiting her childhood island, be sure to add it to your list of discoveries: "Hana Iti beach in Huahine is really beautiful. All the people I bring there tell me it's one of the most paradisiacal beaches in French Polynesia! I really like this place. Besides, it is the filming location of the French movie The Prince of the Pacific ."
Enjoy great food after the beach
After a beautiful morning at the beach, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying the sun, why not enjoy lunch to taste the flavors of French Polynesia? For that, Vahine Fierro has her favorite addresses! "The Huahine yacht club is my favorite restaurant on the waterfront in Fare (Huahine). There are all kinds of dishes and the atmosphere is great! In Tahiti, there is also Mama's Beach House, at Pointe Vénus in Mahina. It's my favorite place to eat after my surf session. It has everything: the fish is fresh and the meats and burgers are delicious... On the other side of the island, I also really like the Manua in Taravao. It's classy and local, with excellent traditional dishes."
A change of scenery to discover the atolls
Beyond Tahiti and Huahine, Vahine Fierro particularly likes the atolls. These coral islands transport each visitor to another world, wild, authentic, in perfect connection with the ocean. "The atolls are completely different from the high islands. There are no mountains, and in Tikehau for example, there are beautiful pink sand beaches, and dozens of different birds on the same beach. I really like this island, it's really a unique place." The bird island of Tikehau is a preserved motu (islet), home to a dozen species of sea birds.
