Tim Mc Kenna : photographer and ocean ambassador
Tim Mc Kenna
Tim Mc Kenna, the leading photographer in Teahupo'o, has perfectly combined his two passions: surfing and photography. Polynesian waters have no secrets for this action sports and ocean specialist, who has been based in Tahiti for 20 years.
After starting his career in south-west France, Tim soon found himself traveling all over the world. He mainly photographed for boardsports brands, which were booming in the 90s and 2000s. Among his many travels, the photographer fell in love with the Polynesian islands and the wonderful waves of the Pacific Ocean. He decided to move there to live as close to the ocean as possible.
Inspired by the vibrant colors of the islands, the tropical landscapes and the splendor of the ocean, Tim Mc Kenna reveals the beauty of French Polynesia through his stunning photographs. He has also published a book featuring the very best images of his favorite subject: the spectacular Teahupo'o wave (book edited by Au Vent des Îles).
« The variety of landscapes is what inspires me. Every archipelago is different and has its own special atmosphere, and every island is absolutely beautiful! »
It's time for you to go and admire these wonderful landscapes with your own eyes. But where to start? Read on for Tim Mc Kenna's advice on how to enjoy an exceptional adventure on the world's most beautiful islands!
Discover the Teahupo'o wave
For Tim Mc Kenna, the first thing to do in French Polynesia is, of course, a stopover in Tahiti to discover THE iconic surf spot... the mythical Teahupo'o wave, located in the south of the island: "For me, it's really the most beautiful and photogenic wave in the world. There's a configuration of the spot that makes the wave very compact, with all its energy visualized in one place at the end of the wave, very close to the channel that you can reach by boat. Above all, it makes a perfect tube. For a surfer, the tube ride is a kind of like the Holy Grail: because it's a complex maneuver to pull off, and because it's an incredible sight when you're in it. But it's just as incredible to see when you're on the outside!”
Teahupo'o isn't just a wave. It's a meeting spot for locals, a daydream for experienced surfers from all over the world, and a timeless place: "What makes this place so special is the combination of many things : the village, the surrounding mountains, and the incredible spectacle offered by nature with this wave that can measure from 1 to 10 meters! It really is a magical place."
This wave, far from the shore, can easily be observed from the Taxi Boats, which you'll find at the Teahupo'o Marina. "To see big waves, you have to get there between May and October. But you can see waves all year round. You just have to check the weather before you go."
Try water sports: surfing and kitesurfing
Once you've seen one of the world's most famous waves, perhaps you'd like to experience the thrill of surfing yourself? While Teahupo'o, renowned for being dangerous, is reserved only for the most experienced surfers, Tahiti offers other beautiful spots to enjoy a session in the best conditions: "In Tahiti, there's a wide variety of waves. There are beach breaks and reef waves that can be small, or very big like at Teahupo'o. For beginners, there are plenty of surf schools in Papeno'o, on Tahiti's east coast. It's a good place to learn to surf because the waves aren't as big as on the reefs."
But surfing isn't the only water sport available in French Polynesia! Tim Mc Kenna also enjoys kitesurfing. For him, "the Tuamotu is the best archipelago for kitesurfing. You should try to rent a boat to go to the best kitesurfing spots, like Fakarava's South Pass or Tikehau, for example. Most of the atolls are perfect for kitesurfing because there are no mountains and the wind is very steady." If you're not planning a trip to the Tuamotu islands, the photographer recommends a session in Bora Bora, or at Motu Martin in Tahiti.
Sailing the Society Islands
As a lover of the ocean, Tim Mc Kenna has found the perfect way to experience the ideal trip, without ever leaving Polynesian waters: "A really nice thing to do is to charter a sailboat for a family holiday, so that you can wander around, go from Raiatea to Taha'a or to Bora Bora, sailing from one island to the next... It's a great way to visit, move around a bit more, and always be on the water!"
Many charter companies offer all-inclusive sailing holidays. These packages generally include trips between all the Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora...) or between two islands (Tahiti and Tetiaroa, for example).
Discover the Tuamotu and Gambier islands
The other Polynesian archipelagos are not far behind in Tim Mc Kenna's heart: "If you want to recharge your batteries and spend some quality time in nature, you have to go to the Tuamotu or the Gambier. There are beautiful beaches and there are a few mountains in the Gambiers. Above all, there aren't many people around and you're surrounded by nature. And for scuba diving, Tikehau, Rangiroa and Fakarava are perfect."
The photographer himself often travels to the Tuamotu archipelago to work: "There, nature is everywhere, and you're really in touch with the ocean and the lagoons. Moreover, it's very clear, so it's perfect for people like me who like to take pictures underwater: there are waves, clear water, lots of fish, lots of coral... it's an archipelago I'm very fond of."
Taste the local flavors
A successful trip always includes delicious food! So, to help you enjoy the 100% Polynesian experience, Tim Mc Kenna also recommends some of his favorite local products”:
- Tuna : “When you're in French Polynesia, you must try tuna! Here, the fish is of excellent quality compared to the rest of the world. It's very fresh and affordable”.
- Coconut water: “It's amazing to simply pick up a coconut and drink the water straight from it! It's thirst-quenching and healthy.”
- Le pua’a rôti (roasted pork) : “You have to buy pua'a rôti on Sundays! It's a dish not to be missed!”.
You'll find these products on the stalls of the Papeete Market, or from roadside vendors. There are plenty of opportunities to try Polynesian flavors along the road in the Islands of Tahiti: "Don't hesitate to stop by the road and at the roulottes (food trucks), because everything is fresh: the fruit and fish are delicious... In French Polynesia, this is where life happens. Even if you just need information, don't hesitate to ask. People are very kind and happy to share their experience and give advice.”
