Who was the first surfer to surf Teahupoo?

The first surfers to ride Teahupoʻo were Tahitians Thierry Vernaudon and a few other locals, who surfed the break for the very first time in 1985. This marked the beginning of Teahupoʻo's recognition within the surfing community, as bodyboarding pioneers Mike Stewart and Ben Severson showcased the spot shortly thereafter in 1986, bringing attention to its potential as a surfing destination^[1][2].

Local tradition also attributes the first surfing of the wave to a young girl named Vehiatua, who surfed there in an early contest. Her remarkable ability quickly established her as a local legend^[3][4].