Adventure Magazine Feb 2020

With daily flights between New Zealand and the main island of Tahiti Nui coupled with an
expanding tourism industry that is diversifying to cater to a new breed of more adventurous
visitors, offerings of water born activities run by local guides and operators that can give you a
first-hand experience of this saly water mecca are now meeting this new demand in the most
authentic of ways.
With Tahitian bed and breakfasts known as ‘Pensions’ pronounced ‘pon-see-on’ abounding
on many islands, these traditional family run guest houses often grant lagoon-side access and
activities unique to their local waters that aid in giving an unprecedented experience in the
Polynesian way of life. Local operators are adapting and with a bit of research it’s not too hard to
find a local to give you a first-hand experience at whatever you love (or want to learn to love) to
do. Along with an ever-growing accommodation offering via AirBnB, you’re no longer confined to a
resort unless you want to be.
From the ocean and wind driven sports of outrigger paddling (va’a) stand up paddling, prone
paddling, surf ski, holopuni (sailing canoe), sailing, windsurfing, kiting, and now everything with a
foil strapped to the bottom of a board; to open water swimming, scuba, free-diving, spear fishing
as well as surfing thanks to the proliferation of reef ‘passes’ and beach breaks that abound,
French Polynesia is the South Pacific bounty for all and every water sport enthusiast.
You can foil, or you can foil in paradise with the backdrop to match
PC: Mat Fouliard