Vahine Fiero, professional surfer. “I hope we will surprise people at the Olympics.”

Go miles to help sick children. This is the feat performed by the “rowers” of the Cap Optimist expedition. On Tuesday, March 28, six Cap Optimist expedition paddlers, ambassadors including Wahine Fierro, and nursing staff unveiled the Super-Optimist Totem at the Taone Hospital Center on the island of Tahiti. This tool, which looks like a large box on wheels, allows for physical activity tailored to patients undergoing treatment or post-treatment.

The Hope team East association, which provides this totem to French and Polynesian hospitals, supports children with cancer through sports. That day, the co-founder of this association, Stephanie Barney, had just set foot on the ground. Indeed, he accepted the challenge of crossing the Pacific Ocean, accompanied by five other athletes. Connecting Lima in Peru to Moorea in French Polynesia by force of arms, they rowed for three months, alternately night and day. The funds raised by this 8,000-kilometer crossing have helped sick children to accompany them to a “better life”.

Vahin Fiero is a professional surfer, but also an ambassador for the Cap Optimist expedition. The 23-year-old athlete grew up thirty minutes by plane from Tahiti on the island of Huahine, which means “woman” in Tahitian. His mother was a primary school teacher, his father a cabinetmaker, but also shaper (artisan who makes surfboards, editor’s note). It was with his works that he participated in his first competitions. Until the number of boards being made for her daughter became too stressful as her career grew.

Miss Figaro. – How did you find out about the Cap Optimist expedition and the activities of the association in general?
Vahine Fierro: Thanks to my sponsor, Roxy surf brand, who is also involved in this expedition. They know that I am particularly sensitive to health issues and even more so when it concerns women. My passion for the subject led them to ask me to become an ambassador. I think it’s remarkable to allow children with cancer to play sports while in their care, and I’m very proud of the sporting achievements these six athletes have achieved.

You are also a top athlete, how are you preparing for the upcoming Olympics?
I managed to join the French Surfing Team to try to represent France, Tahiti and its islands in the 2024 Olympics for one of the two spots. Really, two surfers from each country isn’t much, but that’s the case for everyone. (is laughing) ! Although I was one of the first to be selected, the journey does not end there. We have to participate in the qualification, the first one will take place in June in El Salvador, Central America. I should be the first European in the world championships. If it doesn’t go well, I may try my luck in May 2024, another qualification is possible. But this second time I should be in the top 7 in the world. I am surrounded by very good French surfers like Johan Defay, Pauline Ado, Tessa Thiessen or Aelan Vaast who is also from French Polynesia.

The surfing event will take place on Teahupoo Channel, what do you think of this choice?
There is no swell in France in July, so few waves as it is low season. So I wasn’t really surprised, but I am delighted. Teahupoo is a very beautiful wave that will allow us to fully express ourselves in our surfing. That’s where we can really put on a show and get people excited about our sport. This will highlight surfing and its history.

Teahupoo is a very beautiful wave that will allow us to fully express ourselves in our surfing

Vahine Fierro

How did surfing come into your life?
I started surfing at the age of 5 on my island of Huahine with both my parents. At first I surfed to spend time with my family and to let off steam after school. I’ve always been drawn to the ocean, but never to pageants. Over time, around the age of 12, my father encouraged me to pursue a career. “You know, I think you’ve got a level, and it would be really cool to make that your job.” I realized I didn’t want to do anything else with my life…might as well try surfing for a living. I started by participating in local competitions in Tahiti. I also lost in the first round in my first competition. It was as frustrating as it was motivating. I had a click and from the age of 13 I really got into the competition. I then did my ES BA before studying to be an English teacher at the same time. I finished it after a few months. This added to my stress, which I had trouble managing. I am confident that my career as a professional surfer will open doors for me that I have not yet imagined.

Can you think of a specific other career?
A month ago I was able to join the national police. The latter has created a system for national athletes to support us financially in our sports career and introduce us to a new profession. For fifteen days in Paris we followed the same training as future reserve policemen. I have never spent as much time out of water as I did during these three weeks on Ile de France. It brought me unexpected relief. We were twenty-four athletes and learned to shoot, defend ourselves, and stop people. If I ever get hurt or my career fails, I already have one foot in the police, a new door is open. Now I can say that I am a reserve policeman (laughs).

How are you preparing for the Olympics?
First I have to train for qualification, ie on the waves on the north or south beaches of the island of Tahiti. I’m lucky to live here and have choices. On the other hand, the Olympics will be held in Tehaupu, on the reef. I also force myself to ride this wave that I must progress on regardless of the conditions. She is very impressive and only after spending a lot of time in the water will I be able to get comfortable. I also spend one month a year in France, and the French team organizes internships throughout the year to promote our cohesion. Two coaches help us in all tournaments during the year. We train at CERS and at the Pole of France in Biarritz.

Meditation and training

How is your daily life organized?
This year is quite special. The month of April is dedicated to preparing for the season. From May to November, I do one or two competitions in different countries. During non-competition periods, I wake up around 5:30am, meditate and eat before going to morning practice. Hira Terinatufa and Hugo Palmarini are the two coaches that the French team has provided to Tahitian surfers. Kauli Vaast, Manakei Kahiha and Mihimana Braye train with me. From Monday to Friday, we start with thirty minutes of water, go out for a debriefing, and so on for three hours. After a restorative siesta, I begin training from noon to two o’clock. My physical trainer is a French osteopath who follows us with Kauli Vaast for body care and sports; cardio, cardio, split race, swimming… Then I either surf again for an hour or visualize. I mean, I watch other people’s surfing videos or my old sessions to see how I can improve. Then a nice dinner and in bed around 8:30pm.