Teahupo’o translates to “Wall of Skulls” in English, and it’s certainly living up to that name. The men faced rough waters and lackluster conditions on July 27th, but conditions drastically improved for the women. Defending champion Clarissa Moore had a triumphant showing, qualifying for Round 3. Unfortunately, the picture-perfect conditions on Monday were literally the calm before the storm.

Moore spoke about the risk that surfers take, especially on the iconic yet unforgiving waves of Teahupo’o. While speaking to the press after the first round, the Tokyo 2020 gold medalist said she was glad that the waves at Teahupo’o had been welcoming. “It really showed what this wave can do and what the surfers can do,” said the 31-year-old. However, she also spoke about the risks.

Carissa Moore explained that surfers don’t just need skill, commitment, a “fearless factor,” and endurance, but people who save them. “You’re getting saved. There’s like the very real factor of getting seriously injured. I don’t know many other sports where you’re actually getting saved on the field of play like quite like that,” the Olympian said during the press conference.

This risk factor is exactly why authorities postponed surfing on two consecutive days following Men’s Round 3 on Monday. “No competition on Tuesday, July 30 in Tahiti due to poor weather conditions: 4m+ wave and very strong onshore wind.” announced the French Surfing Federation.

Up until Monday morning, ever-alert water patrol experts picked up athletes who wiped out while navigating the spectacular tube of water in Tahiti. However, the condition became far too dangerous even for jet skis by Monday night. However, all is not lost for the Olympians aboard the floating Olympic Village in Tahiti.

After Triathletes, will Carissa Moore and her fellow surfers catch a break?

Surfers weren’t the only ones who suffered after the weather halted the Olympic contest. Thousands of miles away in Paris, the triathlon got postponed on Tuesday. Testing the Seine’s waters on the day of the contest revealed the water quality to be inadequate. However, the ambitious project to clean up the river finally paid off when the triathletes were allowed to swim on Wednesday.

Similarly, surfing contests also have reserve days which came into effect on Tuesday. While two consecutive postponements certainly made things more difficult, Carissa Moore and her fellow surfers are set to ride the waves on Thursday. Unless the weather takes yet another unexpected turn, Women’s Round 3 will start at 07:00 (GMT-10), followed by the Men’s quarterfinals. Are you excited to the surfers get on their boards? Let us know.