“Like a Drug for Me”: After Remarkable Feat at World’s Most Dangerous Surf Destination, Teenage Surfer Describes His Experience

Teahupo’o, with its monstrous swells, has rightly etched itself in the hearts of big wave surfers. The waves around this village are not for the faint-hearted. Its waves sometimes even reach up to a height of 7 meters. But it’s not Teahupo’o high waves that make it challenging. It is the combination of some very high and heavy waves with big barrels and quite a shallow reef below that makes it the ultimate test for every surfer. Teahupo’o is also set to host the 2024 Paris Olympics’ surfing competitions. 

In April 2023, a select few individuals took the challenge of the Teahupo’o head-on. They dared to ride some of the most terrifying waves and were even celebrated and rewarded for their efforts, courtesy of the Big Wave Fund Awards. Among the ones that were celebrated, one up-and-coming teenage surfer entailed his adrenalin-filled experience.

Eimeo Czermak’s Teahupo’o surfing experience

Eimeo Czermak is a Teahupo’o local. The 20-year-old has experienced his fair share of wipeouts. But this time, the prodigy defied the treacherous waves with his awesome paddle performance and earned several accolades from titans of the surf world. Czermak claimed that on the day of the surf, it was a Code Red with the waves rising by a foot with each passing hour. The young surfer claimed that he showed up around 4 p.m. but the waves were still too high with a lot of energy in the swell. According to a report in the Surfline, Czermak said, “I felt confident, but there’s always a lot of emotions because I do this with passion. That wave felt like a tow wave. I thought it was too big, but I went and somehow made the drop.”

While speaking about one of the most dangerous surf destinations in the world, Czermak said, “Teahupo’o is like a drug for me. I just love it so much.” For his outstanding performance, the young prodigy not only won praise from his peers but also significant prize money.

According to the surfer, when he finally started pumping, only then did he realize how deep he really was. In his mind, Czermak thought that the wave might get the better of him. But he claimed he told himself that he needed to make this wave at any cost. On finally outsmarting a terrifying wave, Czermak recalls his adrenaline was peaking. The surfer claims that he was extremely happy about riding the wave successfully and was grateful that all his friends could witness him live in action.

Czermak’s surfing accolades

Eimeo Czermak represents the next generation of surfing prowess. His surfing skills led him to win the award for Outstanding Paddle Performance. In addition to this, he also received prize money of $3,000. Apart from his rewards, Czermak earned respect for his performance from the industry’s finest. Surfers like Kai Lenny, Nathan Florence, Billy Kemper, and Jamie Mitchell.

Read more: Photographer’s Iconic Shots of One of the Most Terrifying Surfing Destinations Capture the True Face of Nature

Eimeo Czermak is leading the way and forging a path for the next generation of surfers. His drive and his passion to push his boundaries are bound to make him the next big thing in big wave surfing.

Watch this story: “Could barely talk, just started walking, but I was surfing”: 17-year-old all set to represent Team USA at ISA games, the qualifying round for 2024 Olympics