The much anticipated Billabong Pro Tahiti 2012 is only hours away from firing off the opening rounds! Knees are trembling and nerves intensifying as one the the most infamous waves in the world challenges the best surfers on the ASP World Championship Tour. However, watching this gigantic barreling wave from the comfort of our homes can not even compare to the angle of a competitor about to go over the falls.

Teahupo’o is one of the most dangerous waves ever ridden, first surfed by big wave living legend, Laird Hamilton. It’s shape is formed by water sucking off of the coral below, incredibly deadly to unfortunate surfers that wipeout in shallow sections. Brazilian big wave surfers say that it can “quebra cranios” – AKA, “break skulls.”  This massive barrel is only conquered by the most experienced tube riders. From shallow reef to its super hollow bowl and fast sections, Teahupo’o will level the playing field as surfers battle against mother nature’s powerful Tahitian force.

The danger is real. Jaws will drop. Quivers will downsize with an array of broken boards and shattered dreams, but some lucky big wave chargers will experience the ride of their lives in one of the most powerful barrels in the world.  Entertainment at its best.

We are lucky enough to watch the biggest wipeouts without experiencing them, in this epic video compiled from last year’s event.

Check out some of the gnarliest wipeouts from Billabong Pro Tahiti 2011:

The Billabong Pro Tahiti 2012, Stop No. 5 of 10 on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour, is set to commence this week with the world’s best surfers battling one another at the infamous Teahupo’o from August 16 – 27, 2012.

Can’t wait? Watch these videos to prepare you for all that is Teahupo’o!

The first round of match-ups have been determined! Find out who will start off this epic competition.

Check out the images below of the worst wipeouts captured during the Billabong Pro Tahiti, 2011 (images by Billabong):

The Billabong Pro Tahiti 2012 will be webcast LIVE via BllabongPro.com

For more information, log onto ASPWorldTour.com

Shannon Q (92 Posts)

Shannon Marie Quirk is the Head Editor of the TheSurfChannel.com. She is a sports journalist with Bachelors of Arts degrees in English and Spanish Literature from UCLA, trained as a photojournalist by the Los Angeles Times. A San Francisco native, Shannon is a surfer, snowboarder, photographer, and believes that athletes have a responsibility to take care of their playgrounds. She has spent the last three years in South America working as an environmental activist, while shredding the hemispheres.