Kelia Gallina had a pretty stellar week at home. Photo: Brent Bielmann//WSL
There was a lot of hype heading into the WSL Tahiti Pro – the last stop of the season before the finals in Fiji later this month. The stakes were high and a substantial swell had arrived to add an air of nervous excitement around the event. In addition to the buzz surrounding the Championship Tour surfers, there was a lot of talk about the women’s wildcard: Kelia Mehani Gallina, aka Miss Teahupo’o.
After winning the Tahiti Pro Trials, the local secured herself a spot in the main draw. At just 12 years old, she would be the youngest person to ever compete on the CT. Although Gallina didn’t manage a heat win, she held her own against the world’s best and proved she deserves a position in the lineup at The End of the Road. I spoke with Gallina about surfing Teahupo’o, her thoughts heading into the contest, and her goals going forward.
So what’s your surf story? When did you start?
I grew up right here in the Teahupo’o village. My dad is a surfer from Hawaii and my mother is a Tahitian from Papeete. My dad had me on his board before I turned one.
When did you start competing?
I started off doing surf contests here at home at Taharuu Beach, little local events. Recently, I did the Occy Grom comp at Snapper, which was so much fun, and I got third. My other best contest results so far are winning the Roxy Vahine Cup here last year, and of course, winning the first ever women’s Teahupo’o trails earlier this month.
When did you first paddle out at Teahupo’o?
I first surfed Teahupo’o when I was four on a one-foot glassy day. I don’t remember it, but we are lucky we have photos!
Where do you usually surf at home?
I live and grew up directly in front of Teahupo’o – I can see it from my bed. We surf there every time it’s good and not too big. We also surf all around the island but mostly train at Taharuu beach and surf Papara because it’s very consistent. I mostly surf and train with my best friends: Terevanui Thornton, Kiara Goold, Liam Sham Koua and my coach/dad, Ryan [Gallina].
We love your IG handle, @missteahupoo! Where did the name come from?
When I was two years old, a local fisherman used a call me “Miss Teahupo’o” and it stuck. So, it originally had nothing to do with surfing!
What were the Tahiti Pro Trails like?
The Trials were so much fun; the waves were 2-3 feet and clean. I knew it was possible to win but didn’t expect to because I’m the youngest and smallest girl. But everything went my way, and it was the best feeling in the world. I’m still buzzing.
What was your mindset heading into the Tahiti Pro? Especially given the size of the swell.
I was really nervous. Not because of surfing against the world’s best but because of how big the waves were going to be. There was no pressure on me because of my age, but Teahupo’o is really scary sometimes.
Is there anyone on tour that you really look up?
Caity Simmers is my absolute favorite surfer! She is so nice, and I think one day we will become good friends and travel the world together.
Would you throw yourself over that ledge? Brent Bielmann//WSL
Was there anyone you were hoping to have in your heat?
I was just happy to surf with any of the women on tour but a heat with Caity would have been insane. Molly [Picklum] was so nice to surf with too even though she left me in a combo!
What has the overall event been like for you?
The entire experience was incredible. I feel like I didn’t get to show the world what I can do – it was little bigger than I hoped, and I got pretty pounded my first heat. My second heat was only an hour after my first and I didn’t really recover my confidence, so I didn’t get any great tubes. But it’s okay, I’m glad I didn’t get hurt and I learned a lot.
What were some of the highlights?
Just being out there at home in front of my friends and community who were all so supportive. I really appreciated that. Also, the women on tour were so nice and supportive.
So what’s next?
My goals looking forward are to just keep getting better at surfing, having fun, and getting lots of tubes. It would be a dream to win the trials again and have another shot at the Tahiti Pro with a few more inches of height and a bigger board.
