Interview - Lift Foils Rider Ariihoe Tefaafana

Give us the breakdown, who are you and where are you from?

I am Ariihoe TEFAAFANA, I am 25 years old from Tahiti, French Polynesia and I am a surfer.

How did you first get started with foiling?

I started foiling with my friends in beginning of 2020. I wanted to try something new but still related to the ocean and foiling was the best choice. Once I got up on a foil for the first time I couldn’t stop doing it anymore! I am seriously addicted to it and definitely want to be part of the evolution of this sport.

What’s your preferred foil setups?

My first setup was Lift Foils—I used the 170 High Aspect, 25’ rear, 32’ mast. That’s my everyday set up. Once the waves get big and barrel I use the 100 and 60 Surf model instead of the 170HA.

Any tips and tricks for those getting into the sport?

Get in the water as mush as you can and have fun … that’s the secret mix.

What do you feel has been your biggest achievement out on the water?

I definitely have 2 big achievements in my life. Getting the biggest barrel for the last 5 years in Teahupo’o that I caught last year in August (08/17/2020) and getting barrel with a foil in November 2020.

What brought you to Lift, and what do you like about the brand?

I came to Lift because of the performance of their gear. Being someone who tried every foil brand and model, the Lift seems to me the best in all conditions. What I like about the brand is that everything is about having fun.

What excites you for the future of foiling?

What excites me for the future of the foil is the unknown. I feel like foiling can reach an extreme level that no one can imagine. I am really focused on doing big things with a foil.

https://www.instagram.com/ariihoe_tefaafana/