This is the world’s deadliest wave

Wiping out at Teahupo'o means being sucked onto its dangerous and shallow reef. Source: News Limited

IT'S the deadliest wave in the world, and every year diehard surfers flock to its shores.

Located at the southwest tip of Tahiti, Teahupo'o is the subject of a local legend, and if you think you're saying it right, you've got it all wrong.

Teahupo'o (pronounced che-au-po-o, or chopes in hip Aussie circles) is one of the most famous and challenging surf breaks in the world. It's a yearly fixture on the ASP World Championship Tour — in fact, brave surfers are about to kick off the 2014 Billabong pro event.

The world's most deadliest wave. Picture: Ted Grambeau. Source: Supplied

This is not where you want to be. Source: Supplied

Teahupo'o is unique because of the top heavy nature of the wave, which breaks just feet over a living, razor-sharp coral reef. This semicircular reef drops sharply to create the planet's only wave that breaks below sea level. This drop in reef height means the water's rising wall is often as thick as it is steep and during a big swell, it looks like the ocean is folding over itself.

Dubbed the heaviest wave in the world, its fierce power has caused shocking injuries and even claimed lives, inspiring fear and awe among surfers.

Spectators watch the fierce break of Teahupo'o. Source: Supplied

Surfing has deep roots in the Polynesian islands, where the ancient journey from Tahiti to Hawaii on paip (belly) boards was only survived by the most accomplished watermen.

According to legend, the first surfer to ride the waves of Teahupo'o was a girl, a brave and beautiful Tahitian named Vehiatua. The story goes that Vehiatua managed to control the power of these incredible yet dangerous waves and surf them with grace.

The chief of Teahupo'o (the local village, after which the surf break was nicknamed) became jealous of her surfing abilities and killed the girl, expecting to absorb her skills. However he never managed to conquer the notorious break.

The 2014 Billabong pro Tahiti will be held from August 15-26, featuring pro Aussie surfers such as Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning and Sally Fitzgibbons.

The world's heaviest wave is the ultimate test of skill. Source: Supplied

Don't be fooled by its beauty. Teahuopo'o can be deadly. Source: News Limited

Australian surfer Nathan Hedge is thrown off the powerful break. Source: AFP

Staying on the board is your ultimate goal. Source: AFP

Teahupo'o is a favourite with spectator who can get up close to the action. Source: News Corp Australia

Eleven time world champion Kelly Slater shows how its done. Source: AP

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