In preparation for the Surfski World Cup to be held in Tahiti in November 2005, Léopold Tepa of Huahine, challenged the Hawaiki Nui Va'a 3 day marathon (128.5 km) course and OC-6 crews solo on his surfski. Léopold glided in with the top ten canoes on each leg, barely breathing hard.
In addition to preparing for the crossing, Léopold found time to manage his gas station in Fare, Huahine (preparing for an assault of hundreds of power boats escorting the canoe race), partake in official Hawaiki Nui Va'a pre-race events, and host the Kainalu/Holopuni team in his home for four nights.
On one of his "training" days prior to the race, Leo put on an amazing display of his surf ski prowess as he paddled into the surf line up at one of the gnarliest reef breaks on Huahine and shredded over head tubes on his surf ski.
