Surfing made its Olympics debut at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, but this year, the sport is already making waves with a first-of-its-kind floating Olympic Village, where the surfers will sleep at sea and wake up with pristine ocean views in French Polynesia for the 2024 Paris Games.
Social media has been overflowing lately with athlete POV videos showing off everything from team gear clothing hauls from Nike, Ralph Lauren and Skims to room tours testing out the infamous recyclable cardboard beds at the Paris-based Olympic Village. But when it comes to the accommodations for the oceanic-based sporting event in French Polynesia, it appears some of those athletes have already struck gold before they ride the iconic Tahitian waves at Teahupo’o.
One such video from first-time German Olympian Tim Elter that showed off his suite on the Aranui 5, the dual-purpose passenger and freighter ship that is housing the surf competitors, has amassed nearly 2 million views on TikTok.
“We got asked a lot about the cardboard beds in the floating village in Tahiti,” Elter says in the video, while panning across the panoramic view from his balcony overlooking the striking blue water and lush green island before walking into the bedroom. “We don’t have cardboard beds. We actually have real, aluminum bed frames that are solid and stable — so yeah, we’ve got it better than the guys in Paris.”
The Aranui 5, a cruise ship-cum-freighter where some of the athletes competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics surfing competition will stay, is seen near Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, July 25, 2024. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Carlos Barria/Reuters
The Aranui 5 reflects Polynesian heritage throughout its interior and features 103 spacious cabins, eight guest decks, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a gym, a restaurant and lounges, according to Aranui Cruises. The custom-built vessel is anchored less than 45 minutes from the big wave competition site at Teahupo’o, where surfing will get underway on Saturday, July 27.
A general view of the Aranui 5 cruise ship that some athletes competing in the Olympic Surfing will be living on during the competition window for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 25, 2024 in Teahupo’o, French Polynesia.
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Team New Zealand’s Saffi Vette, 22, shared another video of the ship on TikTok, with Michael Jackson blasting aboard as she and the team of Kiwis arrived to the floating Olympic village by dinghy.
The Aranui 5, a cruise ship-cum-freighter where some of the athletes competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics surfing competition will stay, is seen near Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, July 25, 2024.
Carlos Barria/Reuters
“POV: German team welcomes you into the Olympic villa…ge,” she wrote in text overlaid in the video.
In a follow-up selfie video taken on her balcony that has so far garnered 7.4 million views and counting, Vette and her fellow Olympians are seen laughing and dancing to Gotye’s hit, “Somebody That I Used to Know.”
“Vibes are high here on our floating Olympic Village,” she wrote in the caption with a laughing face and heart hands emoji.
Editor’s Picks
New Zealand teammate Billy Stairmand, meanwhile, shared a walk-through of the ship boasting a traditional Polynesian welcome and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Teams USA, Brazil and Australia have all opted not to stay on the ship, instead putting their surfers in homes on Tahiti closer to the end of the road.
French Polynesia is set to make waves in the world of sports and hospitality with the first-ever floating Olympic village. This innovative concept will provide surfers competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics with a unique and luxurious accommodation option at sea.
The idea for the floating Olympic village was born out of a desire to showcase the natural beauty and surfing culture of French Polynesia while also providing athletes with a comfortable and convenient place to stay during the games. The village will be located off the coast of Tahiti, one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world.
Surfers participating in the Olympics will have the opportunity to stay in spacious suites that offer stunning views of the ocean and easy access to some of the best surf spots in the area. Each suite will be equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay, including a private bathroom, air conditioning, and high-speed internet.
In addition to the luxurious accommodations, the floating Olympic village will also feature a variety of amenities for athletes to enjoy during their downtime. These may include a fitness center, spa, restaurants, and even a surf school where athletes can hone their skills and learn from some of the best surfers in the world.
The village will be designed with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly materials and technology to minimize its impact on the environment. Solar panels will provide power to the village, and waste management systems will ensure that any waste produced is properly disposed of or recycled.
Overall, the floating Olympic village in French Polynesia promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience for athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. With its stunning location, luxurious accommodations, and commitment to sustainability, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who have the opportunity to stay there.
