Tahiti Can Take All My Money - Stab Mag

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Makana Pang gets a massive ROI at Teahupo'o. Frame: Indo Eye

Tahiti Can Take All My Money

A delightful visual stimulant from French Polynesia.

cinema // Aug 20, 2026
Words by August Howell
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Scientists estimate that humans, depending on the number of rods and cones in our eyes, can see between 1 million and 10 million different colors.

 I’ll wager that French Polynesia boasts the most vibrant color arrangements in the visible spectrum. 

The video above is reminiscent of those slow-motion drone videos flying above scenic vistas around the world. It’s essentially a YouTube subgenre. Think lofi beats over the 4K footage of the Alps. Or soothing piano plays over views of Costa Rica. Superb cinematography with arresting natural beauty. Except “South Pacific” has an extra kick at the end — one of the best waves our rotating planet can muster. 

But first, scenery! Frame: Indo Eye

The clip was filmed and edited entirely by filmmaker David Biner, known online by his handle, Indo Eye. Though he’s often found shooting Lance’s Right, Uluwatu and Padang Padang, David seemingly had no trouble adjusting to another world class tropical locale. From an objective standpoint, his work makes French Polynesia look a hell of a lot more enticing than the waves at the last CT event did. From an emotional standpoint, it makes me question all my life decisions that have led me to not being there.

With multiple low pressure systems stirring up the southern hemisphere in May and June, David took his multiple cameras from the highest peaks to the shallowest reefs. There’s even a delectable right that normies can feel comfortable in. 

Fiji’s first pro surfer on his first trip to Teahupo’o. It went well. Frame: Indo Eye

That being said, no honest Tahiti edit would be complete without Teahupo’o, and David got plenty during his stint. Among the highlights, a freefall and freakish display from Chopes rookie James Kusitino, who you’ll be seeing more of in Former’s forthcoming Defect film. Eimeo Czermak does Eimeo Czermak things. And Matahi Drollet gets yet another improbable tube with his way-too-casual demeanor. 

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