Eimeo Czermak
Heart of Tahiti, Power of Teahupo’o
There’s a calm to Eimeo Czermak when he speaks, the same quiet confidence you see when he drops into a Teahupo’o wall. Born in Raiatea, raised in Huahine, and now calling Tahiti home, Eimeo carries both the beauty and the bite of the islands in everything he does.
“Je m’appelle Aimeo, j’ai vingt et un ans, et je viens de Tahiti,” he says with a smile, leaning back into the interview.
A simple introduction, yet it carries heritage, ocean, and resilience.
The Birth of “Meko”
Every surfer has a story behind their nickname. For Eimeo, “Meko” came in a flash or rather, a roar.
“The waves were huge at my home break. A massive one came, and my best friend just started yelling, ‘Go Meko!’”
He paddled, dropped in, and rode one of the scariest waves of his life. When he came back up, “Meko” stuck. Eventually, it morphed into “Mako,” but the meaning remains: courage in motion.
Image caption idea: Eimeo taking off deep at Teahupo’o, living up to the “Meko” name.
Mind Over Matter
Preparation for a heavy session isn’t about a strict routine.
“I try to sleep well the night before. If I think about it too much, I can get anxious or overly excited. So I relax, spend time with family, hang out with my little brother, watch movies.”
The best part about growing up in Tahiti?
“The wave and the people. The community here is special.”
Image caption idea: Eimeo laughing with friends on the beach, board under arm.
Resilience in the Face of Injury
Eimeo knows pain. He’s taken beatings that would break most — and sometimes, they have. But each comeback has deepened his perspective.
“After my injury, I realized how much people cared about me. I’ve always been independent, but the support was huge. I’m really thankful for my family and friends. They’ve been there for me mentally, even though I don’t come from a wealthy family.”
The Role of Social Media
Far from just a digital distraction, social media has opened doors.
“It’s definitely helped my career, and I’m grateful for it.”
His advice for young surfers is not about chasing likes.
“Don’t put everything into contests. The ocean is unpredictable. Focus on yourself, know what you want to do, and stay open-minded. Keep creating.”
On Sponsorship
Eimeo’s perspective on sponsorship is grounded.
“I didn’t have a sponsor until I was eighteen. You don’t need one too early, it can mess with your mindset. Waiting made me push harder.”
Looking Ahead
His goals are simple yet ambitious: keep surfing at the highest level, explore creative projects, and stay true to himself.
“I want to do it for the love of it, not just as a job. Surfing is my passion, and I’m grateful for every wave I get to ride.”
Eimeo Czermak is proof that raw talent, matched with humility and heart, can carve a path as deep and powerful as any wave at Teahupo’o.
