We won't lie to ourselves, coming to Tarifa is to put your finger in the Mecca of sliding!
With almost 300 days of wind per year, Tarifa is more than likely the best kitesurfing spot in Europe. Whether you're a beginner or already a kiteboarder, you'll have a great time on the water.
Today we take you to Matos-Tarifa, one of the most recognized kitesurfing schools in Tarifa.
Why Matos-Tarifa ? First of all because they are very professional and efficient in their teaching, but also because they practice and teach kitesurfing with a TIKI since 2021, subject of this blog.
Tiki, who are you?
A tiki, ti'i in Tahitian, a term which means "man", "god" or "god-man", is a stylized human representation found in Oceania in the form of a statue or pendant, often made of jade or bone.
If surfing rings a bell and you've ever dreamed of those Hollywood movies where the protagonists fly over a huge turquoise wave in a fluid and evanescent way, perched on a wooden board... you're there!
Imagined in 2012 by Sylvain Maurin, known as "Momo", the Tiki is largely inspired by the first Polynesian surfboards that date back to.....very far!!! The oldest one found today dates back to the 14th century.
But let's get back to the point....
Sylvain has cleverly diverted the spirit of the Tiki to stick it on another reference, Hawaiian this time: the Alaïa... board that also refers to the tradition.
For Sylvain, his Tiki is an evolution of the Alaïa, to make it compatible with the practice of kite.
A small fin at the rear for stability above 20 knots, a marked scoop to avoid getting stuck, and specific work on the hull to increase the notching and ensure a good capacity to go upwind.
A former speed windsurfing champion (yes, the sick ones with a weight vest to hold huge sails in the wind 😊 !), he was also looking to be able to glide across the water while sparing his already banged up knees from all those years of practice.
Last but not least, Sylvain has left his creation "open source", i.e. accessible to anyone who wishes to reproduce it for personal use.
There is also a dedicated Facebook page where all the customizations of people willing to share their experiences with other enthusiasts are published: TIKI MAFIA
A little history
The origins of surfing can be traced back to the Pacific Ocean between Tahiti and Hawaii, when travelogues depicted natives lying on large pieces of wood to "catch" waves. Practiced for centuries in French Polynesia, the cradle of the discipline, the ancestor of surfing was previously called "le horue", which means to glide on the waves.
The boards were then made of wood. Standing or lying on a plank of tree trunk or bark, the practice of this game allowed the competitors to be valued and to establish the authority of certain chiefs. Tests were organized to improve their rank and status within the community.
The story goes that James Cook first saw a surfer when he arrived in the Sandwich Islands, the ancient name for the Hawaiian archipelago. It was his lieutenant, James King, who described in a ship's log the surfing as he had observed it at Kealakekua Bay, on the Big Island of Hawaii
Originally, surfing was a rite of passage for tribal leaders who proved their worth by facing the elements on a wooden or tree bark board that weighed about 50 kilos.
After colonization and decades of being forbidden to practice their languages and rituals, Polynesians have reclaimed their history and culture. Surfing is part of the recovered local pride.
To give you an idea, in every Polynesian family there is at least one surfboard or boogie board. It must be said that in Tahiti there is a quality of wave that cannot be found elsewhere. "Others have oil in their soil and we have our waves that attract thousands of visitors every year."
Of course, technology has evolved enormously. Even if today composite materials are used, wood is still part of the basic materials for some models. Don't be fooled... They seem to be simple floats that surfers use to ride a wave, but they turn out to be much more complex than they appear.
The evolution of the Tiki
Matos-Tarifa had a prototype since 2019 made at the time by Takoon.
Mat fell in love with the concept and decided to start teaching Tiki in Tarifa to both novices and experienced instructors.
A shaper from Avignon, Patrick André, put his touch to it. Mat, always eager to improve his custom, made tests with the help of Pascal Meunier from Bim Bam in Tarifa.
From left to right: Sylvain Maurin, Manu Bertin and Patrick andré
Today, Flysurf.com has invested in the adventure by producing 100 glued laminated boards, close to the customs made with a Paulownia wood blank.
There are also whispers behind the scenes that a new model, called Talaïa, currently under development, will be marketed soon. This model would be more adapted to learning, but not only.
Paulownia what?
This wood of Asian origin has the advantage of being light, rot-proof and, icing on the cake (or gambas on the paella in Andalusian mode), the tree grows quickly and has an exemplary ability to absorb CO².
All this makes the product even more ecological.
Paulownia was first used in China and Korea in the 11th century. It has been used in Japan since the 18th century.
We will end this sharing with the words of its creator, Momo:
"There are three stages on the TIKI road:
1. Talk about it. It's a good thing.
2. Sending small photos and other videos is better.
3. Practice, and there we fall into the antechamber of universal ecstasy.
But this is just my humble point of view...."
HolaTarifa would add a fourth: making a good blog out of it is great!
So, are you ready to experience new sensations?
Mat will tell you more about it when you come to Tarifa.
Don't hesitate to contact him and reserve your place on
matos-tarifa.com ou visit our Matos Tarifa page
Useful links
