Poenaiki Raioha (born 21 January 1997)[1] is a French Polynesian surfer who specialises in the stand-up paddle.

Poenaiki Raioha in 2015

Raioha was born in Papeete and educated at Samuel Raapoto high school.[1] He learned to surf from an early age, along with his younger brother, and was trained by his grandfather and father.[2]

In 2014 he became amateur world champion in stand up paddle at the 2014 World Surfing Games.[1] In 2018 he came second in the world championships.[3] In December 2019 he became pro world champion.[4]

Honours

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In September 2014 he was made a knight of the Order of Tahiti Nui.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Poenaiki Raioha, un Tahitien champion du monde de stand up paddle" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  2. ^ "Poenaiki Raioha, champion d'exception" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 26 December 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  3. ^ "Sup Surf : Poenaiki Raioha vice-champion du monde de la discipline" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 17 December 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  4. ^ "Poenaiki Raioha, champion du monde pro 2019" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 15 December 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  5. ^ "Remises de décorations dans l'ordre de Tahiti Nui" (in French). Tahiti Infos. 3 September 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2023.