DEATH or Glory

t the tender age of 12 years old, Kevin Bourez first made his way into the Teahupo’o lineup under the tutelage of local big wave legend, Raimana Van Bastolaer. As the younger brother of world tour powerhouse, Michel, Kevin has travelled the world competing but knows the biggest test in surfing is on his doorstep and prefers to do his best surfing there. Along with the likes of Matahi Drollet, Matehau Tetopata, Tikanui Smith and several others, Kevin is part of the first generation of Tahitian surfers to take control and truly dominate Teahupo’o on its biggest, best days. Few escape a career spent surfing giant Chopes without misadventure, however, and Kevin is no exception, suffering one of the worst non-fatal injuries on record during the