Quick Hit:

Surfers competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics are staying in a unique floating village in French Polynesia. The Aranui 5 cruise ship provides luxurious accommodations near the competition site in Teahupo'o.

Key Details:

• Surfers are staying on the Aranui 5, a dual-purpose passenger and freighter ship.
• The ship is anchored 45 minutes from the surfing competition site at Teahupo'o.
• Some athletes' TikTok videos showcasing their accommodations have gone viral, with millions of views.

Diving Deeper:

Surfing, which debuted in the Olympics at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, is making headlines again with the introduction of a floating Olympic Village for the 2024 Paris Games. The Aranui 5, anchored in French Polynesia, is housing surfers with its luxurious amenities, providing a unique experience for the athletes.

Social media is buzzing with athlete videos showcasing their experiences on the Aranui 5. First-time German Olympian Tim Elter's TikTok video, which shows off his suite and the stunning views from his balcony, has amassed nearly 2 million views. Elter highlighted the superior accommodations on the ship, mentioning that unlike the recyclable cardboard beds in Paris, the Aranui 5 offers solid aluminum bed frames.

The Aranui 5 reflects Polynesian heritage throughout its design and features 103 spacious cabins, eight guest decks, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a gym, a restaurant, and lounges. The custom-built vessel is anchored less than 45 minutes from Teahupo'o, the site of the surfing competition, which begins on Saturday, July 27.

New Zealand's Saffi Vette, 22, shared another popular video on TikTok, showing her team's arrival to the floating village. Her follow-up video, which has garnered 7.4 million views, captures the high spirits aboard the ship with her fellow Olympians dancing to Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know."

New Zealand teammate Billy Stairmand shared a walkthrough of the ship, highlighting the traditional Polynesian welcome and the breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.

While Teams USA, Brazil, and Australia have opted for accommodations on land in Tahiti, the floating village experience on the Aranui 5 has been a highlight for those staying on the ship. This unique arrangement has set a new standard for athlete accommodations and added an extra layer of excitement to the Olympic surfing competition.

The Aranui 5's floating village not only offers a memorable stay but also brings the athletes closer to the pristine waters they will be competing in, enhancing their overall Olympic experience.