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Surfing: The Olympic Vision

Photo: Woody Gooch


The push to bring surfing to the olympics began in 1920 when Duke Kahanamoku asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include surfing in the Olympic Games. With support from the most respected individuals in the global surf community and the International Surfing Association’s official recognition as world governing authority for surfing,it is clear to see that progress is being made.The largest obstacle that has prevented the sport of surfing from being included in previous Olympic games has been access to surf and the lack of competition worthy waves.
What if we could make world class waves of variable shape, length, and height available to us at the push of a button? What if we produced overhead powerful barrelling waves in a controlled environment at any location in the world? Many companies and big names within the surf industry have entered the wave pool scene and we are entering a new era for the sport. This is a giant step in the direction of surfing’s Olympic future.
Our vision is to ensure these surf pools are then kept on and operated as a sustainable resource for communities to use once the Olympic circus has left town. The core aim of an Olympic sport is to inspire a generation of athletes and a sport needs to be accessible for this to be achievable.
What about the soul of surfing? Olympic inclusion of surfing will not be everyones cup of tea, but often it is criticised by those who have regular access to the ocean and waves. It would be great to open surfing up to people who are landlocked or maybe cannot afford to get to the coast. Imagine if schools were able to visit these locations and deliver the health and exercise benefits of surfing to the with the core curriculum.
In the words of International Surfing Association President Fernando Aguerre: “Surfing’s chance for inclusion will most likely involve the development of wave parks with suitable manmade waves. Several such parks have been in operation for years, but recent technological improvements have raised the bar, and we now have an unprecedented ability for producing high-quality performance waves."
Although surfing won't be in the 2020 Olympic games there is potential to gain considerable recognition for our sport. Once artificial waves and surf parks are on the map and people around the world have access to world class surf there will be a massive amount of momentum that is sure to bring surfing to the Summer Olympics of 2024. We are sure Fernando Aguerre and the ISA will succeed in their campaign to take surfing to the crest of global competition.
(Fernando Aguerre’s full article on Surfing and the Olympics at ISA’s website.)
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