Now we all know just how perilous the journey of surfers has been in recent times. If you forgot, just look at the fiasco that happened last year in Tahiti as part of the 2024 Olympics. Back then, the small islands of French Polynesia were supposed to be the peak to climb for surfing excellence, with Teahupo’o being famous for its large waves. But what followed instead was a tug-of-war between the surfers and those who wanted to protect the fragile islands. But what does that have to do with LA 2028? Well, for that, we might need to rewind a bit.

After all, while the elites of surfing were all stoked to be part of the Wall of Skulls as the venue for the Olympic Surfing folks. But this didn’t last long, as everyone wanted to protect the fragile coral reefs and ecosystem of Tahiti. This nearly derailed the competition before it even started. Well, after some negotiations, the competition proceeded, but it wasn’t without controversy. Fast Forward to 2028. Surfing has taken a jolt again even before the Olympics have three more years to go!

Why isn’t Longboard Surfing part of the LA28 Olympics? That’s the question many in the surfing world are asking after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) released its final list of events and athlete quotas for the Los Angeles Games. While swimming and sport climbing got new events, surfing’s expansion hopes were left in the wash. The International Surfing Association (ISA) had asked for Longboard Surfing to be added as a medal event, requesting 16 male and 16 female athlete spots.

They also asked for more shortboard quotas. But neither was approved. So surfing at LA28 will be the same as Paris 2024: 24 men and 24 women, shortboard only. Was this a blow to the sport? “The ISA acknowledges with disappointment the decision by the IOC not to include Longboard Surfing in the LA28 Olympic Games,” read an official statement from the governing body.

This was particularly frustrating for the ISA, considering Longboard’s growing global appeal and success in multi-sport events like the Pan American Games, where it’s already featured and well-received. “We firmly believe in the value of Longboard Surfing and the expanding global reach of our sport across its many events and disciplines,” the ISA said. “The proven success of longboarding at past Pan American Games is a testimony to its value.”

ISA President Fernando Aguerre echoed that sentiment. “Obviously, we are disappointed to receive the news that Longboard Surfing will not be featured at LA28,” he said. “But I believe we are still only in the early stages of our long Olympic journey.” So, what’s next? Aguerre says the ISA remains focused on the future: “We’ll continue to push forward in our efforts to campaign for Longboard inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games and beyond. As surfers, we know that finding the perfect wave takes time. We’ve learned patience and persistence.”

Recurring problems for Sport

Surfing’s journey to the Olympics has been anything but smooth! After a century-long wait since Duke Kahanamoku first suggested it to the IOC in 1920, surfing finally made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020. But why did it take so long, and what issues still plague this ocean-dependent sport? The biggest hurdle? Location, location, location!

Unlike track or swimming, surfing requires something most Olympic host cities can’t guarantee—consistent, quality waves. This geographic limitation has been a major sticking point for the IOC. Can you imagine building an Olympic stadium that might not work on competition day because the weather decided not to cooperate? Last year’s controversy highlights this perfectly.

When wave conditions weren’t ideal during several Olympic heats, both athletes and fans were frustrated. Some competitions had to be rescheduled. Then there’s the cultural clash. For many surfers, their sport is more spiritual practice than competition. “It’s about connection to the ocean,” as many purists argue. The fear that commercialization and Olympic structure might strip surfing of its soul runs deep in the community.

The equipment debate doesn’t help either. Longboards, while beautiful to watch in action, are particularly challenging for competition formats. Their size makes them stable but difficult to maneuver quickly—not exactly made for the fast-paced, easily-scorable moments Olympic audiences crave.