Introduction

After a memorable Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, surfing is gearing up to make waves at the Paris 2024 Games. With more competitors and even higher stakes, the competition promises to be spectacular. Scheduled to take place in Tahiti, a spot renowned worldwide for its powerful waves, this edition will see the participation of eight additional surfers. Find out here all you need to know about qualifying, which athletes to follow, and how to navigate the Olympic qualification system.

The Beginnings and History of Surfing at the Olympic Games

Born in the Hawaiian archipelago in the 15th century, surfing gained international recognition in the 1950s. Introduced for the first time at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020, surfing quickly captured the hearts of spectators and athletes alike. At Paris 2024, the sport will take on even greater significance.

Competition Venue

The surfing events for Paris 2024 will take place on the famous beaches of Teahupo'o in Tahiti, a site renowned for its spectacular waves and World Surf League (WSL) competitions. The competitions will take place from July 27 to 30, 2024, attracting eyes from around the world.

Format and number of competitors

A total of 48 surfers (24 men and 24 women) will compete, an increase of eight athletes compared to Tokyo 2020. France, as host country, will automatically benefit from two places, one for the women and one for the men.

The Qualification Process Explained

Qualification by Athlete :

  • Surfers can qualify via the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour (CT), the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games, and the 2023 Pan-American Games.
  • The ISA World Surfing Games 2024 will also offer nominative qualification places.

Qualification by National Olympic Committees (NOCs) :

  • The qualification process for the ISA World Surfing Games 2022 has already begun.
  • A gold medal win at the ISA World Surfing Games 2024 guarantees a quota for the NOC of the winning country. The other places will be allocated by name at the same games.

Each NOC can qualify a maximum of two athletes per gender, with a possible increase to three, if the national teams are well ranked at the ISA World Surfing Games 2022 or 2024.

Competition calendar

The surfing events will be held from July 27 to 30, with the first rounds scheduled for the first three days and the final phases, including quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, scheduled for the last day. Competition times have been adjusted to maximize international visibility, with events scheduled to run from 7:00 pm to 4:50 am CET.

Conclusion

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will mark a decisive turning point for surfing, cementing its place in the hearts of Olympic sports fans. With more participants and a breathtaking setting in Tahiti, the competitions promise to be unforgettable. For surfers aspiring to join this prestigious arena, the path is clear but demanding. May the best surfer win! And if you can't be there, come and watch the live broadcast of these events at Shapers Club House. We promise you an atmosphere as electric as the beaches of Tahiti!