OLYMPIC SURFING 101
What’s going on in Tahiti?
Olympic Surfing 101
If your social media explore pages are anything like mine, you might have seen some posts about the floating Olympic village inTahiti and had a few questions (and a lot of jealousy). Luckily for you, we have some answers! Keep reading to get the 411 on 2024 Olympic Surfing…
Photo: USA Surfing
Since when is surfing an Olympic event?
Olympic surfing debuted at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games as part of a proposal by the Tokyo Organizing Committee which was then supported by the International Olympic Committee and renewed for 2024. We’re stoked that after almost a century of rallying cries from surfers and non-surfers alike, the IOC has finally given us a chance. And don’t worry, surfing has already been approved for the 2028 Summer Olympics hosted in Los Angeles!
Aren’t these the Paris Olympics?
You would be correct in questioning that Team USA sent their best and brightest surfers to the Seine considering it made Olympic triathletes throw up. But instead of being concerned for their health, I prepared to be sick with jealousy: the 2024 Olympic Surfing events have been held in French Polynesia off the coast of Tahiti at a wave called Teahupo’o. Luckily, Tahiti is both a French territory and home to some of the best waves period.
How did we do?
The ladies of Team USA absolutely crushed it, with Caroline Marks taking home the gold for Women’s Shortboard! This win marks (don’t hate me) the only medal Team USA has won in the 2024 Olympic Surfing events. On the men’s side, both John Florence and Griffin Colapinto were eliminated in the early rounds. However, their determination and sportsmanship were evident throughout the competition, showcasing the true spirit of the Olympics. Despite the setbacks, the team’s camaraderie and support for one another were inspiring to witness.
Caroline Marks’ victory was a testament to her skill, perseverance, and the countless hours of training she put in. Her performance was a beacon of hope and pride for aspiring surfers across the nation. The waves at Teahupo’o, Tahiti, were challenging, but Caroline rode them with grace and precision, earning her place atop the podium.
Ben Thouard/Pool Photo via AP
How do I do that?
Great question! Come learn with New Jersey’s longest-running surf school, Summertime Surf School! Our goal is to provide the ultimate environment for teaching and learning the practices and values of the surf and ocean lifestyle. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of surfing! While we can’t guarantee a gold medal, we can guarantee that learning to surf with Summertime will have you walking away with a smile on your face and a newfound sense of confidence on a surfboard. Visit our website for an online booking or feel free to call us at 732-599-2700!
Don’t miss the ultimate showdown at Keiki Surf Camp Olympics! 🥇 Check out some friendly competition among the little ones with a run, swim and surf relay. Let the games begin! (On our Instagram: @summertimesurf)