A few days ago, we discussed a possible major turning point for Olympic surfing with the reform of qualifications for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The idea? Drastically reduce the Championship Tour (CT) part of the World Surf League (WSL) in favor of competitions from the International Surfing Association (ISA). An announcement that, while aimed at balancing the odds and intensifying the competition, has far from received consensus. Behind the scenes and on social media, discontent is growing among some of the biggest names on the circuit.
The contested reform: less CT, more ISA
To recap, the ISA proposal would limit five spots per gender via the CT, with a potential restriction to one surfer per country, whereas previous cycles (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024) allocated a much larger part via the final CT rankings. The avowed aim was to give more weight to the ISA World Surfing Games, thus offering an opportunity to emerging nations and intensifying the value of these world championships.
The wave of criticism: “A total lack of respect”
However, this reform, presented as strategic by the ISA, is seen as a challenge by many CT athletes. Reactions were swift, with a rising tone, especially on social networks.
Among the most critical voices are figures like Yago Dora, the current reigning world champion. His verdict is clear: “Very disrespectful to the world’s best competition surfers. A total lack of respect in how they have handled this, absolutely sad for our sport and the future generations of surfers.”
Leo Fioravanti agrees, noting that the previous system worked “perfectly” by ensuring the presence of the best. He protests: “Now, the WSL World Champion 2027 isn’t even guaranteed to compete in the Olympics.” He also criticizes a lack of communication: “On behalf of the WSL surfers, we tried to communicate with the ISA to find the best solution for all, but the ISA refused to collaborate.”
João “Chumbinho” Chianca expresses his “shame” at this decision made “behind our backs,” deeming the qualification system “unfair” and accusing the ISA of “not respecting our opinions.”
Erin Brooks emphasizes coherence: “Consistency at the highest level is what defines competition surfing. The WSL Championship Tour is where this happens, and the Olympic qualification pathway should reflect this even more strongly.”
Lakey Peterson shares a similar disappointment: “What a shame to see this. A total lack of respect towards WSL surfers. We would have liked you to discuss with us before making this decision, as we have tried to have meetings with you multiple times, and you have canceled, acting behind our backs and not allowing open communication with surfers whose lives are affected by this.”
Even Caity Simmers and Luana Silva have expressed their disagreement, the former with a simple and telling “two thumbs down,” and the latter with a clear “We do not agree with this system.”
The heart of the problem: fear of losing or missed opportunity?
These criticisms raise a fundamental question: why this reluctance to invest more in ISA events? Some commentators do not hesitate to speak of “fear of losing” against surfers from emerging nations, or of “contempt” towards an organization that, we remind you, is the only pathway to the Games.
The contrast is striking with the example of Gabriel Medina in Puerto Rico in 2024. Having missed direct Olympic qualification, he fully committed to the ISA World Surfing Games, winning the championship with palpable emotion and securing his ticket. A performance hailed as an example of “courage” and determination in the face of the Olympic stakes.
The ISA is accused of acting behind the scenes and defending its own interests. On their side, CT surfers believe that the current system, which favors the cream of the WSL, guarantees Olympic quality. The rift is deep.
Towards Los Angeles 2028: a “more disputed” and tense path
If the ISA’s intention is to make the road to Los Angeles 2028 “much more disputed” and to value its own competitions, the method and reception of this reform reveal significant tension between the two major entities in world surfing. Definitive details are yet to be confirmed, but one thing is certain: Olympic surfing is at a crossroads, and peace has not yet been signed among all stakeholders.
The stakes are no longer just sporting, they are also political. And they could well reshape the landscape of competition surfing for years to come.
