Surfers Slam Olympic Qualification Changes as ‘Complete Disrespect’ to Sport
While the Winter Olympics are currently underway in Italy, folks are already thinking ahead to the next summer games: Los Angeles 20208.
And recently, the official body handling the surfing portion of the Olympics – the International Surfing Association – released an updated path to qualification.
Safe to say, the surfers aren’t happy with it.
There are a few changes of note, which are the cause for backlash. Specifically, the new road to qualification lessens the number of surfers from the 2028 World Surf League Championship Tour, putting more emphasis on the 2028 ISA World Surfing Games.
24 men, and 24 women will still qualify. The surfers per gender, per country, will also increase to three – rather than just two in the previous Olympic games. The surfing portion of the 2028 Summer Olympics will be held at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, CA.
But, when it comes to the World Surf League route to competition, there will only be 10 surfers (five men, five men) who qualify. Whereas before, at Paris 2024, it was 10 men and eight women from the Championship Tour. Thus, the outrage.
“Consistency at the highest level is what defines competitive surfing. The @wsl Championship Tour is where that happens, and the @olympics qualification pathway should more strongly reflect that.” – Erin Brooks
“Complete disrespect on the way you guys conducted this, absolutely sad for our sport and future generations of surfers.” – Yago Dora
“Wow! And the worst is the way all of this situation was conducted by you guys!” – Filipe Toledo
“Completely disagree with this qualification system. The qualification system in the last 2 Olympics worked perfect. Having 10 surfers from the @wsl world tour was the best way to make sure the best surfers in the world made it to the Olympics. Now the 2027 WSL world champion isn't event guaranteed to compete in the Olympics To be clear, on behalf of the WSL surfers, we tried to communicate with the ISA to find the best solution for everyone but the ISA was not willing to work with any of the WSL surfers. I don't think this is the way to move forward and make our sport better not only for our generation but for future generations.” – Leo Fioravanti
"This is a joke." - Billy Kemper
Clearly, not a happy bunch.
As for the updated qualification system, read here, and see below:
- 2028 WSL CT(10 total athletes)
Top five (5) eligible athletes per gender as of the middle of June, 2028. Maximum one (1) per nation. - 2028 ISA WSG
Top ten (10) eligible athletes per gender. Maximum one (1) per nation. - Continental Slots
- Asian Games 2026
One (1) slot per gender. Highest-ranked eligible athletes. - Pan American Games 2027
One (1) slot per gender. Highest-ranked eligible athletes. - European Surfing Championship 2027
One (1) slot per gender. Highest-ranked eligible athletes. - 2027 ISA WSG
One (1) slot per gender for Africa and one (1) slot per gender for Oceania, awarded to the highest-ranked eligible athletes. The athlete must place within the top 25 overall.
- Asian Games 2026
- 2026 & 2027 ISA WSG
The highest-ranked team per gender will earn one (1) slot per gender for its nation. - Host Nation Places
One (1) slot per gender will be guaranteed for the host nation of the USA unless already filled through the above hierarchies. - Universality Places
One (1) slot per gender for underdeveloped nations. Eligible NOCs will need to apply. The nominated athlete must place within the top 40 at the 2027 or 2028 WSG.
For his part, ISA President Fernando Aguerre had this to say:
“The updates to the qualification system reflect the ISA’s dedication to making sure the world’s best surfers have the best possible opportunity to earn their place at LA28. We have worked closely with the IOC, the athletes, and other stakeholders to deliver a clear and fair process.
“With LA28, with Lower Trestles, and with this qualification system, we are confident the best surfers from around the world will have the chance to earn their place, live their Olympic dreams, and deliver another unforgettable show.”
What do we think?