Surfing at the 2024 Summer Olympics

A decade ago, the concept of surfing in the Olympics seemed so far-fetched, with its various complexities ranging from swell-dependent forecasting to judging the subjectivity of style and performance. But after a rocky start at the Tokyo games, surfing found itself heading to arguably one of the most terrifying waves in the world, Teahupo'o in French Polynesia. The build-up to the event was rife with chaos, seeing competitors around the world heading to Tahiti to practice at a wave most surfers avoid at all costs. Consternation around the event's infrastructure worried the small fishing village, trying to grapple with the influx of people in their pristine slice of paradise. Up until the minute before this event came to fruition earlier in July, almost everyone involved had their doubts... that changed the moment the competitors hit the water on the first day, as we realized this was the most magnificent way to showcase surfing on the global stage, and Tahiti brought both waves and weather that surpassed our wildest expectations.

The locals of Teahupo'o opposed the new, larger judging tower for its potential impact on the reef. Over the last several years, they banded together with peace and dedication to voice their concerns, which ultimately worked to minimize the Olympics final footprint in their tiny village.

Kanoa Igarashi, representing team Japan. I've personally known Kanoa since he was fourteen, a child prodigy yet with so much to prove and accomplish. I was filled with immense pride seeing him and his peers flying their respective flags in the Olympics, as I realized this is the highest competitive honor.

Teahupo'o is perfect in how mechanically it breaks, nary a drop of water out of place. However, the intensity and speed of which it hits the reef is nothing short of terrifying. On days with a good-sized swell, many waves go unridden, as you need 100% confidence to commit to a wave.

On the finals day, a breaching Humpback Whale celebrated Tatiana Weston Webb and Brisa Hennesy's heat. While the waves were slow with the changing tide, the whale reminded us that no other sport in the Olympics is graced by a 15-meter mammal. 

Gabriel Medina, on the wave heard and seen around the world. While his late takeoff and barrel on this ride were nothing short of spectacular, it was the photos of him kicking out of the wave and motioning to the judges that instantly captivated the internet. Funnily enough, while he deserved a perfect score, he was awarded just short of a perfect 10-point ride.

The geology of Teahupo'o is volcanic rock meeting vibrant reef. This corner of Tahiti is scarce of white sand beaches, and instead is hostile to the barefoot.

In-between moments surrounding the contest saw the surfers enjoying non-competitive surfing, freediving, fishing, and relishing such a unique place. Here, Brisa Hennessy of Costa Rica found a perfect barrel at last light.

A pulled-back view of how the luckiest spectators got to enjoy the venue. Just on the shoulder of the wave at Teahupo'o is a steep drop-off, allowing boats to pull up alongside the wave safely. Here teammates, support staff and family members watched the surfers compete, yelling and cheering from just meters away.

Caroline Marks of USA clinched the women's gold medal, with her ever-impressive display of consistent, and consistently radical, surfing. Despite being just in her early 20's, her calm and humble demeanor lets her surfing do the talking, having earned her a world title to end the 2023 season as well.

Kauli Vaast lives about 5 minutes away from Teahupo'o, and has surfed here since the moment he stepped foot on a surfboard. This event was Kauli's to lose, as no one in the event knew the wave better than him. As he won heat after heat, it was fascinating watching him both come to terms with his impending win, and have to battle world-class athletes with infinitely more competitive experience than him. In the end, he won with a surgeon's precision, showcasing that this was just the beginning of his mark on competitive surfing.