The much-awaited 2024 Summer Olympics are just around the corner, with the opening ceremonies scheduled for Friday. While the excitement builds up in Tahiti, French Polynesia, surfers, locals, and Olympic staff are gearing up for the surfing competition that will be part of the Paris Olympics.
According to a top official from the International Surfing Association, competitors can expect optimal surfing conditions at the renowned reef break of Teahupo’o starting this weekend. The decision to hold the surfing competitions more than 9,000 miles away from Paris seems to be paying off, as the waves at Teahupo’o are predicted to be in top form.
During the lead-up to the Olympics, surfers have been seen paddling out to the waves of Teahupo’o, even before sunrise, to make the most of the exclusive training access they have to the location. Training sessions have given competitors the chance to get familiar with the unique and challenging waves of Teahupo’o, which are considered some of the most powerful in the world.
Many of the surfers participating in the Paris Olympics have prior experience riding the waves of Teahupo’o, giving them an edge in the competition. The forecast for Teahupo’o indicates favorable conditions until August 5, while the beaches in the top French surf zone of Hossegor are expected to have fair to poor conditions during the same period.
Despite the challenges of having operations like the Olympic Broadcasting Services in Tahiti instead of a beach near Paris, ISA President Fernando Aguerre remains optimistic about the decision. He believes that the rewards of holding the surfing competition in Tahiti will outweigh the challenges faced.
Aguerre also mentioned that the upcoming weekend is expected to bring amazing waves at Teahupo’o, although not as big and intimidating as usual. The quality of the waves is predicted to be high, leading to some outstanding performances from the surfers.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, surfing is expected to be featured much closer to the city, with potential competition venues at Huntington Beach or Trestles near San Clemente. Aguerre expressed confidence in the organizers’ choices for the surfing venue and believes it will be a great location for the competition.
Preparations for this year’s games in Tahiti can also be seen at sea, with the first-ever floating Olympic village housing some competitors and the Olympic judges’ tower, which received criticism from environmental groups and was subsequently downsized by the Olympic committee.
As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, residents of Teahupo’o are making efforts to welcome the influx of visitors expected during the event. From cleaning up trash on the beaches to extending business hours and painting signs for visitors, the town is gearing up for the exciting days ahead.