The 2024 Olympic surfing events are set to take place in Tahiti next July, offering a breathtaking backdrop for competitors and spectators alike. The decision to hold the competition in French Polynesia has sparked logistical and environmental concerns due to the location’s distance from Paris, the host city of the Summer Games.
Tahiti’s legendary surfing conditions, particularly in the village of Teahupo’o, where the waves are known for their immense power and beauty, have drawn both excitement and apprehension from the surfing community. Surfer Kauli Vaast, a 21-year-old Tahitian native, sees the upcoming Olympic events as his chance to harness the awe-inspiring waves of Teahupo’o and potentially secure a gold medal.
While the remote location promises dramatic television images and an opportunity to showcase France’s historical ties to the Pacific, the need to fly competitors, judges, and support staff nearly 16,000 kilometers from Paris has raised concerns about the Olympics’ carbon footprint. The decision to hold the surfing events in Tahiti, as opposed to other bidding spots along France’s Atlantic coast, has been met with criticism due to the environmental impact and logistical challenges of transportation.
Critics have also voiced concerns about the potential environmental impact on the Teahupo’o lagoon, particularly the installation of an aluminum tower and television cameras on the reef, which sparked protests in Tahiti. Despite these reservations, Vaast remains optimistic about the potential boost to the local tourism industry and the opportunity for the Tahitian economy.
As one of the only two qualified French Polynesian surfers for the Olympics, Vaast believes that his intimate knowledge of Teahupo’o gives him a home-field advantage and a “chance of a lifetime” in July. However, he also emphasizes the importance of respecting the ocean and the natural environment, acknowledging the spiritual energy that Tahitians believe is present in the waves.
The decision to host the Olympic surfing events in Tahiti not only offers a stunning backdrop for the competition but also serves as an opportunity for France to involve its far-off overseas territories in the Summer Games. Despite the logistical and environmental challenges, the breathtaking waves of Teahupo’o are expected to leave a lasting impression on the surfing world and the global audience.