Surfing Olympics

Surf's Up, But Not in Tahiti: Olympic Waves on Hold!

The Olympic surfing competition at Teahupo'o faced postponements due to monster waves! Discover what's happening and how athletes are keeping their spirits high.

The surfing competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics at Teahupo'o, Tahiti, has taken the surfing world by storm—but not in the way you'd expect! Massive waves, some of the biggest ever seen, have made conditions so treacherous that the event has been put on hold for safety reasons. It was a day to remember when the ocean kicked into high gear, creating surging waves that thrilled surfing enthusiasts but sent athletes scurrying back to shore, arms crossed and nerves on edge as they awaited the official call to postpone the heats.

On July 29, the ocean erupted in a spectacle that was both awe-inspiring and anxiety-inducing. While some athletes gazed out at the iconic Teahupo'o waves that have become a legendary testing ground, they had no choice but to embrace patience as they awaited news from competition officials. Despite the heart-pumping conditions, athletes are staying stoked on the competitor's spirit, sharing a camaraderie while adjusting to the unpredictability of Mother Nature.

Many onlookers consider this stretch of water one of the most challenging surfing venues in the world, and Kevin Wallis, the surf forecaster for the Olympics, seems to have one of the toughest jobs on the island! Wallis faces the daunting task of predicting where and when these gigantic waves will settle down enough for the competition to resume. His job is akin to juggling flaming torches—exciting yet rife with precariousness. Rest assured, he’s got his ears to the pipeline, ready to report any signs of wave-sational changes.

As fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the surf showdown, Team USA maintains three strong contenders in the women’s event, ready and rearing to hit the waves once all systems are go. Viewers eager to catch the action can tune in live via Peacock on July 31 and August 1, when competition is hoped to resume. Until then, the ocean takes the lead, reminding everyone, even elite surfers, of its ultimate authority.

Did you know that Teahupo'o is famous not just for its beauty but also for its incredibly heavy waves? They can reach up to 30 feet high, making the risk factor exceptionally high. In fact, this heavy surf has led to it being often referred to as one of the most dangerous waves on the planet! Additionally, surfing was first included in the Olympics during the Tokyo 2020 Games, but it quickly became one of the standout sports for its thrilling performances—who's excited to see what happens next in Tahiti?