The surfing community is voicing strong opposition to recently announced changes to the qualification pathway for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The International Surfing Association (ISA), the governing body overseeing surfing’s Olympic inclusion, unveiled the updated system, which significantly reduces the number of qualification slots available through the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.
Under the new rules, only 10 athletes – five men and five women – will qualify for the 2028 Games via the WSL CT, a decrease from the 10 men and eight women who qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The ISA World Surfing Games (WSG) will now play a more prominent role, with 10 athletes per gender qualifying through that avenue. The total number of surfers qualifying – 24 men and 24 women – remains unchanged, but the shift in emphasis has sparked widespread criticism from professional surfers.
“Consistency at the highest level is what defines competitive surfing,” stated Erin Brooks in a social media post. “The WSL Championship Tour is where that happens, and the Olympics qualification pathway should more strongly reflect that.”
Other prominent surfers echoed Brooks’ sentiments. Yago Dora called the changes “complete disrespect” to the sport, while Filipe Toledo expressed dismay at the manner in which the decision was made. Leo Fioravanti detailed attempts by WSL surfers to collaborate with the ISA on a more equitable solution, stating that the ISA “was not willing to work with any of the WSL surfers.” Billy Kemper simply labeled the system “a joke.”
The qualification breakdown, as outlined by the ISA, allocates slots as follows: 10 through the 2028 WSL CT (five men, five women, with a maximum of one athlete per nation); 10 through the 2028 ISA WSG (10 men, 10 women, with a maximum of one athlete per nation); one slot per gender each from the Asian Games 2026, Pan American Games 2027, and European Surfing Championship 2027; one slot per gender for Africa and Oceania through the 2027 ISA WSG (with athletes needing to place within the top 25 overall); slots awarded to the highest-ranked teams at the 2026 and 2027 ISA WSG; a guaranteed slot for the host nation, the USA, if not already filled; and universality places for underdeveloped nations, contingent on application and a top-40 finish at the 2027 or 2028 WSG.
ISA President Fernando Aguerre defended the changes, stating, “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.” Aguerre expressed confidence that the new system, combined with the competition venue at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California, will ensure a compelling Olympic surfing competition.
USA Surfing recently received an endowment and is working towards Olympic recertification, according to ESPN, but the organization has not yet publicly commented on the qualification system changes.
