Special coverage of Olympic surfing on DUKE is presented by the IInternational Surfing Association, The Island Surf Shop, SurfCycled, lineup, Swellboards, ALAS, Capi Bar, Golden Motors, Quality Surfboards y Ramp 4 Kids  - Cover photo: WSL

Olympic surfing has a set structure that differs from normal WSL events where basically everyone just piles into the channel and the surfers get to pick up their rashguards and get in the water at the appointed time.

There are huge differences, the first of which is that you will not be able to enter the “playing field”, i.e. “the Teahupoo channel” if you do not have an accreditation. At best, each surfer can invite two people who can be on one of the boats that will be in the front row.

All this is set out in the document “Paris 2024 - Surfing Team Leaders Guide”, sent to the participating federations and which DUKE was able to access.

It is clear that a first line and a second line are established, and the most important things are on the first line, and the least important things are on the second line.

Leading the line in front of the waves is the priority boat, which can only be used by athletes in the next heat and a maximum of one companion. It is the one that offers the best view of the conditions. A maximum of four boards can be carried on it.

In addition to the priority boat, there will be two “Shared Athlete Boats” which are also available to athletes, in the front row and with a good view of the conditions. Priority is given to athletes whose series will take place in the next 120 minutes. They may also be accompanied by a maximum of one person (most likely the coach).

From here surfers can choose whether to go to the priority boat or directly to the beach marshall to pick up their lycra, which will be provided upon identification.

The lycra withdrawal schedule is outlined in detail because, as in Tokyo, there will be a presentation of the surfers of each series.

Coaches may remain on the priority boat during the series or act as caddies at the caddie buoy.

Both the shared boat for athletes and the priority boat can have a maximum of four boards and a board can also be tied to the buoy.

The two people per surfer who can accompany will be on the Support Boat, which will also be located in the front row and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

There will be six jet skis available to be used as taxis for the athletes. When the series is over, the surfers will have priority to be taken to the mixed zone, but at other times they will function as taxis on the playing field, that is, to go from one boat to another.

Three are on demand for athletes and three for those who are going to enter their series.

There will also be two boats and two jet skis that will act as taxis to and from the mainland or from the mainland to the playing field.

Other important issues that emerge from the document are the following:

-It is not mandatory to have a license to drive jet skis or boats, but it is recommended.

-Nations with more resources that rented boats or jet skis must park them in the second row.

-The athletes' boats will have broadcast of the competition and refreshments

-There is an Athletes Lounge: It will be on dry land. It will have snacks, fruit, hot and cold drinks. It will feature live streaming of the event. It will be open between 5 a.m. and 18 p.m.

The athletes' lunch will be served here.

-Gym at the athletes' base camp with bicycles, rowing machines, yoga mats, pilates balls, rollers and other training instruments.

The place also has showers and lockers.

-On the 6th day of training tomorrow, Teahupoo will be empty as the athletes will have to go to the opening ceremony which will be connected to the one in Paris.

-As Samsung is a sponsor, a cell phone of the brand with SIM was given to everyone.

-The series can be 25, 30, 35 or 40 minutes

-Depending on the weather conditions, the program may be modified to include overlapping series, three or four people, etc., in order to be able to crown the champions.

-There is a maximum limit of 25 waves per series and the competition director can decide to lower it, but the cap will be 25. That is, it is not, like in many WSL events, without a maximum number of waves.

-If the schedule is respected, the event program will be a marathon with nine and a half hours of championship the first three days and nine hours and fifty on the final day.

This way:

It is unknown whether it can be used for five or six days or if it must be used for four days.

-Coaches can do what is called “technical filming” if non-professional equipment is used.

-Once the series is over, the athletes are taken to dry land where they must go through the mixed zone. Interviews are not mandatory but “are encouraged,” says the document.

-A copy of the video of the series will be provided and will be available for the federation to download from the ISA website.

-The ceremony to be held on the 26th in Tahiti will be connected to the official ceremony in Paris.

-There will be a ceremony with sand, it is not known if it will be the same as in all ISA events. They recommend that the sand in each country be cleaned and have a phytosanitary inspection in the country of origin and a certificate to prove it. If not, it can be taken to be destroyed.

 

DUKE's presence in Tahiti to cover Olympic surfing is also possible thanks to Xavier Aguirre, Philippe Demarsan, Pepe Gelos, Chifle Perez del Castillo, Juanja Vargas, Mateo Christodulu, Josefina and Tomas Barbe, Monica Ugalde, Pilar Aguerrebere, Edu Fernandez, Wilma Ehni, Guzman Sari and Gonzalo Madrid.