Olympic Surfing Faces Question of Artificial vs. Natural

(ATR) Surfing’s innovative new wave technology is revolutionizing the decades old lifestyle sport as artificial wave pools – such as Surf Snowdonia, a recently opened state-of-the-art facility in Northern Wales – are sprouting up in landlocked areas.

The new Wavegarden technology, in which artificial waves can be consistently delivered and incorporated into a surf park concept, affords the sport flexibility as it edges closer towards Olympic status. Last week, surfing was one of five sports recommended by Tokyo 2020 organizers for inclusion in 2020.

International Surfing Association (ISA) president Fernando Aguerre says it remains to be determined if an artificial wave lagoon venue would be constructed for Tokyo 2020, should the sport be granted final approval at the IOC session in Rio de Janeiro, in August of 2016.

"When the ISA pitched its offer to Tokyo 2020 in August we presented two very strong options for Surfing – one in natural ocean waves and the other in a wave park," Aguerre told Around the Rings.

"It’s now up to the IOC and Tokyo 2020 to decide which would be the best option for the Olympic Games," he said.

The Argentinian-born surfing boss claims that implementation of the new artificial wave technology and overall wave lagoon concept is not as costly as one might surmise.

"Given the simplicity of its design and modest construction, a fully functioning surf facility could be in place in central Tokyo in advance of 2020, creating a revenue center even before the Games start," Aguerre said.

"Because this is based on a sound business model, the park could be built with a combination of public and private funding so as to further reduce the costs for the Organizing Committee."

Aguerre stressed that surfing’s model for Tokyo 2020 is cost-effective, sustainable and innovative, aligning with the principles of the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020.

Some surfing purists argue that the sport is an "art form" and belongs in its natural environment, the ocean. Also, that uncertainty of waves and the unpredictable nature of the sport comes with the territory.

Aguerre argues that he does not foresee any major problems should the IOC and Tokyo organizers decide on a suitable location to hold Olympic surfing in 2020 in its more traditional, natural ocean environment.

"The unique nature of a Surfing competition is what makes it so special with exhilarating moments and a sense of anticipation at every twist and turn," said Aguerre, an avid surfer himself.

"The art and high-performance of surfing is also part of its sporting beauty," the surfing chief said, adding, "the top surfers are all super excited about participating in the Games and representing their countries."

"Top Surfers are some of the fittest and most skillful athletes on the planet and if they are given the opportunity they have the ability to produce world class performances that will amaze viewers around the world."

Aguerre also emphasized that if organizers choose the seemingly more reliable surf pool venue concept, he would insure that the sport’s more traditional elements and appeal would not be compromised.

"Our idea is to create a cool, happening place where everyone wants to hang out and have fun, just like you would find at any other world-class Surfing competition on the beach," Aguerre said.

"In fact, we plan on recreating a beach atmosphere around the wave pool so fans and spectators can really feel part of the action."

Surfing’s Olympic Format

The Tokyo 2020 Additional Sports Program Panel proposed that surfing at the Olympics be comprised of male and female shortboard competitions, with 20 participants from each gender taking part.

Considering that 80 competitors for skateboard competitions are being proposed, the number for surfing seems low.

"We are truly stoked and feel very confident that we can organize an outstanding surfing even within these numbers that offers both quality and universality," Aguerre said.

Asked about what the qualification format might entail, Aguerre offered a few hints.

"It’s a bit early to speculate on the qualification system, but I would envision this would include a combination of both direct competitive qualification and rankings," he said.

"We would, of course, work closely with the IOC and Tokyo 2020 to ensure the best solution for the athletes and the Games."

The rapidly developing surfing discipline of Stand-Up Paddling (SUP), where at the recent world championships in Mexico a record number of athletes and countries participated, was rejected by Tokyo 2020.

"Of course, the SUP community, starting with me, were hopeful and yet disappointed not to be considered, but we also understand that SUP will naturally benefit from Surfing’s inclusion in the Games in the future," Aguerre said.

Written by Brian Pinelli

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.