Surfing Tests the Waters for Tokyo 2020

(ATR) Organizers for Tokyo 2020, along with the International Surfing Association (ISA) began an Olympic test event for surfing at Shidashita Beach on Thursday.

The surfing test event features 20 men and women and is closed to the public, offering Tokyo 2020 organizers along with ISA members the chance to examine the conditions for the Olympics.

Organizers selected Shidashita Beach because of its consistent waves with organizers estimating waves averaging 1-1.5 meters for the test event.

The schedule will be subjected to changes due to construction work around the venue’s perimeter along with uncertain weather conditions. Officials say the competition will face suspension should poor wave conditions or bad weather prevail.

The first day of competition was met with unpredictable weather as heavy fog and small waves delayed the start time by an hour. In addition, a sea turtle laid eggs overnight within 10 meters of the judges area.

ISA Executive Director Robert Fasulo tells Reuters "We are very confident and part of the reason why we are here in this period is to see how the conditions are running during the format."

The surfing test event will conclude on July 21.

The competition is part of the "Ready Steady Tokyo" test event series, which in addition to giving the venues a runthrough will be used to build the excitement for next summer’s Olympic and Paralympic games. A total of 56 test events will be held through May 2020.

Homepage Photo: Getty Images

Written by Greer Wilson.