It’s Official: Surfing, Skateboarding, & Climbing Will Be in The 2020 Olympics!

SwellBrains | | Post Tag for Industry NewsIndustry News
Surfing in the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020.
Surfing in the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted in favor of adding surfing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games today, Wednesday, August 3d, 2016.

The 129th session of the IOC held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil confirmed that surfing will be held at Shidashita Beach in Chiba, Japan during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“This was a wave I’ve paddled for 22 years. Many times I thought Olympic surfing was going to take place, but not under my presidency. But I never cared about that. If someone else was finishing this, it was because someone started it.”
“It’s too early to predict the overall impact, but it is certain there will be more government funding for surfing all over the world. National Olympic committees will have to recognize the national surfing federations and support them.”
– Fernando Aguerre, President of the International Surfing Association (ISA) told Surfline.com
Map showing location of Shidashita Beach in Isumi, Japan, just 60miles from downtown Tokyo.
Map showing location of Shidashita Beach in Isumi, Japan, just 60miles from downtown Tokyo.

Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing and Olympic gold medalist in swimming, wanted his to see surfing become an Olympic sport back in the early 1900s.

The IOC voted to allow in 4 sports for 2020:  Skateboarding, Climbing, Karate, and Baseball.  The idea is to appeal to a younger crowd.  We think they nailed it.  Skating and surfing will for sure be big hits!

We couldn't find any good photos of Shidashita beach, but this shot of surfing japan is cool with 12,000' Mt. Fuji.
We couldn’t find any good photos of Shidashita beach, but this shot of surfing japan is cool with 12,000′ Mt. Fuji.

The International Surfing Association contacted Surfline.com’s Chief Meteorologist Mark Willis to work out which surf break would be the best for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic 2 week window.

“After extensive research related to our proprietary 34 year historical swell database, bathymetry, local winds, logistical considerations, and interviewing key locals — Shidashita (“Shida”) was recommended to the ISA. We identified that average surf heights at Shida are in the thigh-waist-chest high range during the dates of interest (July 24-August 9). In addition, the climatological trend is for surf heights to gradually increase from July 24 to August 9, as the statistical chances of seeing typhoon swells increases. Shida is protected from the typical S winds that impact the area around the normal offshore high pressure system.” – Surfline.com’s Chief Meteorologist Mark Willis

 There is a lot of work left to do.  It’s still unclear how athletes will qualify for the Olympic surf teams, but Fernando Aguerre, President of the International Surfing Association (ISA) said that the World Surf League standings will be taken into consideration.
Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing.
Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing.
Posted by SwellBrains |

Related Articles

Got an opinion? Let us know...