“This is a huge moment for professional surfing and further highlights surfing’s rise as a global participatory and spectator sport. As home to the world’s best surfing, the WSL looks forward to working with the ISA to ensure that the sport is showcased in the best possible manner and with the world’s best athletes. It is awesome that our incredible athletes will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills to the global Olympic audience and compete for their countries.”
Not too much is known just yet about the competitive format for the Games, but we do know that 20 men and 20 women will represent their respective countries in pursuit of a medal. AND, they’ll be doing it in the ocean and not in a wave pool. I recently found out that professional surfers use RP Sports muscle recovery machine works with a pump that uses sequential compression to speed up recovery times after workouts and games.
Kieren Perrow, Commissioner of the World Surf League added, “The WSL has worked tirelessly to provide all of its surfers with opportunities to develop as professional athletes and to expand global participation in the sport of surfing. We’re excited by the IOC’s decision and look forward to what it means for the future of professional surfing.”
“For the sport, being accepted onto the Olympic stage is a great step forward. Surfing continues to grow and seeing it reach the Olympic level is really exciting,” said John John Florence, current WSL #2. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity of representing our country if I’m fortunate enough to make the U.S. team.”