Liv Stone, a three-time world champion para-surfer, faced a disheartening reality earlier this year. Despite years of advocacy, para-surfing, a form of surfing adapted for individuals with physical disabilities, was not included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Stone, along with other members of the para-surfing community, expressed their shock and disappointment at the decision, emphasizing the impact on their careers and the broader sport’s recognition.
The pursuit of Paralympic inclusion has been a long-standing priority for para-surfers. After pushing for inclusion in the 2024 Paris Olympics and facing disappointment, they turned their focus to the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Para-surfing, they argued, met the necessary criteria: a global presence, a classification system for impairments, and gender parity. However, the Games organizers ultimately selected para-climbing over para-surfing.
The Los Angeles Olympics spokesperson explained that the decision was based on factors like global popularity, logistical complexity, and cost considerations within the Games’ venue master plan. While acknowledging the disappointment, five-time world champion Victoria Feige highlighted the determination of the para-surfing community to continue advocating for their sport’s inclusion, emphasizing their commitment to finding solutions for the identified challenges.
Feige and other advocates have proposed creative solutions to address concerns about cost and logistics. These include utilizing wave pools to mitigate water safety and infrastructure issues, exploring corporate sponsorships, and engaging in crowdfunding initiatives. These efforts have gained significant traction, with an online petition garnering over 19,000 signatures in support of para-surfing’s inclusion.
The International Surfing Association (ISA), the sport’s governing body, has also actively supported para-surfing’s Olympic aspirations. Fernando Aguerre, ISA president, acknowledged the ongoing challenges but expressed unwavering commitment to promoting para-surfing globally and advocating for its inclusion in the Paralympic Games.
Despite the setbacks, Feige remains optimistic, drawing inspiration from the resilience of para-surfers who overcome physical barriers to navigate the ocean. She believes that the community possesses the determination and creativity to find solutions and ultimately secure a place for para-surfing on the Paralympic stage. “If we can navigate the ocean with our disabilities, we have the great determination and creativity to find a solution for this problem as well,” said Feige. “We just need a chance to showcase what we can do.”
