Surfing at the Olympics: Opportunities, challenges and the vision of an Austrian national team

Manuel Paulitsch

Surfing has made it. The sport that once stood for freedom, adventure, and sunshine is now officially an Olympic sport. Surfing has been a regular part of the program since the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. Surfing will also be back at the 2024 Paris Games, albeit not on the Seine, but some 15,000 kilometers away in Teahupoo, Tahiti.

This may come as a surprise to many, but it's a milestone for the surfing world. And for us, the No Borders Surf Crew, it's a real opportunity. Our goal is clear: to build an Austrian national surfing team that can compete internationally and, in the long run, compete at the Olympics.

Surfing on the biggest stage in the world

Surfing is much more than just a summer sport. It's about balance, strength, timing, and the interplay with nature. Every wave is different, and that's precisely what makes it so appealing.

Making surfing an Olympic sport was a significant step. The premiere in Tokyo was a success, and the next chapter followed in 2024 at one of the most spectacular surf spots in the world: Teahupoo.

The waves there are considered extremely powerful and dangerous. They break over a shallow coral reef and are probably responsible for some of the best tube rides in the world. Only the world's best surfers dare to venture into these conditions, and that's precisely what makes the Olympics so unique in surfing.

The Road to the Olympic Games and the ISA World Surfing Games

The Olympic dream doesn't begin on the beach in Tahiti, but at the ISA World Surfing Games. This event is the official world championship of the International Surfing Association and also the most important qualifying event for the Olympic Games.

Those who perform well at the ISA Games can secure a direct ticket to the Olympics. This competition is the most important event of the year for all national teams.

But the road there is hard:

  • The wave conditions are unpredictable and you have to be prepared for all conditions.

  • The competition is enormous – many countries invest heavily in their surfing teams.

  • For surfers from countries without a long-standing surf culture and direct access to the sea, such as Austria, training logistics pose an additional challenge.

Nevertheless, the Olympic dream is within reach. Athletes like Camilla Kemp and Tim Elter from Germany demonstrate that surfers from Central Europe can also compete internationally – with talent, passion, and the right support.

For countries like Austria, this is, of course, a particular challenge. They don't have their own coastline and hardly any infrastructure, but they have a lot of passion.

No Borders Surf Crew: Surfing knows no boundaries

This is exactly where we come in. The No Borders Surf Crew is a community of Austrian surfers living all over the world, in Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Peru, and the Canary Islands.

Our idea is simple:
Surfing knows no boundaries and neither does an Austrian surf team.

We network, organize, and support athletes representing Austria in international competitions. Together, we aim to build a strong national team that competes at European and World Championships and pursues the long-term goal of the 2028 Olympics.

Our focus

  • Development of training opportunities and sponsorship structures

  • Support in competitions

  • Promoting young surfers

  • Raising awareness and visibility for surfing in Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Why the Olympics are important

Surfing's presence at the Olympics means far more than just medals. It puts the sport on the big stage, attracts global attention, creates new opportunities for development, and offers young talent a platform to showcase their talent.

For countries without a sea, this is a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the sport and show that surfing also has its place in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

Conclusion: The Olympic dream begins now

Surfing at the Olympics is proof that passion knows no bounds.
For us as No Borders Surf Crew, this is the next logical step. We want to promote surfing in Austria, build a national team, and pave the way to Olympic participation.

Surfing knows no boundaries, neither geographical nor mental.

Anyone who would like to walk this path with us is welcome.

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