Longboard Surfing Denied for LA28 Olympics

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 12:24 PM ET

Despite a bid from the International Surfing Association, longboarding will not be featured in the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Ever since surfing’s induction into the Games – with its inaugural appearance at Tokyo 2020 – variations in craft have been proposed beyond the realm of standard, high-performance, shortboards…such as stand-up paddleboards, longboards, etc.

But for now, at least for the surfing’s thrice Olympics, to be held July 14th-30th, 2028 in Los Angeles, logging did not get the invite. Maybe the following Games, Brisbane, Australia 2032.

Additionally, the ISA asked for more athletes to be included in the shortboard division at LA28, however that request was also denied. The athlete quota will remain the same as Paris 2024: 24 men, 24 women.

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In a statement following the decision, ISA President Fernando Aguerre said:

“Obviously, we are disappointed to receive the news that Longboard Surfing will not feature at LA28 and that we will not receive more slots for our athletes, but I believe we are still only in the early stages of our long Olympic journey.

“We are proud of Surfing’s contribution to the success fo the Olympic Games, and will continue to push forward in our efforts to campaign for Longboard inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games and beyond. We look forward to working closely with the IOC and the Brisbane Organizing Committee to highlight our sport’s value on the Olympic stage.

“As surfers, we know that finding the perfect wave takes time. In our sport, we learn patience, passion and persistence. Those are traits that the ISA has always demonstrated across our nearly 30-year journey to see Shortboard Surfing’s debut in Tokyo. We will continue to put that same energy into our Olympic ambitions for the future.”

With the surfing event at LA28 being held either at Trestles or Huntington Beach – and word on the street trending towards the latter – longboarding would’ve fit nicely in this iteration of the Games. At least, much better than the loggers would’ve faired at Teahupo’o during Paris 2024.

Maybe next time.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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