
via Getty
PUNTA ROCA, LA LIBERTAD, EL SALVADOR – JUNE 10: Eleven-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater of the United States prior to surfing in Heat 5 of the Elimination Round at the Surf City El Salvador Proon June 10, 2023 at Punta Roca, La Libertad, El Salvador (Photo by Aaron Hughes/World Surf League via Getty Images)

via Getty
PUNTA ROCA, LA LIBERTAD, EL SALVADOR – JUNE 10: Eleven-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater of the United States prior to surfing in Heat 5 of the Elimination Round at the Surf City El Salvador Proon June 10, 2023 at Punta Roca, La Libertad, El Salvador (Photo by Aaron Hughes/World Surf League via Getty Images)
The much-awaited showdown is about to hit the mark in a few months. The world is eagerly waiting for the 2024 Paris Olympics to take place. However, the surfing community is currently facing tumultuous waters. And, this time the spotlight is on Tahiti’s Teahupo’o. It is a renowned surfing haven. Along similar lines, the Paris 2024 organizers’ plans for a judging tower have triggered a public outcry.
While the Olympics promise a grand celebration of sports, the clash in Tahiti raises environmental concerns and sparks a fierce debate. Keeping up with the locals, surfing legends like Kelly Slater & Filipe Toledo join the rallying cry against the injustice of locals. Take a look at what is happening in the surfing community.
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The new update from Instagram making waves
The discontent stems from the Paris 2024 organizers’ decision to modify their original plans for the Olympic judging tower at Teahupo’o. Save Teahupo’o, an Instagram group advocating for environmental preservation, released a video voicing concerns, with established surfer Matahi Drollet emphasizing the clash with surfing’s core values. They claim that the current tower isn’t up to code driving the need for alterations. His recent Instagram post on 26th November shook the world.
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He adds an Instagram video with the elaborated caption, “This is sad and unfair because once again nature will lose another battle. THANK YOU for signing the petition and helping us spread the word. We are very grateful for all the help from everyone.” The clash between the potential benefits of showcasing Teahupo’o beauty and the risks to its ecosystem unfolds, urging Paris 2024 organizers to reconsider their plans.
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A unified voice against environmental disruption
The global surfing community and concerned citizens have united against the perceived threat to Teahupo’o Reef. One fan commented, “This construction makes no sense!” Another echoed, “If we don’t speak up, destroying nature is going to become normal!”.
Expressing gratitude, a supporter stated, “Thank you, Matahi, Cindy, and all the locals of Teahupo’o for standing up to protect this piece of paradise.” Admirers acknowledge the locals as stewards of the reef, encouraging them with comments like, “Stewards of the reef, kudos for using your voice. Keep up the pressure.”
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The sentiment against the proposed construction intensifies, with a call for a boycott: “Boycott. No Olympics. No Tower.” As the fan reactions amplify, it underscores the powerful message from the global surfing community—a plea for the Paris 2024 organizers to reconsider their plans. What are your thoughts on this plan?
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