The blue swells of Tahiti could not douse the fire in the hearts of the locals. They have mounted a strong protest to keep the surfing events at bay. Ever since the pristine coast of Tahiti was chosen for the surfing events of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the raging locals have been protesting the move. Their robust and unified front has shown results and forced the organizers to scale back their preparations. What is the reason for such protests?

Tahiti has a long-standing history in the domain of surfing. As part of French Polynesia, it is often regarded as the birthplace of the sport. In reality, surfing is the oldest sport played in this archipelago owing to the marvellous waves that hit the Tahitian coast. Therefore, it was a matter of grand celebration for the surfing community when Teahupo’o in Tahiti was named as the venue for the Paris Olympics. However, that joy soon turned sour as controversies erupted regarding environmental concerns for this surfing haven.

Tahiti’s Olympic surfing venue faces backlash over environmental concerns

On October 15, more than 1,500 Tahitians joined hands to protest against the Aluminium tower proposed by the Olympic committee. They peacefully petitioned the organizers to repeal the construction order for the $5 million metal tower. This tower would serve as the judging platform for the 2024 Olympic Games, but it would also inadvertently harm the delicate ecological balance of the coastal reefs. Among the rabble, Teahupo?o local and surfing ace Matahi Drollet has been the most vocal about his opinion. According to Surfer, he said, ?I want to invite our president @moetaibrotherson to come visit this place with us locals, take your ? we’re going to go for a swim and show you how shallow this whole area is and how much of a blessing it is for us to have such a healthy reef and marine ecosystem. #saveteahupoo?.

He has pleaded that the ?minimal impact? wooden tower replaces the metal tower. To him, it would be folly to ?destroy this place for 3 or 4 days of contest?. The wooden tower, as mentioned in the petition, has become unsafe due to erosion. The organizers? evaluation of the wooden tower was that it “must be replaced if Teahupo?o is to continue to organize surfing events, whether for the Olympic Games or any other competition.” His protests have yielded results as the organizers are not contemplating a change of venue. They have accommodated the requests of Drollet and his supporters for the sake of the continuation of surfing at Tahiti.

Change on the horizon

The organizers have instructed the builders to reduce the size of the 46-foot-tall aluminium tower by a quarter. This new ?leaner, smaller tower? will hold no more than 30 people and will weigh 9 tons. To eliminate the risk of further contamination, the judges will be provided with dry toilet facilities. The organizers? statement read, ?The new tower, less imposing and reduced in size and weight, installed on new permanent foundations, is the solution that will ensure the longevity of the tower and guarantee that future sporting events can be held at Teahupo?o?. Still, the protest continues, and they have accumulated 160,000 signatures for their cause.

Read More: With the Clock Ticking Faster in Tahiti for Paris 2024, Three US Surfing Prodigies Make Way Into the Olympics Team

The impetus of their protest was further amplified when the WSL judges? biases against the Brazilian surfers came to light. Despite explanations from the WSL organizers, the fans remain resolute in their beliefs. These many voices have complicated the matter and cast a shadow of doubt over surfing in Tahiti.

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