Teahupo’o

The Olympics. Personally, idk shit about the olympics and I really only watch like one or two events lol, but it’s been made aware that the 2024 Paris Olympics has a surfing venue In Teahupo’o Beach in Tahiti. News has reported that they are going to be building a judging tower in the lagoon and this will cause destruction to the coral reefs and the natural habitat of the creatures in this area. Locals have objected against the construction of this tower, yet the Olympics simply does not care and is planning to build it anyways. The International Surfing Federation has backed these objections, claiming that alternatives should be sought out including the obvious, they should just build it on land. Organizers of the Paris Olympics are continuing to ignore these concerns and have no plans of looking for different options. Not to mention, the reefs and the natural topography of the lagoon help to shape the world famous giant waves that have been a delicacy for surfers all over the world. The wave is about 400m offshore and and is the most famous reef break in the entire world. But, this wave isn’t to be fucked with. The wave averages at about 10-20 feet, but the combination of big barrels, the difficulty to get inside the wave, and the shallow reef below make this one of the most difficult waves to ride, despite its height. Meaning, this event is going to be a spectacle. But, that doesn’t take away the potential negative impacts that this tower could create for the future of this spot. Tahitian pro surfer, Matahi Drollet, suggested that either they use the existing wooden tower that the WSL has used for years, or to move the games to Taharuu Beach on Tahiti’s west coast. However, Olympics organizers have continued to ignore these suggestions and said the contest will remain in Teahupo’o. Surfing is a sport that is fueled by millions who all have something in common, they all share a love and respect for the ocean. The best surfers in the world are competing in an event where their own moral compass is disrespected. If you surf, if you know someone who surfs, if you care about the ocean, or if you care at all about issues like these it’s so imperative that you spread awareness about this issue. Sign a petition if you can. The more we condemn acts like these, the more they won’t happen. Thank you for reading, I’ll talk to you soon.