As the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles approaches, a heated debate is emerging over the venue for the surfing competition. The question at hand: Should the games be held in the ocean or in a state-of-the-art wave pool, such as the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California?
Surfing has surged in popularity since its successful debut in Tahiti during the 2024 Summer Olympics. However, the ongoing controversy centers around whether the competition should feature natural ocean waves or artificial ones.
Proponents of wave pools argue that these controlled environments offer a level playing field, unaffected by weather conditions and ideal for showcasing consistent surfing skills. This perspective has garnered significant support within the surfing community.
Yet, not everyone is on board with the idea. Australian Olympic medalist Jack Robinson has voiced strong opposition to the use of wave pools. In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Robinson expressed his preference for ocean waves, stating, “If an Olympic host country has waves, then use them. America has waves in Hawaii and California. Some people might prefer a wave pool because it suits their surfing, but to me, working out the ocean is a big part of competitive surfing. It’s such a skill, and you take that away in a wave pool.”
Robinson further criticized wave pools from a spectator’s perspective, arguing, “I don’t think wave pools are great to watch. Maybe one day they will be, but right now, I think it’s very repetitive. The waves can only handle so much size, and if a wave’s quite long, it gets boring. It’s the same maneuvers over and over again.”
Despite Robinson’s reservations, the Olympic Committee may still consider wave pools, as seen in Paris’ choice to use Tahiti for the surfing events. Los Angeles, with its rich surfing culture and reliable wave conditions, remains a strong contender for hosting the competition in its natural ocean setting.
The final decision on the venue will determine the future of Olympic surfing and how the sport will be showcased on the world stage.
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