U.S. Ski & Snowboard (USSS) has officially withdrawn its bid to become the National Governing Body (NGB) for Olympic surfing in the United States. The organization cited a lack of constructive dialogue and "public attacks" from the incumbent NGB, USA Surfing, as reasons for its withdrawal. USSS stated it will now focus on its winter sports athletes preparing for upcoming Olympic cycles.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Ski & Snowboard has abandoned its effort to lead the U.S. Olympic surf program.
- The organization cited "public attacks and uninformed legal threats" from USA Surfing.
- USSS will now concentrate on its winter sports disciplines.
- USA Surfing remains the primary contender for NGB status for Olympic surfing.
The Governance Dispute
The decision follows a protracted power struggle between USSS and USA Surfing over who would govern the sport for the upcoming Olympic Games, particularly the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics where surfing will be held at Lower Trestles. National Governing Bodies are responsible for the development and governance of their respective sports and nominate athletes to Olympic teams. The NGB position is significant, as it controls millions of dollars in potential funding for athlete development, coaching, and promotion.
USA Surfing’s Path Forward
USA Surfing previously served as the NGB for surfing’s debut in the 2020 Summer Olympics. However, it voluntarily decertified in 2021 following a U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) audit that identified financial and governance issues. The USOPC temporarily filled the role for the 2024 Paris Olympics. USA Surfing asserts it has since reformed its leadership, board, and policies to meet USOPC compliance standards. The organization has garnered support from various surfing entities, including the International Surfing Association and the World Surf League, as well as numerous athletes and parents.
USSS’s Rationale and Future Outlook
In its statement, USSS expressed belief that its "athlete-first model, track record of success across 10 Olympic & Paralympic sports and world-class infrastructure" could have provided valuable resources for U.S. surfers. However, the organization stated that progress in sport requires partnership and trust, and it remains open to future involvement should the environment become more collaborative. Despite withdrawing its bid, USSS CEO Sophie Goldschmidt previously headed the World Surf League, indicating a connection to the sport.
Broader Implications for American Surfing
The governance battle has raised concerns within the surfing community about the potential fragmentation of development pathways if an outside organization were to oversee only the Olympic aspect of the sport. Many believe that surfing’s governing body should stem from within the surf community itself. With the 2028 Olympics set to take place on home soil at Lower Trestles, the decision on who will lead U.S. surfing is seen as crucial for the sport’s long-term strength and success.
Sources
- U.S. Ski and Snowboard Abandons Effort To Lead Olympic Surf Team, POWDER Magazine.
- U.S. Ski & Snowboard Drops Bid to Govern Olympic Surfing | DP Surf, picketfencemedia.com.
- USA Surfing Confirms It’s Ready to Lead Surfers to LA28, SURFER Magazine.
- Olympic surfing squabbles, LAist.
