Olympic Surfing in Tahiti Delayed Due to Severe Weather Conditions

The Olympic surfing competition at Teahupo’o, Tahiti, was interrupted on Wednesday due to severe weather conditions resulting from a recent storm. The event, renowned for its challenging surf conditions, faced significant disruptions as strong winds and stormy seas made it unsafe for surfers to compete.

Organisers have announced that the competition will resume at 7 am (1700 GMT) on Thursday. The schedule will pick up with the women’s round three, followed by the quarter-finals for both men and women. The competition aims to complete its remaining heats and award medals before the end of the waiting period on Monday.

On Monday, Teahupo’o provided excellent surfing conditions, but the weather deteriorated rapidly, making the surf conditions hazardous. Despite initial plans to proceed with the women’s round three amid 15-foot stormy waves, organisers decided to cancel Wednesday’s events to ensure the safety of the competitors.

Kevin Wallis, head of forecasting at Surfline.com, noted that while Monday’s ideal surf conditions were a highlight, replicating them in the remaining days of the competition is unlikely. Wallis expressed hopes for the best possible conditions in the time left for the competition.

When surfing resumes, the women’s round three will feature prominent surfers including Australian world champion Tyler Wright and Israel’s Anat Lelior, as well as local favourite Vahine Fierro against Johanne Defay. In the men’s quarter-finals, France’s Kauli Vaast will compete with Joan Duru, Brazil’s Joao Chianca will face Gabriel Medina, and Australia’s Ethan Ewing will challenge Jack Robinson for a spot in the semi-finals.