The International Surfing Association (ISA) has proposed the inclusion of longboarding in the LA 2028 Olympics alongside the already approved shortboarding event, with a decision expected by the first quarter of 2025. This push aligns with the ISA’s vision for broadening the Olympic surfing program and capitalizes on the growing appeal of longboarding showcased in recent championships.
The ISA recently held a longboard championship that saw record participation with 129 athletes from 39 countries and notable gender balance, with female participation nearly equal to that of males. The event, which featured top longboarders like Honolua Blomfield and Kai Sallas who both clinched gold, might have made a strong case for Olympic inclusion if Olympic decision-makers were watching.
Details from both the LA 2028 organizers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) remain scant. An IOC spokesperson stated, “For LA28, the discipline program was approved by the IOC Executive Board on 13 October 2023, while the program of events and athlete quotas will be finalized after Paris 2024.” Meanwhile, Gemma Acheampong from LA 2028’s Communications team noted: “LA28 is aware of the application for longboarding’s inclusion that the ISA submitted to the IOC for review.”
Despite tight-lipped responses from Olympic officials and the complex politics of sport inclusion in the Games, ISA President Fernando Aguerre remains optimistic, stating: “I think longboard has a really good chance (of inclusion). Our last event was great. Every year grows in quality, size, and participation. Gender participation was very close to 50/50.”
As the Olympic sports landscape continues to evolve, longboarding enthusiasts and athletes are advised to stay tuned until March 2025 for the final verdict on its inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics.
