ISA Olympic Setback Dims Hopes for Stand Up Paddle Inclusion
The International Surfing Association (ISA) confirmed today that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has declined to include Longboard Surfing in the program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, dealing a setback not only to longboard athletes but potentially to other disciplines under the ISA umbrella — most notably, Stand Up Paddle (SUP).
In their statement, the ISA expressed disappointment at the IOC’s decision, despite what they described as a strong case for the inclusion of Longboard Surfing. The ISA had also petitioned for additional athlete slots for Shortboard Surfing, which were likewise declined.
“Obviously, we are disappointed to receive the news that Longboard Surfing will not feature at LA28 and that we will not receive more slots for our athletes,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “But I believe we are still only in the early stages of our long Olympic journey.”
The IOC’s ongoing focus on gender equality and athlete quota limitations was cited as a key factor behind these decisions. The ISA emphasized its commitment to pushing for greater inclusion at the Brisbane 2032 Games, pointing to Longboard’s proven success at past Pan American Games as evidence of its global appeal.
However, the ramifications of this announcement extend beyond Longboard Surfing. For the SUP community, which has long harbored ambitions of Olympic inclusion, the ISA’s failure to secure a place for Longboard in LA28 signals a difficult road ahead. SUP, still entangled in governance disputes between the ISA and the International Canoe Federation (ICF), now finds itself even further from the Olympic stage.
If the ISA cannot successfully promote a core surfing discipline like Longboard — one with deep heritage and growing international participation — the chances of fast-tracking SUP’s inclusion seem slim, especially amid the IOC’s broader efforts to streamline the Games and limit athlete quotas.
With Los Angeles now effectively off the table, attention shifts to Brisbane 2032. Australia’s strong SUP culture and the ISA’s stated commitment to pursuing further inclusion may keep the dream alive, but as of now, SUP remains on the outside looking in.
In the meantime, the ISA is urging the community to stay patient and persistent. As Aguerre noted, “In our sport, we learn patience, passion and persistence. Those are traits that the ISA has always demonstrated.”
For SUP athletes and fans hoping for Olympic recognition, those words may ring especially true today.
Are you happy you are getting breaking news from us? If so please support our work with an online subscription.
Online Subscription
Are you enjoying the content of the Stand Up Magazin?
With a subscription, you help secure the future of Stand Up Magazin.
Become a patron and supporter with your subscription.
Your subscription is an annual contribution and renews automatically.