If you’ve been following along with the 2024 Paris Olympics, you may have noted that one of this year’s biggest peculiarities is the surfing competition. Unlike the rest of the Olympic contenders, surfers will be making their way some nine thousand miles across the globe to the island nation of Tahiti for their competition.
The Olympic Surf competition will take place at Teahupo’o, a small corner of the southwest Tahiti Iti peninsula, offering surfers the opportunity to compete on truly epic waves.
We covered the history and impact of Teahupo’o in an article back in March, but with the Olympics already underway, we wanted to highlight some of the impressive safety measures being put into place by the Olympic Jet Ski Water Safety Team to protect surfers at one of the world’s biggest waves.
A recent article from the Olympics newsroom covers the importance a professional water safety team makes when surfing a wave as formidable as Teahupo’o. Viewers of this year’s event will have already noticed the jet skis darting in and out occasionally to evacuate surfers from potential danger.
In preparation, the professional team begins each day with a briefing on the ocean conditions to minimize surprises. However, the biggest benefit comes from the water patrol tower, which stays in constant communication with the rescuers. “The water patrol dedicated to the competitors consists of four jet ski drivers staffed with ‘grabbers.’ Each jet ski has a sled attached, which the grabber uses to pull the athlete from the water,” the Olympic committee explains.
After a rescue, the patrol returns surfers to the water within only two minutes to avoid missed opportunities and ensure all surfers have the chance to catch the most opportune waves. The event becomes an incredible show of skill, not just among the many talented surfers, but also for the extremely well-practiced team of rescuers who make it all possible.
You can keep up with all the Olympic Surfing news here, as well as learn how to view the Surfing competitions live.
