The ISA Takes A Stand Over Teahupoo Tower
"The ISA will not support the construction of the new aluminum judges’ tower at Teahupo’o"
Thus read today's press release from the International Surfing Association. In the grand scheme of things it may not seem like much but in the world of air kisses and diplomacy it'll hit with more vigour. The ISA are, after all, the governing body for world surfing and the link, the only link, to the International Olympic Committee. Not to mention the quarter-century ordeal to get surfing into the Olympics, so to break rank is no mere symbolic gesture.
Following the judging tower confusion, where, if you recall, the existing wooden tower was deemed not compliant by both the IOC and French Government, to be replaced first by a large alumiuium tower, and then by a smaller aluminiun tower, each sitting atop newly poured concrete foundations. The whole scandal called out by Teahupoo locals lead by Matahi Drollet, picked up by surfers elsewhere via social media, and cautiously challenged by one or two surfers who'll be competing in the Olympics.
The ISA made their first statement back on December 6th: "the ISA has always insisted that the protection of the natural environment in Teahupo’o is a priority. This vision was agreed and is shared by all parties."
Then again on the 16th, though that was more non-statement than anything else. "Marine surveys are being conducted...the ISA reserves any further comment."
Yet today's comment, while sober, is the most vociferous of the lot, clearly staking their position vis-a-vis the tower:
"On December 9th, the ISA sent a proposal to the French Polynesian Government and Paris 2024 organizers to run the Olympic Surfing competition in Teahupoo, without building a new aluminum tower on the reef.
"The ISA proposal included judging the competition remotely, with live images shot from land, water and drones.
"Subsequently the French Polynesian Government decided to go forward with a plan to build a new aluminum tower on the reef.
"The determination that the existing wooden judging tower, used up until August 2023, was not legally compliant, was taken by the Government of French Polynesia.
"We are ready to work together with all the stakeholders in the best interests of the sport, the environment and the local community."
The Paris Olympics are seven months away yet neither the judging tower nor scoring methods have yet been settled upon, and it seems the story has a while to run yet.
Comments
oh I'm sure the IOC are kacking their kimbies over what the ISA reckon....
".. picked up by surfers elsewhere via social media, and cautiously challenged by one or two surfers who'll be competing in the Olympics." knock me over with a wet bit of lettuce then, IMO the response from the international benefactors of surfing has been pathetic.
Can't imagine an instagram press release is going to change much. Really sad though. Hope this doesn't get up.
Something that came to mind. Does anyone have any plans new VS existing ?
Are they increasing the pier/ footings sizes? If so it could create back wash that could permanently alter the waves.
Imagine chopes with backwash?
That's a hectic situation..........
The videos of the reef being damaged during construction were pretty damning. The surf-comp industry, if that's what we call it, are a bunch of greenwashing corporate kooks with no connection to the beach. Exhibit A, the GCWSR bootlickers and their incestuous relationship with the WSL
Still 'crickets' from the WSL. I'm sure they'd love to see the thing built.
Good to know some surfers care & make a stand...
"In addition to the CleanSeas campaign, the ISA has joined the United Nations’ ‘Sports for Climate Action Framework’ – an initiative that helps and guides sports to reach their climate goals."
"Sports that join the movement commit to the following five principles:"
Principle 1: Undertake systematic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility
Principle 2: Reduce overall climate impact
Principle 3: Educate for climate action
Principle 4: Promote sustainable and responsible consumption
Principle 5: Advocate for climate action through communication
https://isasurf.org/sustainability-climate-action/
eg. Timber veneer boards are stronger, last 10x longer & look great.
12 June 2019 : Trump bans Cables to China / Hong Kong
20th June 2019 : China courts Tahiti (South landing ) Pacific cable to Chile
26th June 2019 : Behind the scenes bid for Teahupoo Olympic venue ( ISA were interviewed on Day)
French Polynesian Prez Fritch has tossed out the suggestion that Tahiti be chosen for Olympic Surfing!
Fiji Surfing Assoc' : " Everytime the Olympics happen they seem to make new things > don't get used!
That's 2x No from Biggest players in Tahiti for Teahupoo Olympics Bid.
Unnamed source said : "To have events o's would send a strong signal!"
https://www.theinertia.com/surf/a-proposal-has-been-made-for-tahiti-to-h...
Teahupoo makes plans to receive it's strong Olympic signal...
https://www.tntv.pf/tntvnews/polynesie/societe/jo-2024-un-cable-sous-mar...
July 2019 : Chile ditch 'Tahitian Cable landing' route to China then detour via NZ to Japan.
ISA Prez Fernando worked with Paris 2024 organizing committee in evaluating the bids...
"We salute 5 candidates but Tahiti was truly exceptional in offering our Athletes, and our sport, spectacular conditions for optimal competitions!" ( ISA were IOC political puppets from Day one!)
https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-olympics-surfing-idUKKBN1YG1NK/
10 Aug 2023 ISA Tahiti ( Fernando's Dream Getaway)
https://www.facebook.com/ISAsurfing/videos/780376560757896/
Soon as he jets out > Teahupoo get their Cable landing cool Tower crisis!
1st Dec 2023 Failed Test
10 Dec 2023 Big Pow Wow
https://www.tntv.pf/tntvnews/sports/jeux-olympiques-les-travaux-commence...
* Lorenzo (The Town's Wild Surfie) : "GOAT / Medina / Toledo / Carissa signed petition!"
* Prez : "They signed without having 'right info!"
* Appoints Moana David (Wooden Tower Expert) + Pascal Luciani to mop up the mess
* If no Olympics, would prefer to build Housing / Schools
* All held Hands & sang a Love Song : "A tu'u mai i te here,put some love".
11/12th Moana marked New Channels > 13/15th New tests > 17th Sabotage of Marker Buoys.
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2023/12/02/barge-olympic...
18th Dec 2023 Polynesian Assembly
*Infernal Tower * Tower of Babel * Hot Potato
Drawing Parallels between Tower of Power & Nuke Tests.
Each arguing with other...over the Tower.
No news on Cost blowout? No longer debate the Games...just gotta get on with it!
Tahiti must pay 20% of what now exceeds cost of entire Paris 1924 Olympics in 2024 dollars.
https://www.tntv.pf/tntvnews/polynesie/societe/la-polemique-sur-la-tour-...
Prior to 1959 / Cyclones each Town's lagoon emptied via own pass.
As each Town road was taken by sea...canals are then cut to provide linked Water Taxi services.
Each Canal Cut races massive volumes of Water from collective former breached Atolls toward Teahupoo.
Pressing around the Atolls like plunger with now only outlet thru emergency cut bivalves...that swell.
Olympic ideal being to rewire the collective former end of the road towns now linked by artificial canals.
In otherwords...the Olympic ideal Cable replaces the former southern road + hot wires whole Tahiti.
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1000995710/vintage-map-of-tahiti-and-moo...
Massive lagoons now pool & billow into recent artificial dual escape valves that ramp the new mutant Wave.
http://tuhinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/0101.jpg
This explains why no shipwrecks are found here at 'new artificially ramped mutant slab'.
Also explains the mass amount of town now sucked out to sea + denuded land / ponds & straightened River course!
Can't imagine any local wishing to naturally regrow reef over man made canals to nurture the shoreline.
https://previews.agefotostock.com/previewimage/medibigoff/892d7506edb804...
Town's Water taxis & Surf industry would go broke as pocket sized lagoon towns return to relative Pond Life.
Protect current mass hacked Reef destruction for Surf Towns to thrive (vs) Reef restoration kills off all Town's lifelines.
That's the acid test...the Lagoon & wave is far from being in it's natural shape & size.
Ask! Who in the world wishes or calls for restoring Teahupoo Lagoon to it's recent former natural state.
Teahupoo Locals seek to preserve & maintain their much loved man-made Wave & canal network!
19th Dec 2023 Prez Brotherson (Replies to ISA whitewashing!)
Prez : "ISA has been associated from beginning ...it's a little late to wake up on the Buzzer!"
"It was Tahiti that asked if ISA could use drones for judging...in response we got..."
ISA : "It is possible in theory!"
Prez : "We cannot be satisfied with Theory!"
"Other ISA option/s would not meet security requirements desired by 'the country'!"
"The only concrete response we received from ISA, there is no solution!"
"After Plan B (Moving Comp) was ruled out...we had no other option but the new tower!"
https://www.tntv.pf/tntvnews/sports/jo-2024-pas-de-plan-b-pour-le-surf-s...
7th June 2023 Tahiti again discuss Cable plans with Chile (Only now without China)
Q4 / 2023 Tautira < (38km Olympic Sub-lagoonal Cable Circuit) > Teahupoo cabled to shore.
Google are cabling entire Pacific / Lagoons > Hot wiring Olympic Teahupoo Tahiti to Chile included.
https://www.submarinecablemap.com/
Truth of the matter...US pick & choose who gets hooked to who & in what order!
But Oz is paying for over half of Google's entire Pacific NBN cabling...(Correct)
Peva Levy is God Father of the End of the Road
Arrived in Teahupoo in 1963 ...Home movie shows bright painted end of the Road Marker.
His house lines the shore & looks directly into iconic passage & hosts all Comp Pros.
All clearly see into the Left & say they can hear the Slab Rumble.
1963
Peva : "At that Time...there was No Surf Here!"
Peva (Repeats!) : "No Surf At All!"
Just check that...No Mythical Giant Left Slab Sea Serpent hidy-hole at the End of the Road...
Woteva past Mythical Mountain Tribal Connect thingy was long gone...Zero Ancient Left Slab Warriors!
Meaning their was nothing fueling no beast or Tadpole in 1963.
Peva : "I think as far as I can remember, maybe I was First to Ride that Wave!"
"Only 2 of Us my Cousin & Me!"
Massive Call ...First to Ride that there Mutant Slab..
Why would any dispute that, as Peva lives on the Left Shoulder!
tbb believes him...that wave was never there & soon as it was, he heard it & saw it then Surfed it!
Being first as he alone watched the wave rise up as a Mutant slab...swears it wasn't there before!
[ Factcheck ]
Surfer Today claims From 60's Surfers came to Teahupoo from all over the Globe...
Most nations never Flew in here until late 60's early 70's...
During 60's few knew Wot a pipeline was...none in Oz ever mentioned Teahupoo in any Surf Hangs!
Now who would Fly across the World to surf a Wave that never existed...at all?
1976 Tahiti Open Winner Arsene Harhoe was likely the only Local Surfer up to Teahupoo Surf Level.
Never once mentioned this wave during the 1970's...
In fact...he actually Coached Thierry the First Local Blowin laying claim to Surf here in 1985.
Laying out those facts...Peva said there were no waves when he arrived as a 60's Grom.
His Mum said to keep away from that Sharky Area...
Reckon that Peva can't have surfed this break until it fired up & only when he was up to standard.
Meaning Teahupoo as we know it never stoked up until mid 70's likely after Canal works fuelled it!
Meaning when the Town severed the Reef/s from the Mainland to pool all lagoons as Slab fuel.
Repeat No Waves in 60's > First to surf it...near impossible without a half decent Early 70's board.
Likely need the skill of best modern Island surfer who started in 71' > Champ '76! (So around then!)
Ask yerselves as Surfers...how could any 60's longboarder surf a Slab that Local says is not there?
Pretty well lays out this wave was never seen, heard or surfed until mid '70's after Lagoons stoked it!
Peva sees & hears the Wave that calls him when he was confident enough with board...he surfs it!
Mind you...he ropes in his cousin who needs to be equally game & skilled to tackle it...well into 70's
No mention of any Surf or wave sound by Peva or 76 Tahiti Champ, before Peva's session...
Reckon if Peva saw anyone surf it...he woulda' recalled or logged it...as he is most particular!
The dude writes Marine papers...he would've recalled & shared the yarn 100x over to all surfers!
As the Locals say...this wave could disappear just as fast as the Lagoon Canals stoked it up...
So, no Rahui Reef Restoration marrying the shoreline ecosystem with coastal habitat...just the scrapes!
Locals need their Artificial Lagoon Canals for Ye Olde End of the Road Ghost Town Tours.
Never hear of regrowing Reef over most devastated mass coral destruction...never, none say a word!
Who will kill the Golden Goose that threatens to swallow next End of the Road Town...Gulp!
PS: Peva arrived in Teahupoo 4yrs after neighbouring end of the Road Town was wiped out in 1959!
60's Map still shows former End of the Road Toanoano...Road was destroyed.
https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fa-60s-m...
Road is in the sea...needing a Canal lifeline to be Cut...which Floods Teahupoo & stokes the Beast!
https://previews.agefotostock.com/previewimage/medibigoff/892d7506edb804...
http://tuhinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/0101.jpg
(No talk of filling in the Artificial Whazoo to stabilize the Passage) Few would want that!
Despite the Reef Shelf has cracked clear across from mass lagoon pressure point to the throat of beast
No hurry...Town is Flooding out to sea...Gotta shit hot Mutant Slab though! All say aye!
https://vert.eco/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/362d1ee1-dbb6-4ed1-337f-d300...
Core Surfie Saying : "Fuck the Town...Save the Waves!"
Doesn't make sense to have an Olympic surf competition at Teahupo’o.
It's biased towards the few surfers who are specialists.
There will be blood.......contest organizers better have high end emergency evacuation assets on standby as carnage is guaranteed.
Organizers seem to more interested in a judging tower than the safety of competitors not tuned into the spot.
You could say this about the 1 foot slop in Japan too. Plenty of small wave specialists in the field.
At least this will be good viewing... if nothing else.
France (as organisers and holders of the OG) must have no where else to run it on French terrority!
What about in the SW of France, plenty of summer swell there around Biarritz, Hossegor, Landes, etc.
The thing I think is interesting is I don’t believe there is another Olympic sport where you’ll find a competitor not performing at all. If it’s big, there will likely be quite a few competitors who may simply not throw themselves over the ledge at all the entire contest. Even the least experienced snowboarder will still put themselves into a half pipe as an example, or swim a length of the pool (however slow). How will the commentary and officials explain this to the non-surfing viewer i wonder?
And spot on re. injuries. But maybe they won’t hold it if it gets reasonably dangerous, which asks the questions why on earth host it there.
Good points.
Got me thinking, is there an actual olympic sport that you could die in? I can't think of one (maybe a freak accident) but actual real life and death olympic sports. I can't think of any in olympic history.
Dude, you’ve never heard of bobsleigh? Hard core sport
Never heard of him.
Sounds like a good bloke though ;-)
Downhill skiing and maybe cycling road race? Difference for these sports is probably that the qualifying likely matches the Olympic competition pretty closely so there would be fewer fish out of water than surfing at teahupoo
Agreed Peppa, especially about the qualifying.
Also the real threat of death increases exponentially the bigger it gets at Teahupoo, as opposed to a constant playing field for the other sports.
I agree there would be better spots in France to run but it looks like the majority of people in the event will be CT surfers.
Does the ISA provide judges for the Olympics?
Great question Oink + the crew questioning ethics
Thanx for strayin' down this road...(Explain how you'll be rewarded below...)
Kinda think this would be a taboo question?
Thought this was gonna be tricky & was at first but then found a batch of Olympic Judge Reviews!
Yeah! Really weird how open & detailed these Olympic Judge listings are!
There's a whole world of Olympic Judging info...never really knew!
25th July 2020 : ISA Olympic Judging Panel includes 3 token WSL judges.
Represents 7 nations across 4 continents
Technical Director (USA) + Contest Director ( BRA)
Head Judges (USA) + (AUS) > Priority Judges (NZL) + (BRA)
7 Booth Judges (Breakdown)
3x WSL Judges - (BRA + AUS + *USA) ...Note BRA Judge replaced AUS as new WSL Head Judge
4x Judges - (JPN) + (NZL) + (POR) + (FRA)
Only woman Olympic judge *USA Tory (ISA- Goofy LB Gold medalist is also WSL LB Tour head judge)
Full Olympic panel + names & further details // Links...here
https://isasurf.org/isa-marks-1-year-to-go-until-olympic-games-debut-ann...
3x WSL Olympic Judges (Here)
https://www.surfer.com/trending-news/wsl-announces-new-head-judge-follow...
Olympic's only Woman Judge
https://usasurfteam.medium.com/tory-gilkerson-named-olympic-surf-judge-b...
NZ Olympic Judges (Here)
https://www.nzsurfjournal.com/kiwi-judges-confirmed-for-tokyo-2020-olymp...
Oink's question + crew deserve a reward & Judges deserve Awards / Participation Medals (Right!)
The Question led to tbb checking on secret Olympic taboo stuff...the kinda stuff we never discuss!
But very much exposes how Olympic Surfing Judges were not rewarded as past Olympic Judges! Huh!
Paris Olympics refuse to pay Russian (Neutral) Athletes / Participants / Judges
Ok! Crew expected such...
But what about Olympic Ideal Sportsmanlike (Participation Medals)...
Surely they still gotta honour Olympic Spirit...Huh?
Question reveals an unusual fact : Turns out Tokyo / Beijing halted the Olympic Participation Medals
Now that is some kick in the guts...considering the risk Participants took to stoke Olympic Spirit!
Seriously...why would any of these Judges enter Hot Spots to be ridiculed & risk team penalties & such!
Still unknown if Paris will reinstall Olympic Ideal Participation Medals?
Wotz even weirder...How only French Gold Medalists earn $130,000 in Amateur Games
Oz Gina is Bankrolling $3m for Oz Medalists includes Paralympians
(Pause)
Can't work but earn millions on Magnate's NDIS Winners Pool! How the fuck does this scam work!
tbb is disabled and can't figure out how fellow disabled can even train to win Oz Magnate's Windfall!
Truth : If any athlete can Train 3 hours/day = They are technically not a Disabled Paralympian! (Correct!)
Like fuck me...tbb can't even wade in the ocean yet Paralympians are bankrolling laps in the pool! WTF!
tbb volunteers 2-3hr spells pickin' up rubbish but needs recovery time between days...coz of disability!
Want Weirder : Gold Medalist can also split Winner's Medal into 4 separate Gold medals.
https://www.parisdesignagenda.com/2024-summer-olympics-innovative-medals...
Guessing that only winners, can now award 3x Team participation as they see fit!
New Olympic Ideal *Pro Para Olympians win 4x gold medals + NDIS Mining Magnate Prize Pool bonus.
Bill Shorten is gonna have kittens...
Gonna be an uproar if Participants get wind of this...be like, shove this Gold Hero Worship up yer arses!
https://www.infobae.com/aroundtherings/articles/2022/05/23/richard-pound...'t,especially%20from%20a%20collectors%20standpoint.
https://www.theolympicdesign.com/collection/participation-medals/
Why exactly aren't more CT level surfers speaking out about this? Will they really have their Olympic spot taken away from them? What about those not competing?
Whoever suggested sticking the olympics in a (perhaps swiss?) pool is a genius, an even playing field ala track&field events. Surfing public is subjected to tub comps, but non-surfing viewers justifies desecration of hallowed ground? Frenchie pride and passport to and froing is the only reason I can see for this weird controversial intrusion.
Why aren't the French doing what they do best and saying 'Non! Faites votre carnaval mais laissez notre peuple vivre sa vie' to the IOC? (cheers google translate). What was the point of their revolution?
I love that they’re calling it a judges tower for the olympics. More likely an “officials, broadcasters, local and foreign dignitaries plus general hangers on (oh and the judges) tower”. If this Reuters article is to be believed, they wanted 40 people in there at 200m2 but now it’s 150m2, so does that mean 30 people still. WTF. https://www.reuters.com/sports/smaller-surfing-tower-tahiti-site-paris-2...
Hope it is as good as the Pipeline Masters & some surfers pass on the baton to those they know that can make the freefall drop...
Exclusive to #1 swellnet...2024 Olympic Teahupoo (French Olympian) Winner's Prize...
Surf Comp Winners Prize Money in 2023 Australian Dollars
(Shitty WSL Warm Up Comp)
$147,896 WSL Pro Teahupoo : French / Tahitian Winner (M/W)
$184,7I3.40 Olympic Amateur Teahupoo : French / Tahitian Winner (M/W) + 4x Gold Medals (No Joke!)
Breakdown (Gold Medal earnings $54,717 + French Gold Medal Bonus $129,966.40 = $184,713.40)
+ Country will fund all yer VIP Club Med getaways + Le Exclusive Wavepool dips!
Reckon a few Visiting Pros might take the bait & camp for half of that...sure beats winning!
(Do the Maths!) Gold Medal $54,714 or 2nd Place split share $92,356.70 + 1 of the Winner's 4 Gold Medals
If yer Local Gromz or Missus doubt ya won the Olympics...just flash yer Gold Medal (That'll shut 'em up!)
Plus ya score a bonus $37,642.70 for simply camping safely in the channel hootin' for some headless French Guy...
Got yer Dream Home deposit + Le Vax Exemption from De Prez + Live to surf another Session...(Bingo!)
Wot! Never once suggested the World Champ would take the bait!
ISA would gain more cred if they simply pre awarded our Champ one of them Teahupoo Four Gold Medals + half the money now.
Why the fuck not...indeed...Crew already voted on that...All say Aye!
$568,647 ASP 2011 New York Quiky Pro : Australian Winner
https://tracksmag.com.au/final-day-quiksilver-pro-new-york-on-us-300000-...
Both ASP / ISA - Olympics value a Premier Local Surf Victory much more highly than WSL Holy Grail.
WSL are paying Local Premier Pro Winners less than the Local Amateur ISA Games!
Part explains why WSL can only get 3/13 on Olympic Panel...gotta pay more, to get more bums on seats!
All that for a few days surf comp . Where they surfing if it’s flat or I guess the world champ might show up if it is
All that for a few days surf comp . Where they surfing if it’s flat or I guess the world champ might show up if it is
This article was shelved in Sports News but does accelerate the Tower of Power.
https://www.tntv.pf/tntvnews/sports/max-wasna-il-faut-passer-a-une-nouve...
Tahitian Surf Federation > Newly elected Prez Max Wasna of Local (Vairao Surf Club)
Max backs the New Tower & to smooth things over...can read into a bit of his here say...
*It's true that this subject divides!
*It's a minority that is still opposed!
*We have a deadline to respect...we must move on to a new era!
*You have to trust these people who are professionals! (All say Aye!)
*Do a little monitoring and repair the broken Coral ... we know how to do that!
Reads...we fast become world experts at doin' that shit.
*The associations were resistant to protecting the heritage...I think they were heard!
Reads : We sincerely mean that! Here! Here!
Cuts to AD: { Subscribe to Bug Life! } You have no choice! ONE OF US...Love Life...Crazy good it is!
*True Polynesians do not hold grudges!..lashings more of IOC Max speak...
Introducing the Next Poly Prez...that'd be Max! Man is this guy smooth...born in-between guy!
* "The WSL also wanted to have a Tower. The wooden one is no longer approved. Moana David, who is the builder, confirmed to me in person that he understood that we had to move on to a new era of Tower. The Country has taken matters into it's own hands. Now, it is he who will be responsible for doing the assembly and dismantling each year for the WSL as he is used to doing."
Cool! So we can all hurl our coconuts at Moana now...'bout time! It's always them quiet ones...
Village : Like we're really Sorry for smearing muck over the really nice innocent pack of evil bastards!
How new Prez Max tiptoed thru that Reefer Madness minefield...
Surf Prez has more to say in one interview than IOC / ISA / WSL buried all year on the matter!
* Ensures that Rahui Prince Moana has crossed over to the Darkside
* So WSL were instrumental in playing us along...It's them other guys! (Applause!)
* Like when did IOC cede their Hot Potato Tower of Power to WSL.
* How does the New Surf Prez get to lock in WSL annual Comps
* Given the ongoing Reef Damage, confirms the Tower will be dismantled each year.
Another big promise ...coz ...That remains to be seen! + Easier said than done!
Prez tbb : "Tower of Power Prez #101 Max is steppin' up to ride this beastie home!"
OPTed for Bourez Bros & Kauli to Hook & Cook up his Tower of Power
https://www.tahiti-infos.com/Le-groupe-OPT-pour-Bourez-et-la-Banque-de-T...
Salute! Power Unit Pow Wow lights up the Tower of Power Golden Shower...
Perfect Peace Pipe hits the spot...Happy Ending flows 'round the Island Paradise!
All kneel and hail yer new Tower of Power Surf Prez entourage...
All together : "I Believe our Tribal Timeshare Hodad Surf Council will provide!"
swellnet drum circle : "I hear the Drums Fernando!" Yeah for Me...stop grovellin'...can get up now!
https://www.facebook.com/reel/780376560757896