The International Surfing Association (ISA) is reportedly planning to reduce the number of World Surf League (WSL) Olympic Surfing Qualification Slots, sparking a power struggle with the WSL. According to Brazilian surf media outlet AOS Midia, the ISA is discussing major changes to the surfing qualification system for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The most significant change is the reduction of WSL Championship Tour (CT) slots from 18 (10 male and 8 female) to 10 (5 male and 5 female), with a limit of one surfer per country. The remaining slots will be earned at the World Surfing Games between 2026 and 2028, with some reserved for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. This shift in power towards the ISA could have major implications for the sport, including adding value to the ISA World Surfing Games and reducing the Olympic marketability of the WSL Championship Tour. The ISA has submitted a version of the qualification system for approval, but it's not clear if these changes have been finalized or are still under discussion. The WSL has not responded to requests for comment. If finalized, this qualification system will have significant implications for surfing athletes, and the ISA will need to navigate the delicate balance between competitive access and the Olympic principle of universality.
