With the 2028 Olympic Games set to take place in Los Angeles, a major decision is still hanging in the air: Who will officially govern surfing for Team USA at LA28? While the sport continues to grow in popularity and prestige, especially after successful Olympic debuts in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, its administrative future remains uncertain.
Two major American sports organizations USA Surfing and U.S. Ski and Snowboard are vying for control over the U.S. Olympic surfing team. Each believes it is best equipped to guide surfers toward success in 2028. Their battle presents a rare clash in Olympic governance, one that may shape the direction and visibility of the sport in the United States for years to come.
Why Surfing Matters More Than Ever for LA28
Surfing was first introduced to the Games in Tokyo 2020 and will return in Paris 2024, hosted at Teahupo’o in Tahiti. But LA28 is different. It will be the first time surfing appears in the Games on home soil in the U.S., offering a unique moment to shine and grow the sport nationally.
The sport’s return in LA means local American surfers will likely compete in familiar Pacific waters. With global attention focused on California’s beaches, the governing body that takes charge will have a huge role in shaping how the U.S. prepares for its home Olympics.
The Two Sides: USA Surfing vs. U.S. Ski and Snowboard
USA Surfing: The Current Governing Body
USA Surfing has served as the official governing body for the sport since surfing joined the movement. It oversees national surf competitions, Olympic qualification pathways, and youth development programs. The organization also handles regulatory responsibilities, including athlete training and team selections.
Backed by years of experience within the surfing community, USA Surfing claims it has built trusted relationships with top surfers, coaches, and clubs across the country. According to supporters, USA Surfing understands the culture and unique needs of surfers better than any other entity.
The organization believes that continuity is key. Having already led Team USA during surfing’s debut, USA Surfing says it is best prepared to take that work further in LA28.
U.S. Ski and Snowboard: The Challengers
On the other side, U.S. Ski and Snowboard is a larger, well-funded national governing body that already oversees multiple disciplines like skiing, snowboarding, and freestyle events. It has long-term success developing medal-winning athletes and managing large-scale Olympic logistics.
The organization argues that surfing, as an action sport, fits well within its portfolio of snow-based board sports. Snowboarders and surfers often train using similar techniques and share cultural overlaps. They say this makes their team especially qualified to handle surfing as well.
U.S. Ski and Snowboard’s pitch is based on professionalism, resources, and proven experience. They believe they can elevate the sport through higher athlete funding, better media exposure, and advanced sports science.
What the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Will Decide
Ultimately, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) will make the final call. The committee must decide which organization better aligns with its Olympic goals, athlete welfare standards, financial accountability, and readiness to lead a sport on the global stage.
This isn’t the first time governing body roles have come under scrutiny. In other sports, changes in leadership have occurred when larger organizations presented more robust infrastructure or when existing bodies failed to meet certain benchmarks.
In this case, the USOPC must weigh a grassroots specialist against a powerhouse administrator. USA Surfing offers authenticity and deep sport knowledge. U.S. Ski and Snowboard offers reach, systems, and results.
Concerns From the Surfing Community
The proposal to shift governance away from USA Surfing has raised eyebrows within the surf world. Many athletes and coaches express concern that U.S. Ski and Snowboard lacks a true understanding of surfing’s ocean-based culture, which differs greatly from snow sports in training environment, competition style, and lifestyle.
Surfing is not only a sport but also a subculture. Critics worry that a shift in governance might distance the national program from local surf communities and the traditions that define it. They argue that results shouldn’t be the only priority that preserving the sport’s identity matters too.
On the other hand, some believe a new approach could lead to better results. With stronger financial backing, more high-performance resources, and international influence, U.S. Ski and Snowboard might help surfing rise to new heights.
Olympic Readiness and the Countdown to LA28
As the clock ticks toward 2028, both organizations are already preparing. USA Surfing continues to organize national team activities and promote youth development. Meanwhile, U.S. Ski and Snowboard has launched a campaign to demonstrate its readiness and connect with surf stakeholders.
Whichever organization wins the bid must move quickly. Team selection processes, athlete support systems, Olympic qualifiers, and international coordination all require years of planning.
In the Tokyo and Paris Games, the U.S. surf team competed with stars like Carissa Moore and Kolohe Andino. Whoever leads next will be tasked with finding the future stars who will compete on California’s waves in 2028.
The Bigger Picture: Growing Surfing in the USA
This decision is not just about the Olympics. It’s about the long-term growth of surfing in the United States. The governing body will control funding, youth programs, international representation, and even sponsorship deals.
The winner will influence how American children get introduced to surfing, what competitions they enter, and how athletes advance through the system. It’s a responsibility with far-reaching consequences beyond LA28.
With more high schools and colleges exploring surf teams and mainstream media attention increasing, the time is now to cement a system that works. Whether rooted in the community like USA Surfing, or structured like U.S. Ski and Snowboard, the next few months could shape surfing’s future in America.
Final Word
Surfing has never had a brighter spotlight in the United States than it will at the LA28 Olympics. That’s why the question of who governs the sport matters so much right now. Will the Olympic dream for American surfers stay in the hands of a dedicated surf-only organization, or shift to a multisport governing body with big resources?
As USA Surfing and U.S. Ski and Snowboard make their pitches, the USOPC faces a critical choice. For athletes, fans, and future generations of surfers, this decision will ride the waves all the way to 2028 and beyond.
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