We don’t know the back story, but apparently USA Surfing bungled their first go-round with the US Olympic Committee during the Tokyo Olympics. Now they’d like to be reconsidering as the official governing body for surfing for the LA28 games.
According to a Laylan Connelly story in the Orange County Register they have some competition for the job. Seems the US Ski & Snowboard Association (which has no experience with surfing but much with the Oluympics) would also like a shot at owning surfing in the Olymipics . . . ah, because they’d like the money most likely.
While USSSA may have no experience with surfing, their CEO has (at least for a year). Many will remember Sophie Goldschmidt as the CEO of the World Surf League for a minute before Oprah Winfrey’s boy took over. She believes her ski and snowboard organization is the perfect group to shepherd surfing through the LA Games in 2028.
“We feel that surfers have not been supported, in the same way that we would propose to, in the past,” Goldschmidt said. “And now, we can provide them with more of that support and the structure, the leadership and the strong backing of a large and growing organization, which is in a very good place financially as well. . . . They need high-performance environments, clear pathways to the Olympics, and the ability to build their personal brands, she said. “That’s what we provide, and we know it works.”
Sure, there are dozens of reasons why all these options are terrible, but in the end shouldn’t surfing be run by surfers? Or, as some would argue is Olympic surfing even surfing? For all the details, click the link.
The Palm Springs Surf Club will reportedly “undergo a city commission review July 22, 2025” after loads of noise complaints and occasional mechanical problems which have led to pool closures, according to a story in the Palm Springs Post.
Since late 2023, the surf club has generated 66 noise complaints from approximately 16 individual residences in a nearby neighborhood, according to a city staff report. Code enforcement officers have cited the business six times, with four citations resulting in fines that have been paid in full.
The inland surf dream is a costly, difficult thing to make real, apparently. Riding a wave in the ocean seems so much more efficient, right? For more details on the story please click the link.
The Encinitas Library had the distinct pleasure of hosting surf publishing legend Steve Pezman, co-founder of The Surfer’s Journal, for an author event Sunday afternoon May 18, 2025. The gathering of surf and magazine fans was treated to a captivating dive into Pez’s remarkable career, spanning over five decades in the heart of surf culture and media.
Pezman, a true icon of the surfing world, is known for his profound influence on how the sport and its lifestyle are chronicled. Before co-founding The Surfer’s Journal with his wife Debbee in 1992, he spent over two decades as the group publisher of Surfer Publications (which included Powderand Skateboarder Magazine). This rich history provided ample fodder for his presentation, which included a reading from his 2022 book, Turn and Go! 50 Years of Surf Writings.
ISA President Fernando Aguerre, the Argentine ball of energy almost single handedly responsible for pressing surfing into the Olympics, is over the moon on the recent confirmation of Trestles as the host site for surfing during the 2028 LA Olympics.
“Following the amazing success of surfing in Teahupo’o, and in talking to many of the world’s athletes, we knew that any solution for LA had to feature the best performance waves, and there is no doubt that location is Trestles,” Aguerre says. “We would like to thank the LA28 leadership team and the International Olympic Committee for their understanding and support of the best conditions for the athletes. . . This decision furthers the existing trajectory of hosting Olympic Surfing in iconic ocean waves. The perfect peak at Lowers offers a high-performance canvas like no other in Southern California. We are so excited to see the world’s best battling it out for Olympic glory on its venerated cobblestones. . . We look forward to continuing to work with our friends at LA28 as we embark on our third Olympic cycle. The Olympic Movement is riding a new wave of innovation and inclusivity, powered by the youth and we are proud to join with LA28 in embracing that spirit to deliver an unforgettable Games.”
Indeed. For the complete official release from the ISA, please follow the jump.
No, we haven’t talked to Matt Biolos. Nor have we tried. It’s quicker to just post a link to TMZ and call it a day.
Lost International is suing Lady Gaga for trademark infringement for her “Mayhem” album … claiming they own the rights to the term as used in the surf company’s distinctive logo and that Lady Gaga’s use is basically identical. . . In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Lost says they’ve been slapping a stylized version of “Mayhem” on their surfboards and merch for over a decade … and Gaga ripped off the design for her latest album.
Following a horrific wipeout at Pipeline, being under for two minutes, a heroic rescue, and several days in a medically induced coma, North Shore charger Makai McNamara has been released from the hospital and is back home with his family.
The Quiksilver women’s USA and Canada license was just picked up by Velocity Brand Group where it will join fellow Authentic zombie brand Lucky Brand Jeans in the company’s garment production machine, according to a story on Just-Style.
Velocity Global Brands, Inc. is a major apparel manufacturer with over 25 factories across Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Lesotho, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Burma. This global presence enhances production capacity and offers a diverse range of expertise; contributing to our ability to consistently deliver high quality products.
Not that anyone really cares about the brand any longer, but it is crazy how this game is played, isn’t it?
You know, ’cause we all could use a little more chaos and violence (and Nicolas Cage) in our lives. . . and yeah, getting some Peter WeirThe Cars That Ate Paris Ozploitation vibes for sure.
We are getting really tired of surfers dying stories. But, here’s another great loss to our world. Randy Miod’s was found in the burned ashes of his home “The crab shack” on PCH.
Dale Smith, Brian Bent, and Steve Pezman.
