Teahupo’o known for its surf break and heavy, glassy waves is a village on the southwestern coast of the island of Tahiti and might be in danger due to Olympic surfing. The small village has reached world renown among surfers, so much so that it will be home to the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition from July 27 to August 4. The choice to host the surf competition on Teahupo’o might not sound like a big deal but this decision has thrown challenges onto a small community that strives to protect their way of life. Organizers are said to be adjusting their plans to conserve the environment but it’s proving to be a struggle for locals.

New roads, housing units, and an aluminum judging tower that is drilled into the reef were built to accommodate the competition, this caused a backlash. Last year plans were released for the $5 million tower, and social media campaigns were led by pro-surfer Matahi Drollet in protest and have since garnered support.  In response to the criticism, 98% of the Olympic housing will be within the homes of locals. Athletes will be accommodated on a cruise ship anchored nearby and the size of the judging tower will be decreased. Concerns are still on locals’ minds, environmentalists fear that due to hole drilling on the coral, ciguatera, microscopic algae will be eaten by fish and in turn make the people sick. Drilling into coral could also affect the waves.

Surfing at the Summer Olympics made its debut in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo Japan. Tusurigasaki Beach was announced to be the competition site for the games and was shown to be a success. Despite the fears, locals see the games as a big opportunity. The economic benefits and land recognition it will bring to the small village, are some plus sides that the locals are happy to hear about.