ISA Statement on the judges’ tower at Teahupo’o

ISA Statement on the judges’ tower at Teahupo’o

The ISA was saddened and surprised to see that a test undertaken by the French Polynesian government resulted in the coral reef at Teahupo’o being damaged by a barge.

As an International Olympic Federation, the ISA is responsible for the Olympic surfing competitions. Venue facilities and infrastructure are the responsibility of Paris 2024 Organizing Committee in coordination with the French Polynesian government.

The determination that the old judging tower was not legally compliant was taken by the government of French Polynesia. As a result, the French Polynesian government and Paris 2024 decided to build a new tower.

From the beginning of the proposal to host Olympic surfing in French Polynesia, 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.

The French Polynesian government has taken the decision to pause all further testing and preparations to draw lessons following the incident on the reef. The ISA welcomes this decision, and has urged intensified consultations to consider all available options.

As life-long surfers, we are passionate about the need to protect the oceans, for us and for future generations. We are therefore committed to working with all parties in order to find a common agreement on running the competition while protecting the local, natural environment.

Torren Martyn – Calypte

Torren Martyn – Calypte

When Torren and Aiyana borrowed the 35ft sailing boat ‘Calypte’ and departed from the east coast of Thailand in early 2022, they had a combined sailing experience of only a few days. The one requirement of their charter was to eventually deliver the boat to Eastern Indonesia. They could learn as they went, get a few friends with sailing experience to help through the tricky bits and pick up as much as possible from them along the way. With this plan, the pair embarked onto the South China Sea, headed up through the Strait of Malacca and around the tip of Sumatra; out into the Indian Ocean on a year-long expedition in search of waves. What seemed like an idyllic journey didn’t come easy. It was difficult to anticipate the challenges of the sleepless nights, the endless rolling and tossing of the boat, the breakdowns, the relentless maintenance and confined space. But adventures always seem sweeter if it really feels like you had to work to get there.

A film by Ishka Folkwell & Torren Martyn – Produced by needessentials

Carve Magazine Issue 220

Carve Magazine Issue 220

Carve Surfing Magazine

Carve Magazine Issue 220

The new issue is out. You can get it delivered to door for by hitting this link here.

Well, what an autumn that was.

I don’t think we’ve seen so much swell around so much of our coastline for quite some time. The highlight for many was Storm Cierán that, apart from battering the Channel Islands, seemed to produce all-time swells across the UK – from the South West to North Wales, to Bournemouth and the south coast, to Cromer and the North East, and even Scotland! What we love about putting together a print mag is being able to collate epic shots from the UK surf photo community and record these epic times for posterity. So, that’s what we’ve done, with a huge gallery celebrating our communal stoke.

Speaking of stoke and the hold it has over us, also in this issue, Tristan Bransby tells us his story of aqua addiction, which started when his dad – also an aqua addict – took him surfing at the age of just three. What’s interesting about this is that, not only is it a common thread that all of us will recognise, but it also reflects the changing demographic of surfing. For it wasn’t long ago that surfing dads were rare, but now Tris – at 42 – is out charging with his Pa. Not only is this commonplace these days, I think it enriches our culture. A while back rippers over 30 were rare, but now we have the full range from under 10’s through to surfers that can hold their own in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and even 70’s. Quite funny when you’re hanging down the beach and the topic of conversation can go from TikTok virals to hip ops in the blink of a cataract.

The autumn swell and the rich diversity of the surfing generations isn’t all we celebrate in this packed issue. We also catch up with Tom Lowe, who’s eventful 2023 has ended with an Eddie invite. A surfer born and bred in the UK, who has honed his skills in his homeland and Ireland, invited to the world’s most prestigious contest. What a a massive achievement.

Plus two of our favourite photographers – Chris Burkard and Luke Gartside – take us on the road. Luke reporting back from a European road trip through three wave-lashed regions, and Chris sharing his most valuable lessons learnt from a life of exploration in coldwater destinations. It’s not just about the places you go and the waves you ride, it’s the people you meet on the search , that makes surfing life so special.

Hope you enjoy!


Steve
Editor

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Chopes reef damaged by Olympic barge

Chopes reef damaged by Olympic barge

 

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“HELP US STOP THE OLYMPICS FROM DESTROYING THE REEF!⚠️ As we and @matahidrollet warned about weeks ago, the preparation for the upcoming @paris2024 olympics is already destroying the coral reefs in Tahiti! Yesterday, a barge planned to use for building a controversial judging tower for the Paris 2024 Olympic surfing competition destroyed all coral heads on its way and breaking its propeller during the highest tide of the day. This barge is supposed to carry an aluminum tower that will be planted on the reef for a three-day surf competition for the Olympic games of 2024.”

Locals have long been predicting widespread damage to one of surfings most precious eco systems by the Paris committees controversial judging tower and yesterday fears started to come true.

‘This destruction happened an an empty barge with zero construction yet so there’s going to be CATASTROPHIC reef destruction if we don’t speak up RIGHT NOW! Please use your social platform for good and share this sad post with your followers and tag people, ocean lovers, celebrities, influencers & news media who need to see and share this as we MUST speak up for this marine life before it’s too late.”

If Paris 2024 don’t take locals concern seriously at what point do the surfers boycott the event? Is an eco disaster and it’s ramifications worth a couple of medials?

Joao Chianca survives horror Pipe wipeout

Joao Chianca survives horror Pipe wipeout

*video contains distressing scenes. But he is ok.

Brazilian ripper Joao Chianca was pulled from the water at Pipe yesterday after a horrendous wipe-out.

Video shows him taking late drop, pencil diving half way down. Reports say he was pinned to the bottom and took several sets on the head before he was pulled unconscious from the sea by surfers and lifeguards and taken away by ambulance. He is now reportedly stable in hospital.

We wish him a speedy recovery.

Would you know what to do in an emergency situation?

Rescue techniques for surfers here