Stuck on an island, surfers hold their own opening ceremony

TAHITI (NEXSTAR) — While the Olympic surfers couldn’t make the trip to Paris for the 2024 Games’ opening ceremonies, they were still able to be part of the festivities. They held their own ceremony that celebrated both the Games and the local French Polynesian culture.

“It’s amazing that they have their own culture here in Tahiti and that we get to know it, we get to learn a little bit more of it,” said Spanish surfer Nadia Erostabe.

At the same time Olympians in Paris were floating down the Seine, Olympic surfers were being honored more than 9,000 miles away in Tahiti.

“I’m glad we’re here and glad I get to represent Spain,” said Erostabe.

Surfers walked in carrying their countries’ flags to the applause of the local crowd. Each surfer also brought sand from a beach in their own country, combining it with the sand in Tahiti.

“Oh my gosh, it was crazy,” said Costa Rican surfer Brisa Hennessy. “Seeing us on the TV being shown as part of the walk-in, I don’t know, so many emotions and it’s so beautiful to see the sand and all of us unified in sport.”

Unlike every other Olympic sport, the surfers in Tahiti are still waiting to finalize their competition schedule. Over the next 10 days, officials will pick the best four days at Teahupo’o to ensure the surfers have the best field of play possible before handing out the gold medals.

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