Plans For Controversial Olympic Surfing Site In Tahiti Updated By Paris 2024 Organizers

After much public outcry about the environmental impact of the proposed Olympic development and new plan has been announced.

Paris 2024 organizers have announced a final decision on what to do about the controversial Tahitian judging tower at Teahupo’o, where the surfing event for next year’s Olympic Games will be held. The current plan is to construct a new, smaller tower where the current, wooden tower stands.

“The new tower, less imposing and reduced in size and weight, installed on new permanent foundations, is the solution that will ensure the longevity of the tower and guarantee that future sporting events can be held at Teahupo’o,” reads a press statement from Paris 2024 organizers.

Residents, locals and the global surfing community at large have been vocal about their opposition to the originally proposed 46-foot aluminum structure. A petition opposing the development has been circulated and garnered over 160,000 signatures. The President of French Polynesia had proposed possibly moving the competition to another location. Earlier this month Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet announced that a decision would be made public by the end of November. After a review of all viable options, this week Paris 2024 released their latest plans.

“Based on thorough analysis of the different options and the priorities shared by the various stakeholders, the project for a new tower that is less imposing and substantially reduced in size and weight was judged to be the best option,” continues the release. “This presents the advantage of being able to reduce the depth of drilling for the foundations of the tower and allow the use of a barge with a shallower draught during the construction phase.”

In terms of environmental impact, Paris 2024 contends that they will adhere to all best practices and ensure that the protection and preservation of the pristine reef environment remains a top priority.

“The foundations will be designed using a process commonly used in Polynesia to create foundations in a coral environment (drilling and micropiles, without large-scale excavation),” they explain. “They will be installed in an area with few corals. Some coral reefs will be moved to avoid any risk of damage during the works, in accordance with a strict protocol drawn up by the environmental consultancy Créocéan and already tried and tested on numerous tourism and maritime development projects.”

The press release also notes that conversations with “associations, residents and all stakeholders” will continue in the lead up to the Olympic Games.