Thanks Belinda. Will check it out for sure. The Wave Pool space is interesting, no one really knows the effect it will have on surfing, but yep it’s all about development and monetisation which are strange bedfellow for surfing.
Well I do declare some self interest here and don’t want to burn all my bridges, but none have covered the sports washing aspect at all so no need to single any one out
Definitely something we are ALL talking about - or perhaps just those outside of the WSL who are not likely to be fined or sacked!
I have created a petition about this in an attempt to gain a more comprehensive and collective voice against this tour stop and what it means for surfing and inclusion (basically total fuck up!). This was created with my transgender son’s approval of mentioning his gender identity in this context.
If this is something you may consider sharing or signing - I think it may hold more permanence???
Thanks Ben - I appreciate that. I’m still amazed that it’s even happening. Have we really strayed so far that money really is the only thing that matters??? (Says a woman living paycheck to paycheck so a bit of extra cash wouldn’t go astray but I’m not about to throw my values under the next bus!)
Yes Benny, though I wouldn't count me as one of those. Still pretty invested, still write a lot about it, but this just seems like a lose-lose, and just when they had some positive news. I wonder if I'll get the commentary gig though...
Well Benny, a lot of times ocean waves comp suck too. Think with the right format and pool, they could be okay. But yep, so far, they are a pretty dull. And Kelly's by far the dullest.
Yes, I get the financial aspect - they need the coin to fund the tour, and they have the precedent of all other sports cashing in. They had the chance to be different though, but its a complicated choice. I can't see it being there in 5 years.
Great article Ben, and thanks for raising this important issue particularly the impacts on LGBTQIA+ rights.
In terms 'why? For me, this example of the WSL 'selling out' to corporate power regardless of the costs for the environment or people, is a part of a longer story about the WSL's role in wave pool's development. As you say, the desire to build wave pools is about revenue, particularly from tourism. When the WSL and Kelly Slater became 'business partners' and were pushing hard for a wave pool at Tokyo Olympics, I think the writing was on the wall. Sure there has been opposition, and having the Paris games at Tahiti put a spanner in the works for the wave pool industry. But, I'm sure it’s a long-game.
BTW I say this as based on the research I did (for an academic book on surfing's inclusion in the Tokyo Olympics). It was really clear that the WSL were pushing really hard in the background for a wave pool at Tokyo, but ISA and Tokyo organizing committee held the power in this case. If interested check it out (unusually for an academic book it is free/ open access! See ch 9)
Great article Ben. On the topic of openness and talking about things, you didn’t mention which surf magazines you contacted who weren’t interested. Shouldn’t they also be named?
Thanks Belinda. Will check it out for sure. The Wave Pool space is interesting, no one really knows the effect it will have on surfing, but yep it’s all about development and monetisation which are strange bedfellow for surfing.
Well I do declare some self interest here and don’t want to burn all my bridges, but none have covered the sports washing aspect at all so no need to single any one out
Definitely something we are ALL talking about - or perhaps just those outside of the WSL who are not likely to be fined or sacked!
I have created a petition about this in an attempt to gain a more comprehensive and collective voice against this tour stop and what it means for surfing and inclusion (basically total fuck up!). This was created with my transgender son’s approval of mentioning his gender identity in this context.
If this is something you may consider sharing or signing - I think it may hold more permanence???
https://chng.it/LJbh2ML95F
Thanks Yvette, yes by all, I probably meant the WSL and surf media, I'll check out the petition for sure and share it. Cheers Ben
Thanks Ben - I appreciate that. I’m still amazed that it’s even happening. Have we really strayed so far that money really is the only thing that matters??? (Says a woman living paycheck to paycheck so a bit of extra cash wouldn’t go astray but I’m not about to throw my values under the next bus!)
Thanks Yvette. Will share here in NZ in the women's surfing networks.
Thanks so much Belinda! That means the world to me x
Another example of why “surfers” are disengaged with elite competitive surfing and the path the WSL has been heading over the last several years.
Yes Benny, though I wouldn't count me as one of those. Still pretty invested, still write a lot about it, but this just seems like a lose-lose, and just when they had some positive news. I wonder if I'll get the commentary gig though...
We all agree wave pool comps suck though right mate?
Well Benny, a lot of times ocean waves comp suck too. Think with the right format and pool, they could be okay. But yep, so far, they are a pretty dull. And Kelly's by far the dullest.
Great questions you bring up - we'll have to see if the short-term money WSL gets from this will make up for the losses down the line for this move.
Yes, I get the financial aspect - they need the coin to fund the tour, and they have the precedent of all other sports cashing in. They had the chance to be different though, but its a complicated choice. I can't see it being there in 5 years.
No, they just suck in Kelly’s pool.
I’d like to see one in the Brazillian or German pool. Both of those waves have interesting variables that suit CT surfing.
Yeah wave pools might work with different waves and formats, and the tech is improving. Just maybe not in a metaphorical and literal surf desert.
Great article Ben, and thanks for raising this important issue particularly the impacts on LGBTQIA+ rights.
In terms 'why? For me, this example of the WSL 'selling out' to corporate power regardless of the costs for the environment or people, is a part of a longer story about the WSL's role in wave pool's development. As you say, the desire to build wave pools is about revenue, particularly from tourism. When the WSL and Kelly Slater became 'business partners' and were pushing hard for a wave pool at Tokyo Olympics, I think the writing was on the wall. Sure there has been opposition, and having the Paris games at Tahiti put a spanner in the works for the wave pool industry. But, I'm sure it’s a long-game.
BTW I say this as based on the research I did (for an academic book on surfing's inclusion in the Tokyo Olympics). It was really clear that the WSL were pushing really hard in the background for a wave pool at Tokyo, but ISA and Tokyo organizing committee held the power in this case. If interested check it out (unusually for an academic book it is free/ open access! See ch 9)
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/oa-mono/10.4324/9781351029544-9/surfing-paradoxical-journey-alternative-lifestyle-olympic-sport-belinda-wheaton-holly-thorpe?context=ubx&refId=a092d511-72f1-44e7-92ce-aba80a9ad928
Great article Ben. On the topic of openness and talking about things, you didn’t mention which surf magazines you contacted who weren’t interested. Shouldn’t they also be named?
It was Stab
This is really well said, thanks Benno