Latest news with #LowerTrestles
Washington Post
25-06-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
USA Surfing gets new financial backing in a bid to be recertified for its hometown Olympics
LOS ANGELES — USA Surfing says it has secured a multimillion-dollar endowment as part of its push to be recertified as the nascent Olympic sport's national governing body after losing its status four years ago over financial issues. USA Surfing executive director Becky Fleischauer told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the investment is a major step toward the organization's goal to return to the Olympic movement. 'We have a new board, new leadership, and we've been delivering more value to our surfers than has ever been provided in the past,' Fleischauer said. 'There's a lot of energy. This investment is a declaration of confidence in the future of surfing from those who know it best.' USA Surfing has struck multiyear deals for financial backing from Kamaka Responsible Development, which builds housing communities, and with Orange County-based surf company Resin Services. Kamaka also plans to develop a wave pool that can be used for year-round training for USA Surfing athletes. Fleischauer spoke from the USA Surfing Championship at Lower Trestles, the iconic surf break near San Clemente, California, that will also host the Los Angeles Olympics surfing competition in 2028. USA Surfing, which is based in San Clemente, has crowned its under-18 national champions at Trestles for decades. 'Trestles is our backyard,' Fleischauer said. 'It's where our surfers train. It's where our coaches coach. It's really a global hub for surfing, and we reside right here, so that puts us in a really strong position to know our surfers, know our break, and to be able to lift up the entire community by having the Olympics here.' Surfing made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games in 2021, but USA Surfing had already run into trouble with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee by then over numerous concerns about the organization's financial management. USA Surfing voluntarily decertified as the sport's national governing body in December 2021, although it remained the American representative to the International Surfing Association. USA Surfing is reapplying to be the NGB again, but the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Federation has also applied to manage the Olympic surf team. The well-funded winter sports organization is run by Sophie Goldschmidt, the former chief executive of the World Surf League. One governing body managing multiple sports is an accepted practice in some countries, but hasn't been the norm in the U.S. Olympic movement since the Amateur Sports Act in 1978. The USOPC is evaluating both groups' filings and is expected to resolve the situation within the next few months. While Ski & Snowboard has ample Olympics experience, USA Surfing has the backing of the ISA and even the World Surf League itself, according to its filing with the USOPC. U.S. Olympic gold medalists Caroline Marks and Carissa Moore were among several top surfers who submitted letters of support for USA Surfing. USA Surfing has kept operating without funding from the USOPC since its decertification, still staging competitions and aiding American surfers in their preparation for international events. The body has since made large changes to its leadership, appointing Fleischauer and adding several new members to its board of directors in January 2024. __ AP Olympics:
Associated Press
25-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
USA Surfing gets new financial backing in a bid to be recertified for its hometown Olympics
LOS ANGELES (AP) — USA Surfing says it has secured a multimillion-dollar endowment as part of its push to be recertified as the nascent Olympic sport's national governing body after losing its status four years ago over financial issues. USA Surfing executive director Becky Fleischauer told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the investment is a major step toward the organization's goal to return to the Olympic movement. 'We have a new board, new leadership, and we've been delivering more value to our surfers than has ever been provided in the past,' Fleischauer said. 'There's a lot of energy. This investment is a declaration of confidence in the future of surfing from those who know it best.' USA Surfing has struck multiyear deals for financial backing from Kamaka Responsible Development, which builds housing communities, and with Orange County-based surf company Resin Services. Kamaka also plans to develop a wave pool that can be used for year-round training for USA Surfing athletes. Fleischauer spoke from the USA Surfing Championship at Lower Trestles, the iconic surf break near San Clemente, California, that will also host the Los Angeles Olympics surfing competition in 2028. USA Surfing, which is based in San Clemente, has crowned its under-18 national champions at Trestles for decades. 'Trestles is our backyard,' Fleischauer said. 'It's where our surfers train. It's where our coaches coach. It's really a global hub for surfing, and we reside right here, so that puts us in a really strong position to know our surfers, know our break, and to be able to lift up the entire community by having the Olympics here.' Surfing made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games in 2021, but USA Surfing had already run into trouble with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee by then over numerous concerns about the organization's financial management. USA Surfing voluntarily decertified as the sport's national governing body in December 2021, although it remained the American representative to the International Surfing Association. USA Surfing is reapplying to be the NGB again, but the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Federation has also applied to manage the Olympic surf team. The well-funded winter sports organization is run by Sophie Goldschmidt, the former chief executive of the World Surf League. One governing body managing multiple sports is an accepted practice in some countries, but hasn't been the norm in the U.S. Olympic movement since the Amateur Sports Act in 1978. The USOPC is evaluating both groups' filings and is expected to resolve the situation within the next few months. While Ski & Snowboard has ample Olympics experience, USA Surfing has the backing of the ISA and even the World Surf League itself, according to its filing with the USOPC. U.S. Olympic gold medalists Caroline Marks and Carissa Moore were among several top surfers who submitted letters of support for USA Surfing. USA Surfing has kept operating without funding from the USOPC since its decertification, still staging competitions and aiding American surfers in their preparation for international events. The body has since made large changes to its leadership, appointing Fleischauer and adding several new members to its board of directors in January 2024. __ AP Olympics:
The Advertiser
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Picklum gets golden chance as top surfers tumble
Australian surfers are off to a patchy start at the Rio Pro, however Molly Picklum has the chance to take over the rankings lead after some major upsets in the women's field. World No.3 Picklum, who finished runner-up at the World Surf League's last tour stop in California, advanced directly through to the quarter-finals with an opening heat win at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break on Sunday. Picklum had the highest scoring ride of the day in the women's field, picking up a 7.83 in her two-wave tally of 13.50 to down 2023 world champion Caroline Marks (9.60) and local hope Luana Silva (6.30). But fellow Australians Tyler Wright and fifth-ranked Isabella Nichols went into sudden death with only two-time world champion Wright surviving after eliminating Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson, who won at Lower Trestles. In a huge upset Peru's Arena Rodriguez, in her Championship Tour debut, ousted Hawaii's rankings leader Gabriela Bryan while Silva also took down American world No.2 Caitlin Simmers in the elimination round. In the live rankings Picklum has moved up to second and is just 505 points behind Ryan. The Australian is also the only woman of the five to not win an event so far this season but has a golden chance in Brazil, next taking on Rodriguez. "I woke up this morning feeling a little foggy, so I was just really happy to make my waves and work with the swell here," Picklum said. "Brazil's definitely one I want to win - I love the energy here and I have so many good friends here, and it's definitely something I would love to win. "This year, I've made a couple of finals, but unfortunately, haven't got the win. "I just keep knocking on the door, you know, just keep showing up, and let's see if I can try and crack it and take home the trophy." On the men's side of the draw Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, scored 13.33 for a rousing win over Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi (6.34) and Brazilan Alejo Muniz (4.97). Vaughan previously earned a perfect 10-point ride during the Challenger Series event in Brazil. "It feels awesome to be back," the 21-year-old said. "I've tried to just keep it pretty simple and work on myself and try to get some good waves and yeah, stoked to make that one." But Australia's Olympic duo, silver medal-winning Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round. Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Australian surfers are off to a patchy start at the Rio Pro, however Molly Picklum has the chance to take over the rankings lead after some major upsets in the women's field. World No.3 Picklum, who finished runner-up at the World Surf League's last tour stop in California, advanced directly through to the quarter-finals with an opening heat win at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break on Sunday. Picklum had the highest scoring ride of the day in the women's field, picking up a 7.83 in her two-wave tally of 13.50 to down 2023 world champion Caroline Marks (9.60) and local hope Luana Silva (6.30). But fellow Australians Tyler Wright and fifth-ranked Isabella Nichols went into sudden death with only two-time world champion Wright surviving after eliminating Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson, who won at Lower Trestles. In a huge upset Peru's Arena Rodriguez, in her Championship Tour debut, ousted Hawaii's rankings leader Gabriela Bryan while Silva also took down American world No.2 Caitlin Simmers in the elimination round. In the live rankings Picklum has moved up to second and is just 505 points behind Ryan. The Australian is also the only woman of the five to not win an event so far this season but has a golden chance in Brazil, next taking on Rodriguez. "I woke up this morning feeling a little foggy, so I was just really happy to make my waves and work with the swell here," Picklum said. "Brazil's definitely one I want to win - I love the energy here and I have so many good friends here, and it's definitely something I would love to win. "This year, I've made a couple of finals, but unfortunately, haven't got the win. "I just keep knocking on the door, you know, just keep showing up, and let's see if I can try and crack it and take home the trophy." On the men's side of the draw Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, scored 13.33 for a rousing win over Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi (6.34) and Brazilan Alejo Muniz (4.97). Vaughan previously earned a perfect 10-point ride during the Challenger Series event in Brazil. "It feels awesome to be back," the 21-year-old said. "I've tried to just keep it pretty simple and work on myself and try to get some good waves and yeah, stoked to make that one." But Australia's Olympic duo, silver medal-winning Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round. Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Australian surfers are off to a patchy start at the Rio Pro, however Molly Picklum has the chance to take over the rankings lead after some major upsets in the women's field. World No.3 Picklum, who finished runner-up at the World Surf League's last tour stop in California, advanced directly through to the quarter-finals with an opening heat win at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break on Sunday. Picklum had the highest scoring ride of the day in the women's field, picking up a 7.83 in her two-wave tally of 13.50 to down 2023 world champion Caroline Marks (9.60) and local hope Luana Silva (6.30). But fellow Australians Tyler Wright and fifth-ranked Isabella Nichols went into sudden death with only two-time world champion Wright surviving after eliminating Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson, who won at Lower Trestles. In a huge upset Peru's Arena Rodriguez, in her Championship Tour debut, ousted Hawaii's rankings leader Gabriela Bryan while Silva also took down American world No.2 Caitlin Simmers in the elimination round. In the live rankings Picklum has moved up to second and is just 505 points behind Ryan. The Australian is also the only woman of the five to not win an event so far this season but has a golden chance in Brazil, next taking on Rodriguez. "I woke up this morning feeling a little foggy, so I was just really happy to make my waves and work with the swell here," Picklum said. "Brazil's definitely one I want to win - I love the energy here and I have so many good friends here, and it's definitely something I would love to win. "This year, I've made a couple of finals, but unfortunately, haven't got the win. "I just keep knocking on the door, you know, just keep showing up, and let's see if I can try and crack it and take home the trophy." On the men's side of the draw Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, scored 13.33 for a rousing win over Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi (6.34) and Brazilan Alejo Muniz (4.97). Vaughan previously earned a perfect 10-point ride during the Challenger Series event in Brazil. "It feels awesome to be back," the 21-year-old said. "I've tried to just keep it pretty simple and work on myself and try to get some good waves and yeah, stoked to make that one." But Australia's Olympic duo, silver medal-winning Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round. Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven. Australian surfers are off to a patchy start at the Rio Pro, however Molly Picklum has the chance to take over the rankings lead after some major upsets in the women's field. World No.3 Picklum, who finished runner-up at the World Surf League's last tour stop in California, advanced directly through to the quarter-finals with an opening heat win at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break on Sunday. Picklum had the highest scoring ride of the day in the women's field, picking up a 7.83 in her two-wave tally of 13.50 to down 2023 world champion Caroline Marks (9.60) and local hope Luana Silva (6.30). But fellow Australians Tyler Wright and fifth-ranked Isabella Nichols went into sudden death with only two-time world champion Wright surviving after eliminating Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson, who won at Lower Trestles. In a huge upset Peru's Arena Rodriguez, in her Championship Tour debut, ousted Hawaii's rankings leader Gabriela Bryan while Silva also took down American world No.2 Caitlin Simmers in the elimination round. In the live rankings Picklum has moved up to second and is just 505 points behind Ryan. The Australian is also the only woman of the five to not win an event so far this season but has a golden chance in Brazil, next taking on Rodriguez. "I woke up this morning feeling a little foggy, so I was just really happy to make my waves and work with the swell here," Picklum said. "Brazil's definitely one I want to win - I love the energy here and I have so many good friends here, and it's definitely something I would love to win. "This year, I've made a couple of finals, but unfortunately, haven't got the win. "I just keep knocking on the door, you know, just keep showing up, and let's see if I can try and crack it and take home the trophy." On the men's side of the draw Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, scored 13.33 for a rousing win over Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi (6.34) and Brazilan Alejo Muniz (4.97). Vaughan previously earned a perfect 10-point ride during the Challenger Series event in Brazil. "It feels awesome to be back," the 21-year-old said. "I've tried to just keep it pretty simple and work on myself and try to get some good waves and yeah, stoked to make that one." But Australia's Olympic duo, silver medal-winning Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round. Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven.
Perth Now
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Picklum gets golden chance as top surfers tumble
Australian surfers are off to a patchy start at the Rio Pro, however Molly Picklum has the chance to take over the rankings lead after some major upsets in the women's field. World No.3 Picklum, who finished runner-up at the World Surf League's last tour stop in California, advanced directly through to the quarter-finals with an opening heat win at Brazil's Praia de Itauna break on Sunday. Picklum had the highest scoring ride of the day in the women's field, picking up a 7.83 in her two-wave tally of 13.50 to down 2023 world champion Caroline Marks (9.60) and local hope Luana Silva (6.30). But fellow Australians Tyler Wright and fifth-ranked Isabella Nichols went into sudden death with only two-time world champion Wright surviving after eliminating Hawaiian Bettylou Sakura Johnson, who won at Lower Trestles. In a huge upset Peru's Arena Rodriguez, in her Championship Tour debut, ousted Hawaii's rankings leader Gabriela Bryan while Silva also took down American world No.2 Caitlin Simmers in the elimination round. In the live rankings Picklum has moved up to second and is just 505 points behind Ryan. The Australian is also the only woman of the five to not win an event so far this season but has a golden chance in Brazil, next taking on Rodriguez. "I woke up this morning feeling a little foggy, so I was just really happy to make my waves and work with the swell here," Picklum said. "Brazil's definitely one I want to win - I love the energy here and I have so many good friends here, and it's definitely something I would love to win. "This year, I've made a couple of finals, but unfortunately, haven't got the win. "I just keep knocking on the door, you know, just keep showing up, and let's see if I can try and crack it and take home the trophy." On the men's side of the draw Sydney rookie Joel Vaughan, competing on his first year on tour, scored 13.33 for a rousing win over Japan's third-ranked Kanoa Igarashi (6.34) and Brazilan Alejo Muniz (4.97). Vaughan previously earned a perfect 10-point ride during the Challenger Series event in Brazil. "It feels awesome to be back," the 21-year-old said. "I've tried to just keep it pretty simple and work on myself and try to get some good waves and yeah, stoked to make that one." But Australia's Olympic duo, silver medal-winning Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing must contest the elimination round. Robinson will take on Indonesian star Rio Waida while Ewing has drawn exciting young Frenchman Marco Mignot. With two more competitions before the Finals-bound top five head to Cloudbreak in Fiji to decide the world champion, Ewing is ranked six and Robinson seven.
The South African
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Jordy Smith retains no.1 position in world surf rankings
No. 1 position in the world surf rankings is secure for Jordy Smith for now, even after an early exit at the Trestles Pro in San Clemente, California. The 38-year-old veteran is the oldest surfer on tour and retains a slender lead over his competitors after last week's eighth stop of the 2025 WSL tour. South Africa's Jordy Smith was resplendent in yellow at Lower Trestles but was unable to advance beyond the Round of 16. After the mid-season cut – which eliminates the bottom 32 competitors on the world surf rankings – tour events take on a different, punchier format … Unfortunately, a wave-starved heat meant the big man couldn't open up on the waves like he's done in El Salvador and Western Australia. Image: File/Fotor As such, first-round heats after the mid-season cut are a Round of 32 match-up between three surfers. With the bottom 32 gone, it really is strength versus strength from the first wave. Win this and you advance straight to the Round of 16. Jordy Smith managed to do so with a buzzer beater decided by the judges after the surfers had left the water. However, in the next round, Smith's points accumulation towards the world surf rankings would stall. He came up against highly fancied local surfer Cole Houshmand, who had plenty of support at his home break. The goofy footer's left broke cleaner than Smith's rights and California won narrowly. It's the type of match-up that can undo anyone at any time on the tour. We're sure the whole of South Africa would love to see another sporting World Champion added to the list. Siya Kolisi meets Smith in Cape Town. Image: Tyron Bradley Red Bull Content Pool Thankfully, the next-best placed surfer on the world surf rankings – Brazil's Italo Ferreira – also suffered a Round of 16 defeat. Which means the Durbanite retains the no. 1 world surf rankings yellow jersey for now. However, Brazil's Yago Dora – who won the Trestles event outright – and Japan's Kanoa Igarashi have closed the gap to Smith. RANK SURFER POINTS 1. Jordy Smith (RSA) 39 450 2. Yago Dora (BRA) 38 885 3. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 36 390 4. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 34 610 5. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 31 470 Two talented Australians, Ethan Ewing and Jack Robinson, are just outside of the top five. With Brazil's Felipe Toledo, American Griffin Colapinto and Italian Leo Fioravanti still in the running for a final five birth. They say it's harder to surf in the leader's yellow jersey because you have a target on your back. Image: WSL website Things couldn't be tighter on the world surf rankings with three events left before the WSL Finals in Fiji in August. The finals format sees the top five competitors on the world surf rankings battling it out in man-on-man heats. The higher Jordy Smith can finish in the top five rankings the better, to have a higher seeding in the finals. Be sure to catch Jordy Smith at the remaining events of the 2025 tour, with Brazil starting this weekend: June 21-29 – Vivo Rio Pro (BRA) July 11-20 – J-Bay Open (RSA) August 7-16 – Tahiti Pro (TAH) August 27-September 4 – WSL Finals Fiji (FIJ) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
