USA Surfing Pursues Extra Olympic Qualifying Spots
The federation is seeking additional berths ahead of surfing's debut at the 2028 Summer Games at Trestles in Southern California.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Surfing
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USA Surfing is pursuing additional Olympic surfing qualifying spots ahead of the 2028 Games, which will be held at Trestles between Orange and San Diego counties. Team USA is also entering its first Olympic qualifier, in Peru.
Why it matters
Each country can qualify up to two men and two women, and a third spot on each team can be earned through strong performances in qualifying events. Hosting the competition at Trestles, a break where many American surfers regularly train, could give Team USA a home-water advantage.
Each country may qualify up to two men and two women for Olympic surfing, with a third spot per team available through strong qualifying results. The number of additional spots USA Surfing is pursuing has not been specified.
The players
USA Surfing
USA Surfing is the national governing body for the sport of surfing in the United States, overseeing its Olympic qualification efforts.
Ryan Simmons
Ryan Simmons is the head coach of USA Surfing, leading the national program's preparation for Olympic competition.
The details
USA Surfing, led by head coach Ryan Simmons, is working to secure extra qualifying berths as the sport prepares for its Olympic debut. Team USA is entering its first Olympic qualifier in Peru, and the 2028 competition will take place at Trestles, where many American surfers already train.
Timeline
2028: Summer Olympics surfing competition held at Trestles, California.
Before the competition reaches California: USA Surfing seeks additional qualifying spots.
Roadmap
Surfing's Olympic debut came at the 2020 Tokyo Games, and the 2028 competition at Trestles will showcase a different style of surfing than those earlier events. Hosting at a California break known for American surfers' training suggests the sport's U.S. chapter is taking shape.
Surfers hoping to compete for Team USA will need to earn one of the country's limited qualifying spots at upcoming events. Fans planning to attend the 2028 competition should note that the venue is Trestles in Southern California.
The takeaway
Olympic surfing's debut at Trestles gives Southern California surfers and fans a rare chance to watch the sport at the Games in their own region. Following USA Surfing's qualifying progress will show how many American athletes make the field.
Further reading
For more on the sport's coastal roots, see Surfing coverage across California.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Palm Springs.
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Would you attend an Olympic surfing event at Trestles in 2028?
