USA Surfing’s effort to retain governance of its sport succeeded on Wednesday, with the USOPC certifying the organization as the NGB. The certification comes after an attempt by U.S. Ski & Snowboard to take over governance of surfing’s elite team, an effort that became contentious as surfing officials and stakeholders rejected the idea. U.S. Ski & Snowboard ended that effort late last year.
USA Surfing still needed to prove to the USOPC that it was up to governing the sport and had reformed issues in its past.
“USA Surfing’s new leadership and new approach has made this moment possible, and we look forward to a positive and collaborative working relationship as we deliver on the promise of LA28 and beyond,” said USOPC Chair Gene Sykes.
The Olympics added surfing starting for the Tokyo Games, and USA Surfing formed in 2017. But a 2019 audit by the USOPC found several issues, including in financial management, auditing and expenses.
USA Surfing agreed to de-certification in 2021 and brought in new leadership, including a new board of directors. CEO Becky Fleischauer took over as Exec Dir in 2024.
USA Surfing went through a process to be re-certified, including a public hearing last year.
“Today’s certification makes way for new investment and momentum to flow directly to surfers and the communities that built surfing’s talent pipeline,” said Fleischauer. “With Lower Trestles as the LA28 venue and the full weight of an NGB behind our surfers, we are ready to deliver the most celebrated chapter in the history of American surfing. Every surfer, from the development pipeline to the Olympic podium, will feel the lift.”
In another vote, the USOPC also certified USA Lacrosse as the NGB. That sport will be played in its sixes format in the 2028 L.A. Games.
