Editor’s Note: This letter was written by USA Surfing board member Laura Bren and has been reprinted with permission from USA Surfing.
Hello friends—
I would do anything for my kid. That’s why, two years ago I joined the USA Surfing Board to build something better for our kids. From the Treasurer seat, I’ve watched Becky, Ryan, Mia, Asher, Phil, Gordo, Morgan—and so many of you—lift the Prime Series, Championships, Power Your Performance workshops, trainings and ISA World Championships to give our kids more opportunities than ever to grow as surfers and humans.
That momentum inspired the Sheppard family’s multi-million, multi-year commitment and an investor alliance seeding an endowment through LA28. They believe in USA Surfing and our surfers. USA Surfing’s Strategic Plan focuses on this extraordinary moment—to elevate USA Surfing’s impact competitively and culturally, and to continue investing in the next generation of surfers.
What’s at Stake
U.S. Ski wants a second Olympics to cash in on and they will say and do anything to get it. And the truth isn’t the only casualty – our kids’ and surfing’s future are. Ski is not and will not build surf development opportunities, clinics, or culture. They’re in it to expand their commercial footprint. We can’t let it happen. This isn’t just “Olympic management.” Surfing success isn’t just four athletes every four years—it’s the daily system of coaching, sports medicine, development, and integrity that produces more Carolines, Carissas, Griffins, Coles, and Caitys.
Where do things stand?
USA Surfing has applied to be the National Governing Body for Olympic surfing. We’ve completed our audit and had our first public hearing. The second hearing is scheduled for November 18, where we’ll present our case to the Certification Review Group.
The USOPC should be investing in this system—our system. Instead, they’re having backdoor meetings to transfer Olympic surfing to U.S. Ski & Snowboard even though Ski’s application makes clear they will not invest in or support surfing.
The certification and audit process has been subjective, inconsistent and partial to favor U.S.Ski’s takeover. The USOPC went so far as to write procedures against federal law for U.S. Ski to join this process. The USOPC has engaged in a pattern of conduct marked by a lack of due process, a lack of transparency, and a failure to adhere to its own rules, all while imposing standards on USA Surfing that either do not exist or are inapplicable. Taken together, these actions reflect a concerted effort to deny USA Surfing a fair and equitable opportunity in this process, while US Ski has been allowed to advance without fulfilling any comparable requirements, reflecting the USOPC’s preferential treatment.
Related: Could American Surfers Be Barred From the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
Where should we stand?
I’ve had a front-row seat to this flawed process. Every time USA Surfing clears a hurdle, another is thrown in our path. I’ve heard an auditor say we meet financial standards, only to see the audit mark financial viability “deficient” (then changed to “undetermined”) to help make a better case for their friends at Ski. I’ve seen sponsorships put on hold awaiting the outcome of this decision, and I’ve frankly had enough and you should too.
Here’s what they didn’t count on: we’re surfers. We thrive in unpredictable conditions. We adapt. We win.
And if you think surfers are tough, you haven’t met our surf moms and dads. We can be gnarly.
Here’s what matters:
Our investors are real. A multi-million, multi-year alliance is committed through LA28 to strengthen athlete care and competitive readiness across all disciplines.
Our recognition is real. USA Surfing is the only U.S. organization recognized by the International Surfing Association—the IOC’s global surfing body.
Our community is all-in. The World Surf League, SIMA, U.S. Boardriders Clubs, ISA world champions, and our Olympians support USA Surfing.
Our financials and compliance are strong. We’ve been reviewed under a lens designed to find fault, and we’re ready to defend our position with an independent audit.
Our kids matter. NGB status unlocks funding and sponsorships that lifts the entire program. Their dreams deserve this support.
Here’s how you can help:
Educate yourself: Visit stoptheskijack.com
Sign the petition
Share the attached graphic on your social channels and ask others to sign the petition. Have your kids post and share too. (Sample text below)
Write your Member of Congress, which has oversight over the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee
Save the Date: November 18 – Final Public Hearing
This decision will shape the future of a sport we’ve built our lives around. I’ve fought this fight for my kid—and yours. Now I need your help. Any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.
With gratitude,
Laura Bren