We are grateful to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Certification Review Group for the opportunity to present USA Surfing’s application to serve as the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport of surfing.
USA Surfing appreciates not only the hearing itself, but the thoughtful questions and the shared focus on building systems of governance that put athletes first. The USOPC’s role in supporting NGBs to meet the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and performance is essential to the strength of the Olympic movement.
A cornerstone of that commitment came from the International Surfing Association (ISA), the Olympic-recognized international federation for surfing. In a powerful and unequivocal statement, ISA Executive Director Robert Fasulo cited the Olympic Charter’s Rule 29, which requires that a national federation:
“Exercise a specific, real, and ongoing sports activity, be affiliated to an IF recognized by the IOC, and be governed by and comply in all aspects with both the Olympic Charter and the rules of its IF.”
He continued:
“The ISA does not intend to entertain applications for membership from organizations that do not comply with the Olympic Charter nor represent the interests of our sport in the United States.”
That clarity matters and should guide decision-making. Without ISA recognition, there is no Olympic legitimacy. And without stewardship of the sport, there is no pathway for surfers.
USA Surfing was proud to present a team of leaders and athletes whose lived experience and deep respect for surfing reflect what governance should be—credible, capable, and accountable.
Each speaker represented critical perspective in supporting surf athletes:
- Sara Pflipsen, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer (and former USOPC ombuds and legal officer) reminded former colleagues of USOPC’s obligation to serve sport:
“If I were still in your chair, I would give the new USA Surfing a fair chance. We are in this for the right reasons—not just commercial gain. We are open, transparent and honest. We want to be your partner on the road to LA 28.” - Becky Fleischauer, CEO, emphasized imperative for an NGB to steward the sport:
“We can’t take our surfer’s hard-earned achievements for granted… This isn’t about owning Olympic rights. It’s about sustaining a home where all surfers can grow and thrive. We ask that you keep the athletes—and their future—at the center of this decision.” - Candice Appleby, Team USA Athlete’s Commission rep and winningest woman in her ISA discipline, emphasized inclusion and a strong athlete voice:
“I think it is imperative that the sport of surfing is governed by an entity that really understands every stage of what it takes from junior in every discipline of surfing to ultimately become an Olympic athlete at the highest level.” - Brett Simpson, 2021 Olympic coach and board member, shared the stakes:
“This isn’t a sport that comes around every four years. It’s an everyday commitment—and USA Surfing and the surfers we serve recognize that.” - Ryan Simmons, Head Coach and Competition Director, spoke on trust and continuity:
“The surfers we represent deserve a governing body that’s in this with them—not just for the four Olympic surfers, but for the thousands rising behind them.” - Laura Bren, Treasurer, showed the work USA Surfing completed to strengthen financial controls and practices:
“We have done the work to create strong financial accountability and reporting capacity. We are responsibly and transparently managing the organization and its future.” - Liv Stone, 3x ISA Para Surfing Gold Medalist and board member, captured the soul of our mission:
“USA Surfing saw me—not just as a number, but as an athlete with potential. No one else has shown that commitment to para surfing.” - Rob Pendergist, Board Chair, emphasized value delivered in service of sport and athlete:
“Confidence in USA Surfing wasn’t granted—it was earned. We’ve launched a high-performance committee plan created by surfers and the experts who know all of those surfers, we’ve earned the support of not only our athletes, the International Federation, but a much broader surf community.”
This hearing was a key step in making a governance decision that reflects surfing’s values, priorities and performance needs.
USA Surfing is honored to have the support of:
- 2021 and 2024 Olympic teammates
- The International Surfing Association (ISA)
- The World Surf League (WSL)
- The Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA)
- The U.S. Boardriders Clubs
- And athletes and coaches across every ISA discipline, from para surf and SUPP and prone race to juniors, Masters, longboard, and shortboard.
There is no question that U.S. Ski & Snowboard is a tenured, established and successful NGB. We look forward to their hearing tomorrow and welcome continued review of both applications. We hope important questions will be addressed during US Ski’s hearing, chiefly:
· How does U.S. Ski plan to reconcile their application with the Ted Stevens Act and Olympic Charter requirements that a certified NGB must be recognized by the international federation and serve the full interest of the sport and its athletes?
USA Surfing never wanted to be in an adversarial position with another Olympic sport. It serves neither of us—nor the Olympic and Paralympic movement—well. We acknowledge U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s athletes’ tradition of excellence, and their organizational capacity. We ask only for the same respect in return—for the surfers, the coaches, the community and culture.
In the end, this is bigger than any one application. USA Surfing is hopeful that the final outcome will protect athlete pathways of development, elevate surfing, and follow the Olympic Charter’s vision for unity, excellence, and fair play.
To every athlete, coach, partner, and parent who showed up, spoke out, and shared their love for surfing: thank you. We are moved by the extraordinary outpouring of support. Your voice mattered. You are the reason we fight for this sport, and the future it deserves.
