Surfing Great Kelly Slater Weighs In On Olympic Tower Controversy In Tahiti

We recently reported that Paris 2024 revealed scaled-down plans for the controversial, $5 million judging tower being built on the reef at Teahupo'o for next year's Olympic surfing competition.

The issue got heated in October when Tahitians peacefully protested the tower and launched a petition that gained over 160,000 signatures.

Opponents say the tower will damage the reef, the ecosystem, and possibly, the wave itself.

Teahupo'o local and surfer Matahi Drollet posted the video above yesterday addressing the revised, "more moderate" tower. He captioned it:

"I'm sorry if I look all tired, I've been super sick the last 4 days but I had to do this video to keep you guys updated about the situation with the new aluminum tower and some things we saw in the media.

"As you guys probably already know, the Olympics and the government took the decision to build the new Aluminum tower with 12 new foundations.

"We are not satisfied with this decision and did everything we could to change that. They did some little modifications on the project but at the end, after dozens of meetings, hundreds of hours of work, and investigations it feels like we're just back at the starting point.

"This is sad and unfair because once again nature will lose another battle. THANK YOU for signing the petition and helping us spread the word. We are very grateful for all the help from everyone. @saveteahupoo @vaiaraoteahupoo @coralgardeners"

Drollet's post received an outpour of comments from the surfing community, including one from 11-time world champ Kelly Slater who had some suggestions.

Slater wrote:

"Doesn’t make sense to need such a giant tower for a 2 days event one time. Give the money to local infrastructure in the town for all the damage done from changing the river that caused floods earlier this year. The judges can get on that tower. Or rebuild the frame on same footing."

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