Recently, a controversial incident at the ISA World Junior Championships reignited discussions about the nature of competition in surfing. During a critical heat, Portuguese surfer Erica Maximo deliberately interfered with Australian surfer Willow Hardy’s wave to prevent her from advancing. The bizarre encounter sparked outrage and debate within the surfing community.
The incident, while extreme, raised questions about the competitive spirit in surfing and the role of physical contact in contests. It harkened back to an audacious proposal from the late surfing icon Peter Drouyn in 1977: contact surfing.
Drouyn, known for his innovative approach to the sport, envisioned a radical departure from traditional surfing competitions. He advocated for a format that encouraged physical and mental confrontation between surfers, akin to boxing. In his vision, surfers would be allowed to touch each other, even engage in physical altercations, to inject excitement and drama into contests.
While Drouyn’s proposal was met with skepticism and ultimately rejected, the recent incident involving Maximo and Hardy invites us to revisit his ideas. Is there room for a more aggressive and confrontational approach to surfing competitions? Should surfers be allowed to interact physically, adding an element of raw intensity to the sport?
Despite the allure of Drouyn’s vision, the prevailing sentiment within the surfing community remains firmly rooted in the tradition of fair play and sportsmanship. Surfing is celebrated for its camaraderie and respect for fellow competitors, values that underpin the spirit of the sport.
While moments of controversy may arise, they serve as reminders of the need to uphold the integrity of surfing competitions and honor the principles of fair competition. As the sport continues to evolve, surfers and organizers alike must navigate the delicate balance between innovation and tradition, ensuring that surfing remains a sport of skill, style, and respect.

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