‘A bit too crazy for us Aussies’: Olympic surf team knock back luxury to keep sense of normality

Molly Picklum says the surf team would prefer to keep a ‘familiar’ scene at the Olympics rather than take up luxury cruise ship offer, to allow for ‘freedom’ amid new boundaries at Games.

TEAHUPO'O, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA - MAY 29: Molly Picklum of Australia prior to surfing in Quarterfinal 3 of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro on May 29, 2024, at Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia. (Photo by Matt Dunbar/World Surf League)

Australia’s Olympic surfing team will reject offers to stay on a cruise ship during the Paris Games in favour of a land-based headquarters near the Tahiti surf break where the event will be held.

Games organisers have given athletes and staff the chance to stay on a cruise ship moored off Teahupo’o, the famous wave in French Polynesia that will host the Olympic event from July 27.

The Aussies have instead chosen to remain on the ground, with confirming surfers Molly Picklum, Tyler Wright, Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing were part of the decision to avoid the luxury liner.

The Australian Olympic surf team have chosen to stick to what they’re used to rather than stay on the luxury cruise ship. Picture: Supplied

“We have a couple of houses along the street,” Picklum said.

“The surfers were part of that decision. We identified what we are used to and decided if we had the change to keep it the same and have that luxury then we would do that.

“We are used to being on the ground and coming into an house and switching off.

“The cruise ship sounded a bit too crazy for us Aussies. We will have the same houses, the same set up and it will be familiar in that sense.”

Picklum said the accommodation choice was also part of a strategy to find some freedom between the unique restrictions put in place for the Games.

Athletes on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour traditionally fly in before each event and surf the competition break at any stage of the day between locals and are only ever called upon for heats and media or sponsorship commitments.

Australian surfer Molly Picklum says athletes would face new boundaries in Paris. Picture: JEROME BROUILLET / AFP

Picklum revealed athletes would face new boundaries for the Paris Games, with athletes and teams potentially given small windows to surf one of the most dangerous waves in the world.

“We are really one dimensional at surf competitions usually,” Picklum said.

“We are all part of the WSL and it's the only surf tour so any change will always make us feel a bit different.

“There will be lots of adapting on the fly and the Olympics isn’t super clear on how it will look so we are coming in a bit blind.

“From what I hear there will be structured training sessions for each team or person.

“You will be given a time you can surf each day leading into the Olympics. That is my understanding.

“That is very different. As surfers we usually have the freedom to manipulate times and

change anything depending on the tides, wind, weather and how our bodies feel.

“But at the end of the day if you want to win then you have to be willing to go to any depth to get through what you need to perform.”

Originally published as ‘A bit too crazy for us Aussies’: Olympic surf team knock back luxury to keep sense of normality