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KPBS Midday Edition

Surfing Debut At Summer Olympics Resurfaces Issues Over Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriation

By Harrison Patiño / Producer, KPBS Midday Edition,  Cristina Kim / Racial Justice and Social Equity Reporter
Published July 21, 2021 at 12:16 PM PDT
This story was published more than 2 years ago.
Surfer Carissa Moore, of the United States, leaves after a practice session at Tsurigasaki beach at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Ichinomiya, Japan, July 21, 2021.
AP Photo / David Goldman
Surfer Carissa Moore, of the United States, leaves after a practice session at Tsurigasaki beach at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Ichinomiya, Japan, July 21, 2021.
Surfing Debut At Summer Olympics Revisits Issues Over Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriation
As fans of surfing prepare for the sport's debut in the Olympic Summer Games, issues over how the sport has been appropriated from its Native Hawaiian origins have resurfaced.
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For the first time, surfing is on the Olympic stage.

On Friday, the ocean sport beloved by many San Diegans will be underway as the newest event at the Summer Games in Tokyo.

While fans are rejoicing, some are raising concerns that what was originally a Native Hawaiian cultural practice has been co-opted into a multi-billion dollar industry.

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Brigham Young University Hawaii professor Isaiah Helekunihi Walker joined Midday Edition on Wednesday with more on surfing's inclusion in the Olympics.

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Harrison Patiño
Harrison Patiño is a producer for "KPBS Midday Edition". His primary roles include story development, and is involved in the audio production and coordination of interview subjects. Prior to joining KPBS, Harrison held various positions at Hawaii Public Radio within its news and music departments. While pursuing a double major in journalism and classics at The University of Hawaii at Manoa, Harrison worked at the school's student-run radio station, KTUH. After graduating, Harrison served as a community advisor for the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Student Media Board.
See stories by Harrison Patiño
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Cristina Kim
I cover racial justice and social equity issues – an expansive beat that includes housing, health, criminal justice, and education. I am interested in unpacking how systems reproduce inequalities and highlighting the ways communities of color are pushing for greater equity.
What does racial justice and social equity mean to you?

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