“I was shocked when I heard we didn’t make the cut,” Stone admitted, voicing her concerns not only for her own career but for the entire community of para-surfers. “This sport means everything to us, and the decision feels like a huge setback for all of us who have dedicated our lives to it.”

The decision by LA28 has raised questions about the criteria used for selecting sports for the Paralympics. According to a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Games, the selection was based on several factors, including the global and domestic popularity of the sports, their representation in major international events, and financial and logistical considerations within the LA28 venue plan. 

“In finalising our proposal, LA28 needed to balance its commitment to growing the Paralympic Movement with managing the size of the Games and financial responsibility towards the City of Los Angeles,” the spokesperson stated.

However, para-surfing advocates argue that their sport meets these criteria, especially in comparison to other sports that were included, such as para-climbing. Victoria Feige, a five-time world champion in para-surfing, pointed out that para-surfing has a strong international presence, a well-established classification system based on impairments, and gender parity in key divisions. 

“We believed we had done everything right,” Feige explained. “Our sport has grown immensely worldwide, and we’ve proven that it’s competitive, inclusive, and inspiring.”

The impact of the decision is deeply felt within the para-surfing community. Stone and other athletes have dedicated countless hours to their sport, often overcoming significant physical and financial barriers to compete. “It’s not just about missing out on a chance to win a medal,” Stone said. “For many of us, para-surfing is a lifeline. It’s how we connect with others, challenge ourselves, and find joy in life despite our disabilities.”

The exclusion from the Paralympics has also forced athletes to confront the harsh realities of their situation. “Without the Paralympics, we lose a platform to showcase our abilities on the world stage,” Feige noted. “It’s not just about personal achievement; it’s about changing perceptions and inspiring others with disabilities.”

In response, the para-surfing community is not giving up. Stone, Feige, and others have intensified their efforts to ensure that para-surfing is included in future Games, whether in Los Angeles 2028 or Brisbane 2032. 

They have begun exploring solutions to address the financial and logistical hurdles cited by LA28, such as using wave pools to mitigate water safety concerns and seeking corporate sponsorships or crowdfunding to cover the higher costs. A recent online petition urging the inclusion of para-surfing in the Los Angeles Games has already garnered over 19,000 signatures.

The International Surfing Association (ISA), the global governing body for surfing recognised by the International Olympic Committee, has also renewed its commitment to the cause. Since 2015, the ISA has hosted the World Para (Adaptive) Surfing Championship and has been a vocal advocate for the sport’s inclusion in the Paralympics. 

“You don’t always catch every wave you go after, but you keep paddling harder,” ISA president Fernando Aguerre remarked. “We’ll continue to develop para-surfing globally and make the case for its inclusion in the Paralympic Games.”

Despite the challenges, Feige remains hopeful. “If we can navigate the ocean with our disabilities, we have the determination and creativity to find a solution to this problem as well,” she said. “We just need the opportunity to showcase what we’re capable of.”