Surfing is as much a sport as it is a lifestyle enjoyed by wave chasers and ocean lovers around the globe.
The activity made its way from Hawaii to the mainland in California in the early 20th century. Bands such as the Beach Boys brought surfing to the mainstream in the 1960s.
After making its Olympic debut at the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, the sport made a triumphant return at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
How does Olympic surfing work? Here's everything you need to know.
When did surfing take place at the 2024 Summer Olympics?
The competition was held over four days from July 27 to Aug. 8.
Where was the surfing competition?
It took place in Teahupo'o, on the French Polynesian island of Tahiti, 9,765 miles from Paris.
What are the rules of surfing at the Olympics?
Surfers perform maneuvers and tricks on a wave for 20-35 minutes, depending on conditions. There is no limit to the number of waves a surfer can catch.
How does scoring work?
Five judges analyze the surfers' performances and score each wave on a scale of 1-10, with two decimal places. The judges' highest and lowest scores for each wave are thrown out and the surfer is given the average of the remaining three scores. A surfer's two highest-scoring waves are combined for an overall total. A perfect ride is 10 points, so a perfect heat is 20 points.
What are the judges' criteria for the surfing competition?
The judges have five criteria:
1. Commitment and degree of difficulty
Judges reward higher-risk maneuvers and evaluate a surfer's commitment to maximizing the wave's potential.
2. Innovative and progressive maneuvers
Judges are looking to see whether a surfer is pushing the boundaries and performing innovative maneuvers such as tail slides and aerials.
3. Variety of maneuvers
4. Combination of major maneuvers
5. Speed, power and flow (how a surfer seamlessly connects their moves from one to the next)
Who qualified to compete for Team USA in Paris?
Men: Griffin Colapinto and John John Florence
Women: Caroline Marks, Carissa Moore and Caity Simmers
Who won the surfing competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics?
Kauli Vaast of France and Caroline Marks of the United States won gold medals in men's and women's surfing events, respectively.
Check out the ESPN Olympics hub page for the latest news, previews, in-depth features and more.