BIARRITZ, France — Flags from Israel, South Korea, China, Sweden, Ireland, Greece and even Afghanistan are flying in the Basque Country seaside wind this week, representing surfers who harbor Olympic dreams.
Often referred to as Europe’s “California of Surfing,” this chic southwestern French resort and its Grande Plage are the setting as nearly 250 surfers from 47 countries compete for individual and team titles at the World Surfing Games.
The number of surfers and countries competing are records for the event, which has roots dating to 1964. Many attribute the surge of new surfing nations to the sport’s acceptance into the 2020 Olympics by the International Olympic Committee in August.