Surfers competing in the Paris Olympics are being advised to wear helmets to cope with the dangerous waves in Tahitia. While many have supported the decision, concerns remain about how the headgear will affect the competition.

The surfing event is held in Teahupo’o on the French Polynesian island of Tahiti, which is known for its dynamic and beautiful waves. At the same time, it is also home to some of the world’s most dangerous waves. According to “The Surf Atlas,” a book that introduces surfing locations around the world, waves in the area can reach up to 23 feet (7 meters) high, and if a surfer gets sucked into the “tube” of a breaking wave, he can be slammed into a coral reef or rocks.

In May, the International Surfing Association (ISA) issued a statement recommending helmets for surfers competing in the Paris Olympics. Several athletes competing in a professional event in Teahupo’o shortly after the statement was released were seen wearing the protective headgear. ISA President Fernando Aguerre stated that the health and safety of athletes is the top priority and that as a sports governing body, the association strongly recommends the wearing of helmets during the Games.

Kanoa Igarashi, 26, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, had mixed feelings about the helmets before he was knocked out in the third round on July 29 local time. While he admitted that wearing the headgear was “very important” and that Teahupo’o’s dangerous waves posed a risk of injury, he also worried about how a helmet might affect his movement during competition. “I don’t want my (physical) senses to be off even 1 or 2 centimeters,” he said.

After much consideration, Igarashi chose to go without a helmet. He said in an interview, “I’ve rarely worn one, and it could be even more dangerous if I wear one right before the Olympics and lose my balance.”

Meanwhile, Reo Inaba, 27, brought a silver helmet to Tahiti. He said he would wear it, depending on the condition of the waves, before advancing to the quarterfinals. While he also worried about the effects of the equipment on the competition, Inaba said helmets save lives.

(Japanese original by Shun Morino, Sports News Department)