[1]The medals for the competition were presented by Bernard Rajzman, IOC Member, one Olympian, and Silver Medalist, Brazil; and the medalists' bouquets were presented by Fernando Aguerre, ISA President; United States.

This was the first time the surfing is held at the Olympics; it was one of five temporary sports selected for Tokyo 2020.

Surfing has also been selected as a temporary sport for 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

Quota places were allocated to the athletes at the following events: There is a maximum of 2 men and 2 women per NOC.

[2] The competition consists of six rounds:[3][4] The length of each heat (20 to 35 minutes) and the maximum number of waves each surfer can ride are determined by the technical director ahead of the day of competition.