Tahiti police gather evidence after pro surfer suspended over alleged incident

Police in French Polynesia are gathering evidence following an alleged incident in Tahiti that has led world surf bodies to suspend a professional surfer from competitions.

Both the International Surfing Association (ISA) and World Surf League (WSL) announced this week they had suspended a male competitor after learning of the "serious" allegations.

Neither organisation has identified the suspended surfer, and the ABC has not independently verified their identity.

The WSL said the alleged incident happened at a private gathering in Tahiti in August, which was not affiliated with the organisation.

Surfing World magazine, which first reported the suspension this week, said it understood the alleged incident occurred at a party after the final day of the Outerknown Tahiti Pro surfing event.

The alleged incident involved a teenage Australian female surfer and at least three men, it reported.

"[Surfing World] understands that NSW police have been advised of the allegations and have been in contact with surfing authorities," it reported.

However, Australian and French Polynesian police appear at odds regarding who has jurisdiction over the matter.

The ABC understands law enforcement officials in Tahiti believe they do not have jurisdiction, because the alleged victim reported their complaint to police in Australia.

It is also understood that local police in French Polynesia are now gathering evidence relating to the alleged incident to have ready for Australian law enforcement, but are yet to receive a formal request for information.

NSW Police has declined to comment on the matter, saying that French Polynesian police have jurisdiction and carriage of the investigation.

The Australian Federal Police also said enquiries should be directed to local authorities.

'Serious allegations of abuse'

The ISA on Thursday said it had decided to provisionally suspend the professional surfer from "ISA-sanctioned" events "pending further investigation and review".

"The International Surfing Association is deeply concerned by recent reports of serious allegations of abuse within the surfing community," it said in a written statement on Thursday.

"This precautionary decision has been taken in the interest of athlete safety and welfare, and does not constitute a determination of wrongdoing.

"The ISA remains committed to respecting due process, confidentiality, and the rights of all individuals concerned.

"The ISA firmly believes that all athletes have the right to participate in sport in a safe and respectful environment, free from harassment, violence and abuse of any kind."

The WSL, which was first to suspend the surfer, on Sunday said it had suspended a surfer on the 2026 Men's Championship Tour after it was made aware of "allegations of a deeply serious nature involving the competitor".

It said the suspension was "provisional" and that it had offered to assist relevant authorities.