Backed by surfing’s GOAT Kelly Slater: ‘Todd has done it all.’ Kline brings decades of athlete trust to champion surfers’ voice and LA28 legacy.

San Clemente, CA – USA Surfing proudly announces the appointment of Todd Kline, former professional surfer, WSL commentator, and lifelong ambassador of surf culture, as the organization’s new Surf Athlete Commissioner. The position is a key leadership role as USA Surfing continues to build momentum toward LA28 and long-term surfing success.

The new position comes at a defining moment with Olympic surfing set to take place at Lower Trestles, in the heart of USA Surfing’s home base and where it has hosted National Championships for decades. As such, LA28 presents a rare chance to convert Olympic attention into lasting investment for American surfers.

The Surf Athlete Commissioner serves as the direct liaison between surfers, competition platforms, and USA Surfing leadership to ensure surfers’ priorities shape the sport’s future.

Surfing’s GOAT 11x World Champion Kelly Slater said it best:
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“Surfing was started as and has been run as a grassroots sport since its inception, with the people who make it their life overseeing its development and direction.

It’s important to me and many others that big decisions are guided by those that have a lifetime of energy poured into it.

Todd Kline is one of those people who came up through the amateur ranks on the East Coast, surfed professionally around the world and found his calling to live in California while commentating and adding value to see the sport’s evolution into the future.

Whether it’s caddying and coaching, team help, surf specific conversations or just being a voice for professional and amateur events alike, Todd has done it all and is personally known to everyone involved. I’m stoked to hear he has joined USASurfing as Commissioner, and excited to see where he leads from the front.”

“I love surfing. Every discipline, every surfer—from our elite juniors, longboard, para surfers and racers—deserves a system that protects, develops, and celebrates them,” said Todd Kline. “That’s what USA Surfing is doing, and I’m honored to be part of it. My number one goal is to make sure that I’m doing the best for our surfers and providing them a platform that gives them the best opportunity to reach their full potential. This is about strengthening the future of surfing and ensuring that Olympic momentum invests back into surfing for generations.”

Kline will step into his new role at the USA Surfing Prime Series event in Huntington Beach,February 7–8, where he will be behind the mic and alongside athletes, embodying the same connectivity and passion he brings to every level of surfing.

Home Break Olympics.A Legacy to Build.

As the only organization with the International Surfing Association (ISA) recognition required by law to govern Olympic surfing in the U.S., and the only remaining candidate in the USOPC’s years-long, public National Governing Body (NGB)process, USA Surfing is uniquely positioned to ensure the LA28 Olympic Games create a lasting benefit for American surfers and the communities that built the sport.

USA Surfing is headquartered just minutes from Lower Trestles—LA28’s surf venue—and has established the infrastructure, expertise, and community trust needed to harness the Olympic lift for long-term development.

“USA Surfing is stronger, more accountable, and more performance-focused than ever,” said CEO Becky Fleischauer. “Together, we’ve built a platform that gives Olympic surfing a true home—and ensures the benefits reach every level of the development pipeline.”

Transformational Two Years

Over the last two years, USA Surfing has:

·      Doubled revenue through strategic partnerships and fundraising

·      Tripled staff capacity to enhance athlete services and programming

·      Launched the Power Your Performance workshop series in mental skills, nutrition, and resilience

·      Built a live broadcast platform to grow the sport’s reach and athlete exposure + learning tool and scoring transparency

·      Forged a partnership with Hoag Health for Olympic-level sports medicine in advance of LA28

·      Delivered wave pool and aerial progression camps to close the gap with international rivals

·      Connected surfers with flexible online college education to strengthen their futures

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A Commitment to Stewardship

USA Surfing’s leadership is determined to see that LA28 is not a one-off spotlight—but a launchpad. Todd Kline’s appointment affirms the organization’s commitment to serving the athletes, coaches, families, brands and fans who have built U.S.surfing for decades.

“Outside interests may see surfing as a short-term commercial asset,” said Kline, “but USA Surfing sees surfing as a community, a responsibility, and a future worth protecting.We owe it to the surfers coming up now—and those still to come—to get this moment right.”

Board Chair Rob Pendergist added:

“Todd brings both world-class credibility and grassroots connection. His leadership ensures thatOlympic surfing stays rooted in authenticity and focused on building along-term legacy. We’re thrilled to welcome him at this critical time.”

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BIO
Todd Kline: A Life Driven by Water

Todd Kline is a multi-talented waterman whose career has spanned professional surfing, high-level marketing, and world-class broadcasting. As a prominent commentator for the World Surf League (WSL), ISA, U.S. Board Riders and USA Surfing,Kline’s deep-rooted passion for the ocean and the culture surrounding it hasmade him one of the most recognizable and respected voices in the sport.

Early Life and Surfing Career
Born and raised in South Florida, Kline grew up with a dual love for the water. While he began fishing at age five, he discovered surfing at 13. By theage of 18, he turned that passion into a profession, moving to California at 21to compete on the global stage.

• Professional Wins: During his seven-year professional surfing career, Kline achieved four World     Qualifying Event (WQS) wins.
• Transition to Marketing: At age 25, Kline transitioned into the business side of the industry, joining his     sponsor Quiksilver. He spent 17 years with the brand, eventually rising to     the position of Marketing Director.

An Iconic Voice of the WSL
Following his tenure at Quiksilver, Kline became a staple of the WorldSurf League Championship Tour broadcasts. His ability to blend technical knowledge with an approachable, high-energy style has made him a fan favorite. His rapport in post-heat interviews have elicited surfing’s most iconic moments of refreshing honesty, “which is precisely what this moment in surfing needs,” said USASurfing’s outgoing CEO Becky Fleischauer. “Someone who calls it like it is with only the best interest of surfers at heart.”

Kline has commentated for USA Surfing’s under 18 Championship at Lowers and Para Surfing Championship in Oceanside for decades, giving him a front-row seat to the next generation of American surf talent. In addition, he has commentated multiple InternationalSurfing Association shortboard and para surfing world championship events. Heis widely recognized as the voice of surfing across all disciplines.

A Champion Waterman Mindset
In a rare feat of cross-sport dominance, Kline parlayed his competitive mindset into the world of professional bass fishing. He has become a highlysuccessful angler on the Major League Fishing Circuit and WON Bass Circuits.

• Philosophy: Kline attributes much of his success to the mental toughness he developed in the     surf. As he told Major League Fishing: "Mindset is     everything... if you are relaxed and focused, and, no matter what happens,if you believe you'll succeed, then nine times out of 10 you'll     succeed."

Community and Legacy
Based in San Clemente, California, Kline is widely regarded as a positive role model. He is known for his simple creed: "Always have fun, make sure the people around you are having fun, and give thanks every day." Media outlets have frequently noted his unique lifestyle and infectious positivity:

• Vehicle accessory company Scosche describe Todd as a "shining example" of someone who has successfully followed their passions while remaining a dedicated family man and community member.

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