New Zealanders Saffi Vette, left, and Billy Stairmand, right, celebrate securing their places at Paris 2024 with International Surfing Association President Fernando Aguerre, centre ©Jersson Barboza

South Africans Jordy Smith and Sarah Baum, New Zealanders Saffi Vette and Billy Stairmand, and Japan’s Shino Matsuda have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics following their performances at the World Surfing Games at Surf City in El Salvador.

Five of the eight Olympic slots have now been filled at the event which is due to conclude at El Sunzal on Thursday (June 7).

Smith was the first of those to seal their place at Paris 2024 where surfing events will be staged in Tahiti after Morocco's Teva Bouchgua was eliminated in men’s repechage round six.

It looks set to be Smith’s first Olympics having been forced to withdraw from Tokyo 2020 due to injury.

"For me it’s overwhelming to be able to qualify now," said Smith.

"Having the opportunity to surf at Teahupo’o is going to be insane.

"I’ve been going there since I was 14-years-old, so I’ve got a lot of experience.

"Hopefully mother nature plays ball on those days and we come away with gold."

Baum is set to join Smith at the Games after securing her ticket at the World Surfing Games.

"Honestly, I’m so lost for words," Baum said.

"It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, so to finally do it and have the whole team here, the flags are flying everywhere, everyone is screaming, it’s just a dream come true."

Matsuda, who lost her provisional Tokyo 2020 slot at the 2021 World Surfing Games, gained sweet redemption by becoming the first surfer from Japan to officially qualify for Paris 2024.

The Oceania slot came down to New Zealand teammates Vette and Paige Hareb.

A knee injury sustained in main round three scuppered Hareb’s hopes as she dropped into the repechage.

Vette snuck through four repechage heats in a row with buzzer beaters to move ahead of Hareb.

"I’m obviously excited, but really terrified too," Vette said.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre, right, congratulates Japan’s Shino Matsuda, left, on securing her place at Paris 2024 ©Jersson Barboza
ISA President Fernando Aguerre, right, congratulates Japan’s Shino Matsuda, left, on securing her place at Paris 2024 ©Jersson Barboza

"I’ve never been to Tahiti before.

"I’m really excited to give it a red hot crack."

Stairmand sealed her place in his second successive Games having featured at Tokyo 2020.

"It’s the second time around, but it feels exactly the same as the first time," said Stairmand.

"It’s been a long journey to get back here."

The three remaining slots will go to a man from Asia as well as a male and female surfer from Europe.

Three surfers remain in contention for Asia, including Japanese Olympic silver medallist Kanoa Igarashi, compatriot Reo Inaba and Rio Waida of Indonesia.

Whoever places highest in the event will claim the slot.

Five European men representing five different countries are in the mix along with six women competing for four countries.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow.