Asian Games 2026: After Historic Debut, Spaccarotella Hopes to Inspire Singapore’s Next Wave of Surfers

Spaccarotella is the first Singaporean surfer to compete at the Asian Games. Photo: SpexSG/ Damrongsak Angsuworapruek

Coming from a country with limited natural surf breaks, Camille Spaccarotella’s participation in the inaugural Asian Games surfing competition was already a feat in itself.

Having honed her skills on a diet of beach breaks on the Indonesian island of Bali, the Singaporean eventually found herself sharing the waves and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Olympian Connor O’Leary and Japanese Olympic silver medallist Kanoa Igarashi at the Akabane Long Beach.

“It feels like being part of history, and I think everyone in the water felt that. Surfing in Asia has been growing for years, but most of that growth has taken place quietly, at contests people outside the surfing world have never heard of.

“Having surfing at the Asian Games for the first time feels like the sport is finally being recognised at that level.”

But the lead-up to the Games was hardly easy for the psychology undergraduate, who had to juggle her studies with surfing, with only a three-month summer break offering her the rare chance to train “like a full-time athlete” in Bali.

Spaccarotella exited in the second round on her Asiad debut. Photo: SpexSG/ Damrongsak Angsuworapruek

And on Sep 25 afternoon, Spaccarotella finished third in her opening heat with a score of 3.26, behind Chinese Taipei’s Chung Yun-jung (6.56) and Thailand’s Annissa Flynn (8.80).

She bowed out of the competition on Sep 27 after her score of 4.50 was surpassed by India’s Kamali Prakash, who posted 7.57.

But beyond the results, it was an experience before the competition began that left a lasting impression on the 21-year-old.

Upon arrival, the conditions at the competition venue were deemed unsuitable for surfing due to a typhoon swell.

She instead headed to a surf spot near Irago Port, where she found herself the only athlete among members of the local surfing community.

“That was such a lovely surprise. A lot of the surfers at this spot were on the older side, and it was so nice to see people of all ages still out there, enjoying the sport the same way I do. It reminded me that surfing is not just about competing. It is something people keep for life.”

The young surfer was accompanied by her coaching team and family during the competition duration. Photo: SpexSG/ Damrongsak Angsuworapruek

And it was that same verve that she carried with her throughout her debut campaign and concluded her time in Nagoya with.

“Truthfully, the losses were hard to swallow, especially going out so early in the competition. For a while, it had me questioning myself.

“But then I started seeing how many people had been following my journey, and how many people back home had been introduced to surfing through it. Hearing from people who were touched by my story reminded me why I do this.

“I did not get the result I wanted, but I came away with so much more: the people I met, the lessons I learnt and a much clearer idea of who I am as an athlete.

“Surfing at Irago and Akabane Long Beach with people of all ages and levels showed me that the ocean truly is for everyone.”

With her debut done and dusted, Spaccarotella will head to London for her semester exchange and take a six-month break from the water, but conceded that the Games had “lit a fire” in her.

“There are already talks about the Asian Surfing Championships next year, along with a few other events around Asia, so I am really keen to get back into competing after my break. I want to go into those events with a fresh mindset, take everything I learnt from the Games, and see how much I can grow from here.”

Spaccarotella's favourite memory from the Games was growing closer to her team. Photo: SpexSG/ Damrongsak Angsuworapruek

Now a trailblazer for Singapore surfing at the Asian level, Spaccarotella, whose younger brother Julien is in the national youth team, hopes to help others get into the sport.

“I am so proud to have opened that door, and now I want to help as many people as possible walk through it too.

“I also hope my story shows that an unusual starting point does not limit how far you can go. I did not grow up somewhere with perfect waves, and I still made it to the Asian Games. You do not need a surfing background to start. You just need to paddle out.”

The 20th Asian Games are held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.