For an organization that promotes diversity, this is a major fail.
Pretty much all white, a couple of hispanics and part-Polynesians. Casting appropriate to 1984, not 2021.
There are literally HUNDREDS of talented non-white, non-American surfers who could have been considered for this programme -
It jumped out at me too. Lots of not very talented people that are past their prime or never had a prime to speak of. I believe it was filmed mid COVID, so it would have made it difficult to get any international talent in there.
The reality is this show completely misses the mark on what people want from a reality, or even competition, show. There are plenty of blueprints to follow that would be more interesting than this, and with that many cast members with little talent, they coud've done a deep dive on personality, drama, and "villains". If I want to see a bunch of "Good Game" hi fives and "I just want to do my best"s I can watch the CT.
Think:
Top Chef. The competitors have to endure multiple challenges in different locales that speak to the strengths of different cast members. The JAX dork taking off at Mavs (Todos would suffice), Ms. Ashley towing Nazare, Cast members have to make a video part and submit it to Albee, Taylor Steele, and Kelly, etc. Ride a log at a pointbreak.
Any of the dramatic housewife shows: You need people who can move a story line and add conflict. Provide protagonists and antagonists. Will anyone flip the taco tuesday catering table?
Pull unlikely characters: Where is Zoltan when you need him? The next Johnny Boy/Sunny? Someone who comes off a bit unhinged.