Surfing, Onlyfans, And The Debate: Funding Lifeline Or Sportswashing?

Surfing and OnlyFans: A New Wave of Funding?

When you think of OnlyFans, the first thing that comes to mind might not be professional surfing. However, for a growing number of athletes, OnlyFans is becoming a game-changing platform to support their careers. The latest to join this trend is Basque SUP and surf champion Alazne Aurrekoetxea, who recently embraced the OnlyFans wave after clinching a Gold Medal at the 2025 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championships. Her profile promises fans a peek into her rigorous training routines and thrilling surf escapades, bypassing the traditional sponsorship hurdles that often stand in the way of athletes seeking to fund their passions.

“This platform is going to be where I share the parts of my surfing life you don’t always see: training days, travel adventures, mindset, surfing tips,” shared Moana Jones Wong when she joined in 2025.

Alazne is not riding this wave alone. Joining her are surfing stars Nathan Florence, Billy Kemper, and Moana Jones Wong, among others, who have turned to OnlyFans as a viable funding source. The platform, known for its adult content, has now diversified to include a dedicated sports landing page and a docuseries on OFTV called "Rise & Grind." But is this just a savvy rebrand, or are these athletes paving a new path for sports funding?

Is It Sportswashing or Genuine Support?

OnlyFans' origins are rooted in adult content, with a massive $7.2 billion in creator gross revenue reported in 2024. Yet, the platform is attempting to cleanse its image by signing clean-cut athletes like Moana Jones Wong, who is known for her Christian values and advocacy for Hawaiian culture. This move has sparked discussions about whether OnlyFans is using these athletes to 'sportswash' its brand, making it more palatable to a mainstream audience.

Some critics argue that despite the wholesome content offered by athletes, the platform’s reputation remains tied to its adult content origins. However, for athletes like Moana, who also runs the Moana Surf Club, the opportunity to share authentic glimpses of their lives beyond what Instagram or YouTube offers is invaluable. Fans may wonder if subscribing is worth it, especially as some content remains behind a paywall, but for these athletes, it’s a chance to sustain their careers in ways that were previously unimaginable.

The Verdict: A Mixed Bag

While the likes of Ellie-Jean Coffey previously made waves with adult content on the platform, today's crop of surfers are steering clear of that path. They are leveraging OnlyFans as a legitimate funding source, showcasing training and lifestyle content that resonates with fans. This approach may offer a lifeline to athletes navigating the financial challenges of niche sports. For OnlyFans, the focus on sports also aids in shifting perceptions away from its adult content-heavy beginnings. Whether this strategy will lead to sustained revenue for athletes remains to be seen, but it’s clear that surfing and OnlyFans are riding a fascinating wave of transformation.