ISA Adds New Members on Three Continents Expanding Global Reach of Surfing

The British Virgin Islands (BVI), Kuwait and Romania have today been announced as the latest Member Nations to join the International Surfing Association (ISA).

California, USA – February 13th, 2024

The three new nations are the 114th, 115th and 116th members to be officially recognised by the ISA, demonstrating the global growth of surfing and its ability to expand to new territories and connect with new audiences.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands National Surfing Association joins the ISA after successfully staging national competitions and building the surf community on a national level over a number of years. The organization’s mission is to create an environment for national athletes to compete domestically and internationally in ISA World Championships.

As part of its development strategy, the BVI has set out a plan, which includes enhancing youth engagement, promoting environmental best practices, improving surfing infrastructure and better talent identification.

Membership is subject to final approval of the ISA Annual General Meeting.

View more on the British Virgin Islands National Surfing Association here: https://bvisurfing.org/

Social: https://www.instagram.com/bvisurfing

Kuwait

With a mission to create a vibrant surf community in the country, the Kuwait Surf Committee joins the ISA as it’s 115^th member nation. The Kuwait Surf Committee strives to educate, inspire, and educate Kuwaiti surfers. Their short- and long-term development goals include improving access to surfing in the country to attract new participants, securing better equipment and resources for surf training, establishing a dedicated surf training center in Kuwait and hosting more regional surf competitions and events.

The core values of the Kuwait Surf Committee are passion for surfing, community, respect for the ocean, education, and inclusivity. Learn about the Kuwait Surfing Committee here: https://www.kuwaitsurfcommittee.com/

Social: https://www.instagram.com/kuwaitsurfcommittee

Romania

The Romanian Surfing Federation (Federatia Romana de Surfing [FRS]) has contributed to the growth and development of surf sports across the country – with new, young surfers taking up the sport year-on-year.

The first Romanian national surfing competition was held in 2018 and this event continues to take place annually under the remit of the FRS. Romania has also hosted ISA Surf Coaching and Instructing Courses in 2018 and 2023 for surf coaches on the Black Sea.

Romania also participated in their first ISA Event at the 2023 World Junior Surfing Championship in Brazil represented by Aris Voicu.

FRS plans to increase the participation in and awareness of Surfing in Romania, train more ISA coaches and judges, and develop more surfing competitions in Romania.

ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, said:

“At the ISA, we are happy to welcome the British Virgin Islands, Kuwait and Romania to our global surfing family. We will continue to work with them to support the development of surfing and inspire new athletes and fans to embrace our sport.

“It is especially pleasing to announce three members from three different continents that are non-traditional surf nations. This shows the power of surfing to engage with people in every part of the world who share our love of the ocean and nature.

“We are equally excited to see the establishment and growth of national surfing events in these nations to drive forward competitive surfing and help create a new generation of talent that we hope will soon be able to compete on the international stage.

“I can’t wait to see more young women and men surfers from these three stunning nations take to the ocean, improve their skills and aim for the Olympics one day!”