Togo and Uzbekistan Join International Surfing Association as National Federation Members

Cardiff, California – August 13, 2025

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has confirmed Togo and Uzbekistan as its 118th and 119th national federation members. The federations are the 20th and 28th members to represent Africa and Asia, respectively, reflecting the continued depth of surfing’s reach into their continents.

Togo

Formally known as the Togolese Republic, Togo is a small, tropical country, with a coastline of just 56km that largely consists of lagoons with sandy beaches. Recently founded, the Fédération Togolaise de Surf (F.T. Surf) is working closely with the ISA to develop and grow the sport of surfing in Togo.

Designated in the least developed countries group by the UN, the biggest challenge to the growth of the sport in Togo is the lack of surfing equipment in the country. Local surfers have borrowed equipment from travelers or received donated boards from NGOs such as Provide the Slide (Link) to try surfing, and there are now a handful of regular surfers in Togo. F.T. Surf has developed close relationships with the neighboring countries of Ghana and Benin, and will utilize those ties to further encourage local participation.

Uzbekistan

The most populous country in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is entirely landlocked and consists mostly of vast deserts and mountains. As part of a larger movement to develop athletics in Uzbekistan, the Federation of Surfing and Extreme Water Sports of Uzbekistan was founded to promote surfing, SUP surfing, and other extreme water sports within the country.

The Federation of Surfing and Extreme WaterSports of Uzbekistan is hoping to field its first competitor(s) in upcoming ISA World Surfing Games. Additionally, the federation plans to establish a national calendar of competitions and events, expand its membership, and bring further awareness to surfing in Uzbekistan, as well as developing the Olympic pathway.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre said:

“The addition of these wonderful new federations is a testament to surfing’s incredible ability to transcend geographic boundaries and unite people through our shared passion. From the land locked mountains and deserts of Central Asia to the tropical coastlines of West Africa, surfing continues to find new communities and create new dreams.”

“As surfing strengthens its place in the Olympic movement, expanding our global reach becomes even more meaningful. Every new federation deepens our mission of creating a better world through surfing, creating pathways for surfers everywhere to pursue their Olympic dreams.”

Razak Gbadamassi, President of Federation Togolaise De Surf

“Togo could transform surfing into a lever for sustainable development and openness to the world. Surfing also promotes values such as perseverance, respect and adaptability amongst young people. It will bring development of small businesses and international exposure with a positive image.”

Azizjon Khodjiev, Chairman of Federation of Surfing and Extreme Water Sports of Uzbekistan said:

“For Uzbekistan, participating in ISA World Championships is a historic milestone. It symbolizes the beginning of a new era for our country in international water sports and inspires the younger generation to aim for great achievements on the world stage.

This moment marks the start of a long journey, in which we aim to develop surfing on a national level, build infrastructure, and integrate surfing into sports education and youth programs.

We are proud to represent Uzbekistan on the global stage and to be part of the ISA family.”