Adaptive Surfers from Around the World Prepare to Compete for their Nation on Waves, Unite as Athletes at Symposium
The first-ever International Surfing Association (ISA) World Adaptive Surfing Championship is set to take place September 24-27 in La Jolla, CA and bring together the adaptive surfing community from around the world.
By teaming up with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), one of the recognized leaders in the physically challenged sports community, the ISA is excited to unify global efforts for the advancement of Adaptive Surfing. This World Championship will serve as the preeminent platform for physically challenged surfers to display their talents in competition.
Additionally, the CAF has generously offered 15 Travel Grants of $1000 each to assist athletes in their travel and lodging for the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship. Only athletes that are recognized by their National Federation are eligible to apply, and the deadline for final applications is June 30 due to the CAF direct. APPLY HERE
“This historic ISA World Championship and groundbreaking partnership with the CAF will lay the foundation for a sustainable and successful future for Adaptive Surfing,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. Our goals are to make the sport of Surfing more accessible to physically challenged surfers, offer a premier competitive opportunity for those surfers and to connect the international community of athletes with one another.”
The ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship will be a four-day celebration from September 24-27 and will take place in the greater City of San Diego.
Kicking things off, the Opening Ceremony will take place Thursday in the City of San Diego’s historic Balboa Park and will include the Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremonies. The following day, an Adaptive Surfing Clinic and Expression Session will bring the action to the sands of La Jolla Shores.
On Saturday the day’s activities will take place at the CAF headquarters in Sorrento Valley for the Adaptive Surfing Symposium. The symposium, or the “Meeting of the Minds,” is aimed at building on the profile and platform of these first championships to raise awareness, share best practices and initiate a conversation about how surfing can play an ongoing and vital role in enriching the lives of physically challenged athletes. The Symposium will include inspiration from Elite Adaptive and Pro Surfers, Surf industry brand leaders and educational resources, with the full curriculum to be announced.
The ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship will come to climax on Sunday with a return to La Jolla Shores for the competition Finals and Closing Ceremony.
“CAF is honored to partner with ISA on this movement to create universal access to surfing as we have done for so many other sports by providing athletes with physical challenges grants for adaptive sports equipment, coaching, mentoring and travel competition expenses. This can be the difference between getting into the game and being left on the sidelines”, said CAF Executive Director, Virginia Tinley.
For more information and registration, visit – ISA ADAPTIVE SURFING
About Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a unique nonprofit that helps people with physical challenges live full, active lives through participation in fitness activities and competitive sports. CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
