What is Para Surfing Classification?
Classification is a process where certified Para Surfing Classifiers assess the strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination of competitive adaptive surfers in order to group the athletes with similar impairments into one of the eight Para Surfing Sport Classes.
The classification goal is to accurately allocate the athlete into a proper surf class to ensure high competition and a leveled playing field in each surf class.
The ISA Para Surfing Classifiers begin with establishing if an athlete has an underlining health condition which can lead to an “IPC approved” or eligible impairment.
Next, the classifier panel will assess if the impairment(s) meets the Minimum Impairment Criteria.
ISA Para Surfing has 6 Physical Para Surf Classes and 2 Visual Sport Classes.
| 2019 Para Surfing Sport Classes | |
| Sport Class | Description |
| Para Surf Stand 1 | Any surfer who rides a wave in a standing position with an upper limb amputation or congenital or impairment equivalent. |
| Para Surf Stand 2 | Any surfer who rides a wave in a standing position with a below the knee amputation or congenital or impairment equivalent, short stature, or leg length difference. |
| Para Surf Stand 3 | Any surfer who rides a wave in a standing position with an above the knee amputation or both lower extremity amputations or congenital or impairment equivalent. |
| Para Surf Kneel | Any surfer who rides a wave in a kneeling position with an above the knee amputation or both lower limb amputations or congenital or impairment equivalent. |
| Para Surf Prone 1 | Any surfer who rides the wave in a prone position that does NOT require assistance paddling into a wave and getting back on the board safely. |
| Para Surf Prone 2 | Any surfer who rides the wave in a prone position that DOES require assistance in the water, paddling into a wave, and getting back on the board safely. |
| Para Surf Vision Impairment 1 | Any surfer who rides a wave in a standing position with IBSA classification Level B1. |
| Para Surf Vision Impairment 2 | Any surfer who rides a wave in a standing position with IBSA classification Level B2 and Level B3. |
Click here to learn more about Para Surfing Classification.