World’s best junior surfers kick-off competition at Huntington Beach Pier
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ISA President Fernando Aguerre officially declared open the 2018 VISSLA ISA World Junior Surfing Championship – presented by Visit Huntington Beach – on Saturday morning at the event’s Opening Ceremony.
A record-breaking 361 athletes and 136 team officials from 44 countries inaugurated the event with the ISA’s festive Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony in Huntington Beach, USA.
Dignitaries in attendance included VISSLA President Paul Naude, Huntington Beach Mayor Mike Posey and Visit Huntington Beach President and CEO Kelly Miller.
ISA President Fernando Aguerre addressed the international delegations at the ceremony.
“Welcome to the largest VISSLA ISA Juniors in history. I would like to give a big thank you to VISSLA for believing in the power of junior Surfing, and as well to the City of Huntington Beach for opening your arms, waves, and beach to all of us.
“Huntington Beach has been a part of ISA history for many years. It was here at this pier in 1996 that we awarded the first individual medals at the World Surfing Games. It was also the first Surfing event attended by members of the International Olympic Committee, which planted the seed for Surfing’s eventual Olympic inclusion 20 years later.
“Some of you may be among the first Olympic surfers in history in two years’ time at Tokyo 2020.
“Many governments have problems with each other, but we, the people, have no problems. We can all surf together in peace. I want you all to surf hard this week, revisit friendships, make new friends, and go home as ambassadors of Huntington Beach and California.”
VISSLA President Paul Naude said:
“This is an amazing turnout and international coming together of team spirit. Congratulations to all of you for making your National Teams.
“This is a city rich in surfing heritage. Every top competitive surfer has competed right here. You are in illustrious company, so please enjoy what this amazing town has to offer.”
Visit Huntington Beach President and CEO Kelly Miller said:
“We have talked about this for over a year. We can promise you sunshine, waves, our iconic pier, a walkable downtown, and a welcoming community that will be smiling for the next nine days.
“These are magical moments and special times in your life. You will be able to add your name of a long list of champions that have been crowned here in Huntington Beach. Cherish these moments.”
Mayor of Huntington Beach Mike Posey said:
“We have seen thousands of surfing competitions here in Huntington Beach, but we haven’t seen anything like this yet. We are proud to support the future generation of Surfing.
“We are excited that the ISA and VISSLA have chosen Huntington Beach for this competition.”
Thousands of locals took to the streets to witness the 44 nations walk down Huntington Beach’s Main Street in displays of national pride.
Following the Parade of Nations, the ISA celebrated its signature Sands of the World Ceremony in which two members from each team took to the stage and poured sand from their local beach into a glass container while waving their national flag, symbolizing the peaceful gathering of nations of the world through Surfing.
The Sands of the World Ceremony was created in Huntington Beach, USA at the 1996 ISA World Surfing Games by ISA President Fernando Aguerre.
The twelve ISA Scholarship ambassadors competing in the event also came to the stage to recognize the great strides they had made in their education and Surfing since winning ISA Scholarships.
To finish off the ceremony the delegations were treated to a local display of song and dance by Surf City Singers from Huntington Beach High school.
After the Opening Ceremony, competition kicked off with the U-18 and U-16 Boys at Huntington Beach Pier with plenty of waves on tap for the world’s best to put their talent on display.
Team Japan’s U-16 surfer Riaru Ito was the standout performer of the afternoon, earning the highest heat total of the day with 13.93 points.
Hawaii’s Sage Tutterow (13), Costa Rica’s Malakai Martinez (12.76) and USA’s Levi Slawson (12.23) also put on strong performances to give their teams an early boost of momentum.
For the first full day of competition on Sunday, the Boys and Girls U-16 and U-18 Main Event will continue on the south side of Huntington Beach pier in the dual podium format.
The schedule for the event will be as follows*:
October 28 – November 4 – Competition at Huntington Beach Pier south side, 7:30am – 6pm
November 4 – Closing Ceremony after competition
*Schedule subject to changes. All times in Pacific Standard Time.
To see the full schedule of activities, click here.
The 2018 VISSLA ISA World Junior Surfing Championship will be streamed live on www.isasurf.org October 27 – November 4.
