The final day of competition at the 2015 Nicaragua Unica… Original ISA World Surfing Games presented by Lafise and Claro ended with an international celebration for the sport of surfing. Twenty-seven National Teams flooded the sands of Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua alongside thousands of spectators to cheer on the action.

The entire day was full of fantastic surfing in overhead to double overhead waves.

The lineup for the Women’s Final included Tia Blanco (USA), Leilani McGonagle (CRI), Ella Williams (NZL) and Chelsea Tuach (Bar). 2014 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship Bronze Medalist Blanco and Copper Medalist McGonagle took strong leads. However, by the end of the heat it was Blanco that would take the Gold Medal home for her country.

“It means the world to me, to win this Gold Medal for the USA. I am so stoked!” exclaimed Blanco, still in the awe following her win. “Getting carried up the beach by my coach and Damien Hobgood was a dream come true — it was one for the memory book. Thank you to everyone who believed in me, I could not do it without you.”

The Men’s Final came next, and included defending 2014 Gold Medalist Leandro Usuna (ARG) and Bronze Medalist Shane Holmes (AUS), against the world renown talent of Nic Von Rupp (POR) and Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI).

Following his sister’s final, Noe Mar made quick work of the competition. Scoring two rides in the eight-point range before anyone earned even a three-point ride, it seemed to be in the bag for Noe Mar. Then, Noe Mar stepped it up again with a near-perfect 9.93 ride. The Gold Medal was his, but the win was for Costa Rica.

“I didn’t do it for myself, I did it for Costa Rica,” said Noe Mar, full of national pride. “We come to these ISA events to do the best for our country, and I knew a win in my heat would give us the points we needed for the team Gold. Costa Rica is a small country, but we have a big heart and the most supportive people. I dedicate this to them.”

With the combined effort of the McGonagle siblings in back-to-back finals, Costa Rica not only left with two individual medals but with the title of Team World Champion. The support of the people on the beach was powerful. During the closing ceremony, Team Costa Rica put their hands together near the front of the stage and were joined by fellow countrymen in the crowd for a final cheer of national celebration.

“This has been a historical week for surfing, the ISA and the beautiful host nation of Nicaragua. This partnership between Nicaragua and the ISA has produced best-in-class events year after year, while showcasing the perfection of its coastline to the world,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre.

“Twenty-seven nations came together from around the world, for a phenomenal week of surfing on extraordinary waves,” continued Aguerre. “I want to thank each and every athlete for surfing in the name of their nation. More than medals, I hope every person leaves here with memories of the outstanding ISA event and new friends from our international community.”

Men’s Surfing Results:
Gold Medal – Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI)
Silver Medal – Nic Von Rupp (POR)
Bronze Medal – Shane Holmes (AUS)
Copper Medal – Leandro Usuna (ARG)

Women’s Surfing Results:
Gold Medal – Tia Blanco (USA)
Silver Medal – Leilani McGonagle (CRI)
Bronze Medal – Ella Williams (NZL)
Copper Medal – Chelsea Tuach (BAR)

For the full results click here – http://isawsg.com/results/

Sensational Semifinals, Finals to Climax on Sunday for 2015 Nicaragua Unica… Original ISA World Surfing Games.

The 2015 Nicaragua Unica… Original ISA World Surfing Games presented by Lafise and Claro kicked-off an exciting weekend of competition finals on Saturday. Outstanding matchups took place in the Repechage Rounds, before the ISA Aloha Cup closed out the day of nation-oriented camaraderie.

The entire day was full of impressive action, but the best matchups took place in the Repechage Rounds. Carlos Muñoz captured three Repechage heat advancements, two of which he won outright with scores in the nine-point range and the best air reverse of the event.

“I am super stoked and happy to make it through, we need the points. The race for the title is getting harder and harder for us,” voiced Muñoz. “My strategy to reach the final is to save energy, relax, use the spirit of the team and keep having fun. It’s just Surfing. Pura Vida!”

In the first heat of the Women’s Repechage Round 6, New Zealand’s Paige Hareb notched the first 10-point ride of the 2015 ISA World Surfing Games en route to her heat victory. Still, it was Costa Rica’s Leilani McGonagle that stole the attention of the day defeating 2014 Gold and Bronze Medalists Anali Gomez (PER) and Philippa Anderson (AUS).

“I’m feeling great,” expressed McGonagle. “In the heat before I had a bit of a tough time. I wasn’t really hitting the lip in the pockets, so I just regrouped and tried my best out there. Pura Vida! Let’s go Costa Rica.”

In their individual heats, the Costa Ricans proved to be extremely tough to beat. Later, they came together with fellow teammates Anthony Fillingam and Noe Mar McGonagle to dominate the ISA Aloha Cup. With a score of 50.17 and more than nine minutes to spare, Team Costa Rica won the Gold Medal.

The rest of the ISA Aloha Cup podium resulted in Team Peru taking Silver, Team Australia earning the Bronze and Team Argentina getting the Copper.

“What a final! The ISA Aloha Cup is absolutely amazing because it offers an opportunity for surfing to unite a nation and compete with pride. That is what the ISA World Surfing Games are all about — honoring the sport while honoring your country,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre.

“Tomorrow the world will witness the semifinals and finals for the men and women divisions,” continued Aguerre. “More than individual Gold Medals, a new Team Champion will be decided and one nation will be recognized as the strongest team in the world. I know it will be fantastic.”

For a full list of the day’s results, visit — http://isawsg.com/results/

The live webcast of the final day of competition will begin at 10:00am local time.

Sunday, 10:00am Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua

Sunday, 9:00am Los Angeles, USA

Sunday, 1:00pm Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sunday, 6:00pm Paris, France

Monday, 2:00am Sydney, Australia

Tune into the live webcast here — http://isawsg.com/live/

The fifth day of competition at the 2015 Nicaragua Unica… Original ISA World Surfing Games presented by Lafise and Claro opened with Repechage and Main Event rounds before it closed with the one-of-a-kind ISA Aloha Cup.

Upsets continued during the Repechage events. Most notably, the defending Silver Medalist Anthony Fillingam from Costa Rica as well as USA’s Ian Crane and Damien Hobgood.

“Everyone is surfing really good, and they are from so many different countries. I saw a lot of these kids when they were 7 or 8 years old, and it is cool to see surfing do to their lives what it has done for mine,” said Hobgood after his Repechage Round 4 win. Hobgood lost in Repechage Round 5, but finished with intention to leave an impact. “To compete against the younger generation and hopefully inspire someone, that is what it is all about.”

Tomorrow’s Main Event Round 5 Heat 2 will be one of the toughest heats of the entire event, and will feature defending Gold Medalist Argentina’s Leandro Usuna, Peru’s Joaquin Del Castillo and Portugal’s Nic Von Rupp. The two winners of this super heat will continue to surf in the Men’s Main Event Semifinal on Sunday.

For the women, the Main Event featured an exciting heat that included Tia Blanco (USA), Philippa Anderson (AUS), Paige Hareb (NZL) and Leilani McGonagle (CRI). Blanco and Hareb advanced to Saturday’s Main Event Semifinals, which sent Hareb and McGonagle to face the Repechage Rounds in their continued pursuit for a Gold Medal.

Coming into the Aloha Cup, Team Peru was prepared to defend their title and advanced to the final round with the second highest points of the day earning 40.77. Costa Rica, however, finished with the top score of 41.52 points.

In the second semifinal of the ISA Aloha Cup, teams Australia and Argentina advanced. Australia earned a total score of 36.00, and Argentina took the heat win with 38.69 points.

“The ISA Aloha Cup is based on a tag-team format. I love it, because it displays true team spirit,” explained ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “You have eight teams, the top seven placing teams from the last year plus the host country. We give the host team an opportunity to surf against the best in the world, and here, in Nicaragua, it will take place on one of the best waves in the world.”

For a full list of the day’s results, visit — http://isawsg.com/results/

The live webcast of the sixth day of competition will begin at 9:00am local time.

Tuesday, 9:00am Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua
Tuesday, 8:00am Los Angeles, USA
Tuesday, 12:00pm Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tuesday, 5:00pm Paris, France
Wednesday, 1:00am Sydney, Australia

Tune into the live webcast here — http://isawsg.com/live/

ISA World Surfing Games – Official Forecast
Updated: Friday Afternoon, June 5th (Local Nicaragua Time)

BRIEF OVERVIEW

Primary SW Southern Hemi swell will increase further this weekend, providing good size surf for the Finals (overhead+). Even secondary W swell from Hurricane Blanca will mix in. Wind/weather will be variable all weekend, but the first half of each day will generally offer the best conditions.

SATURDAY (6th): Primary SW swell (235-205°) slowly increases further. Secondary West Blanca swell mixes in.

SURF: Sets hang around chest-head high to 1-2 feet overhead through the morning at Main Reef, picking up to a few feet overhead+ over the afternoon. Note – Surf will be a little more peaky/jumbled for the reef due to the swell combo, but still good waves on tap. NOTE – Expect larger sets to show at Outer Reef.

WIND/WEATHER: Light+ early becoming moderate+ offshore East wind through the morning. Wind looks to slack off mid-day into the early afternoon, then turning onshore and becoming moderate over the mid to late afternoon. Partly to mostly cloudy skies. Greatest chance for rain late in the day.

TIDES: 9’ high at 5:06am, 0.4’ low at 11:18am, 9.2’ high at 5:20pm.

SUNDAY (7th): Primary SW swell (235-205°) tops out and holds, along with secondary West Blanca swell.

SURF: Waves will be mainly around head high to 2-3 feet overhead all day at Main Reef, with occasional double overhead sets. Note – Surf will be a little peaky/jumbled for the reef due to the swell combo, but still good waves on tap. NOTE – Larger sets at Outer Reef.

WIND/WEATHER: Light+ early becoming moderate+ offshore East wind through the morning. Wind looks to slack off mid-day into the early afternoon, then turning onshore and becoming moderate over the mid to late afternoon. Partly to mostly cloudy skies. Greatest chance for rain late in the day.

TIDES: 9’ high at 5:52am, 0.5’ low at 12:07pm, 9’ high at 6:08pm.

WEATHER OUTLOOK

Models indicate that we will see a lot of instability throughout the region over the weekend, with a possible area of low pressure slowly developing well offshore. Therefore, scattered showers and T-storms are imminent throughout. Also, there will likely be periods where the wind will swirl around, changing constantly, especially with local storms nearing or passing through the area. Greatest chance for rain late in the day. Overall, mornings will continue to offer the best wind conditions each day.

EXTRA NOTES

- Although the left is traditionally the premiere wave at Main Reef, the left and right will be working pretty well on this SW direction.

- The surf for this reef break is expected to become a little jumbled on the weekend with the combo of SW and W swells, with a shifty take-off zone and some sections down the line. Still plenty of good waves on offer.

- Expect the surf to be strongest/most consistent during the incoming tide push, and on the dropping tide. Surf will be a little drained out with sections during the peak low tides, and slow/fat during the peak high tides. However, one of the good things about Main Reef is that is can handle all tides.

Jonathan Warren
Jon@surfline.com
@JWarrenSurfline

Day 4 of the 2015 Nicaragua Unica… Original ISA World Surfing Games featured male and female Main Event and Repechage Rounds. Surfers continue to surf hard representing their nations while the field of medal contenders narrowed.

Twenty-four international athletes were eliminated from competition in the constantly changing conditions that ranged from perfect offshore wind in the morning, to heavy rainsqualls in the afternoon.

Costa Rica’s Leilani McGonagle took advantage of the morning offshore wind and posted the highest heat score of the day for the women division. McGonagle scored 16.27 in her heat victory, and moved one step closer to the Women’s Final.

“I am super stoked to have made that heat! The waves were super fun,” commented Costa Rica’s Leilani McGonagle. “I love this event because the teams are so supportive of one another. I really feel like my team is always on the beach screaming. We’re like family.”

The Men’s Main Event Round 3 was stacked full of talent, and inevitably forced some top athletes down into the Repechage Round. USA’s Damien Hobgood and Ian Crane, Costa Rica’s Carlos Muñoz and Peru’s Miguel Tudela are among the men that will have to pursue a Gold Medal via the Repechage Round, the longest way to Gold.

Among the surfers that competed in the third Repechage Round were brothers Dylan and Travis Southworth from Team Mexico. Travis was unable to advance, but his job as a team member is not over. He will stay to support Team Mexico and his brother Dylan, who won his heat and advanced to the next round.

“It was tough conditions, the one day it’s not offshore,” stated Dylan. “We did what we could. Repechage Rounds are tough, and the next round will be tougher. There are a lot of strong competitors, but I’m ready with my team’s support.”

With the final three days approaching, the competition is shaping up to be one of the most challenging ISA World Surfing Games in history. Both Main Event and Repechage heats will be action-packed with guaranteed larger waves arriving.

“Despite stormy conditions, the size of the surf continued to grow and the athletes proved they could handle anything with the support of their national teams,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “The camaraderie is at an all-time high, and so is the level of competition. I’m so stoked to be here.”

For a full list of the day’s results, visit — http://isawsg.com/results/

The live webcast of the fifth day of competition will begin at 8:00am local time.

Friday, 8:00am Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua
Friday, 7:00am Los Angeles, USA
Friday, 11:00am Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Friday, 4:00pm Paris, France
Saturday, 12:00am Sydney, Australia

Tune into the live webcast here — http://isawsg.com/live/

The famed left and right break of Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua offered solid, overhead surf for the first day of Repechage Rounds. Day 3 of the 2015 Nicaragua Unica… Original ISA World Surfing Games presented by Lafise and Claro went off despite a hard-hitting tropical thunderstorm the night before.

The surfers hit the waves and went to work at 8am local time with the Men’s Repechage Round.

In the fourth heat of the day, 2013 ISA scholarship recipient Jackson Obando surfed for Host Nation Nicaragua and won his heat, with a total score of 15.67.

“I’m very proud that I am representing Nicaragua. Thank you to all the people that have sent me good vibes,” expressed Obando. “The ISA Scholarship helped me a lot, because there were some contests that I didn’t have a board to compete. Then, they sent me the money and I bought new boards to compete again. Thank you to the ISA for the scholarship.”

The Women’s Repechage Round featured six heats of outstanding competition. The Repechage Rounds allowed for every surfer eliminated from their Main Round heat another opportunity to represent their country with pride. Those that did not advance today are now finished with the competition, but not finished with their pride.

“It is such a deep honor and I’m so grateful to represent my country,” said Naja Olsen from Team Denmark. “I came here on my own, but I have made a bunch of new friends. Team Australia has adopted me and is now cheering for me. They made me a song and even painted a flag on my board.”

“Giving a second chance to advance to the athletes that have traveled from around the world is exactly what Repechage Rounds are made for. Advancing athletes have now earned spots in tomorrow’s competition, giving them the chance to continue,” commented ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “For those that did not advance, they are still here on the beach and cheering on the international community of surfers as a family. ISA competitions are the best place to see surfing sportsmanship at it’s finest. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.”

For a full list of the day’s results, visit — http://isawsg.com/results/

The live webcast of the fourth day of competition is set to begin at 8:00am local time.

Tuesday, 8:00am Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua

Tuesday, 7:00am Los Angeles, USA

Tuesday, 11:00am Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Tuesday, 4:00pm Paris, France

Wednesday, 12:00am Sydney, Australia

Tune into the live webcast here — http://isawsg.com/live/

Nicaragua continued to excite on Day 2, as surfers from 27 nations from around the globe took on consistent and sizeable waves for the 2015 Nicaragua Unica… Original ISA World Surfing Games presented by Lafise and Claro.

The south swell held strong and provided extremely contestable lefts and rights. The women battled through heats of low and high tides, but ultimately the growing swell made for an action-packed day.

Sisters from Team Nicaragua, 11-year-old Valentina and 9-year-old Candelaria Resano did not obtain the necessary scores to advance through the Main Event. However, they will compete again in the Repechage Round with a second opportunity for their local knowledge to shine.

When speaking about the Repechage format of ISA contests, Valentina exclaimed, “If you get a really hard heat and you surf good, but you still can’t make it, it gives you a second chance. In my last heat I did everything well but I didn’t advance because I never finished my last maneuver. In the next round I want to make that last turn.”

The fifth heat of the day featured Peru’s Anali Gomez, the defending individual Women’s Gold Medalist. Gomez proved that her medal-winning form from 2014 was still intact as she won her heat with a total of 12.34.

“The truth is that I am really happy. This wave is incredible and so is Nicaragua,” Gomez stated ecstatically. “The competition is really strong this year because of Popoyo’s waves. We are going to see everyone put on a great show.”

New Zealand’s Paige Hareb achieved the highest total score of the day during Heat 7 with a total of 17.50. She won by a decisive margin, putting opponents Josefina Ane (ARG) and Candelaria (NIC) into a combo situation.

“The women put on an amazing performance this morning in their opening round. The level of competition is extremely high and the waves are giving everyone ample opportunity to put their talent on display,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “The international support has been amazing. Every team has been coming together to represent their national flag as one. Even the athletes that have come here alone have the support of whole world behind them, that is the beauty of the ISA World Surfing Games.”

The women were not the only to surf, Men’s Round 2 offered up multiple heats of excitement to the global audience on the beach and watching the webcast.

One bizarre heat in particular featured Argentina’s Leandro Usuna, the 2014 ISA World Champion. Usuna managed to come out on top and was the only surfer not to receive an interference call. Costa Rica’s Carlos Muñoz fought through the heat despite his interference, and defeated Uruguay’s Segundo Vargas and Chile’s Nicolas Undurraga.

For a full list of the day’s results, visit — http://isawsg.com/results/

The live webcast of the third day of competition is set to begin at 8:00am local time.

Tuesday, 8:00am Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua
Tuesday, 7:00am Los Angeles, USA
Tuesday, 11:00am Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tuesday, 4:00pm Paris, France
Wednesday, 12:00am Sydney, Australia

Tune into the live webcast here — http://isawsg.com/live/

The 2015 Nicaragua Unica… Original ISA World Surfing Games presented by Lafise and Claro got off to an impressive start on the event’s Opening Day.

The Men opened the event and gave the crowd a dose of what is to come, by performing critical maneuvers throughout all 24 heats of the Main Event.
As predicted by Surfline, the official forecaster of the event, the ocean offered consistent chest to head high sets throughout the day allowing the competitors to display their world-class talent. The conditions were clean as Nicaragua’s infamous offshore winds blew lightly from dawn until dusk.

“The first round was absolutely amazing! A south swell and perfect offshore wind made for a great opening day,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Seeing all the athletes on the beach cheering and surfing in the name of their countries was really special. The sportsmanship and team camaraderie is truly a unique feeling that only an ISA World Championship provides. I look forward to seeing athletes perform when the solid and larger swell arrives to Nicaragua in the middle of the week.”

Throughout the high performance surfing of competition it was Peru’s Sebastian Correa and USA’s Ian Crane that stood out.
Sebastian Correa, put on a powerful performance in his heat, which earned him the highest total of the day with 16.16. Member of Team Peru, the defending World Champion Team, advanced to the next round with a comfortable 8-point lead. Correa is one step closer to the Final and potentially a Gold Medal.

The other top performer of the day was Ian Crane, who earned the second highest total heat score with a 15.40, defeating Australia’s Dylan Hayllar (11.90), Mexico’s Dylan Southworth (11.57) and Scotland’s Ali Matheson (6.57).

Notably, Japan’s Riki Horikoshi, who is competing in his second ISA World Championship in the past two weeks, advanced through the second heat of the day with a score of 11.26. Horikoshi recently represented Japan as a SUP Surfer in the ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship in Sayulita, Mexico.

Due to the unique format of ISA World Championships, no one has been eliminated yet from the competition. Those that received 3rd and 4th in their heats will fall to the Repechage Round where they have a second chance to compete. However, a Repechage loss leads to elimination. Those that received 1st and 2nd continued to advance through the Main Event.

Video highlights of yesterday’s Opening Ceremony is available at www.isawsg.com.

Tuesday’s live webcast of the second day of competition will begin at 7:45am local time. Prior to the start of the first round of the Women’s Main Event will be the Morning Show hosted by Mike Latronic featuring host team Nicaragua.

Tuesday, 7:45am Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua
Tuesday, 6:45am Los Angeles, USA
Tuesday, 10:45am Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tuesday, 3:45pm Paris, France
Tuesday, 11:45pm Sydney, Australia

Tune into the live webcast here – http://isawsg.com/live/

ATTENTION MEDIA:

For daily photos, video highlights and video news releases, visit – www.isawsg.com/media/

The 2015 Nicaragua Unica Original ISA World Surfing Games presented by Lafise and Claro were declared officially open by ISA President Fernando Aguerre on Sunday, May 31. The Opening Ceremony circled the center of Rivas, Nicaragua and concluded near the beautiful town square.

In attendance were 27 International Delegations that traveled to Nicaragua from all over the world. Local dignitaries, contest officials and thousands of enthusiastic spectators were witnesses to the start of this ISA World Championship.

The start of the celebration began with the Parade of Nations. Each team marched through the heart of the Rivas’ colorfully vibrant town. The teams made their way to the main stage to participate in the Sands of the World Ceremony symbolizing the peaceful gathering of nations through the love of surfing.

“The Sands of the World Ceremony, which happens at every ISA World Championship for the last 20 years, is a symbol of peace between nations, countries and the people. It’s about peace for Surfing to defend the ocean and nature,” stated ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “I would like to wish to all of the competitors the best in the competition, but more than anything I would like all of you to have a good time, make new friendships, and enjoy beautiful Nicaragua.”

In addition to the ISA ceremonies, cultural groups from the towns of Rivas as well as Tola took to the stage to perform artistic dances for all of the visiting international nations.

“Nicaragua Unica Original, once again, is full of pride to welcome the 2015 ISA World Surfing Games after three years of hosting consecutive championships,” expressed Nicaragua’s Minister of Tourism Mayra Salinas. “It is an honor for us to welcome you to this glorious country.”

Competition begins Monday with the live webcast starting at 8:00am local time.

Monday, 8:00am Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua
Monday, 7:00am Los Angeles, USA
Monday, 11:00am Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Monday, 4:00pm Paris, France
Tuesday, 12:00am Sydney, Australia

Tune into the live webcast here –  http://isawsg.com/live/

ATTENTION MEDIA: For daily photos, video highlights and video news releases, visit – www.isawsg.com/media/

A total of 27 countries and more than 150 athletes and coaches are confirmed to participate in the 2015 Nicaragua Unica Original ISA World Surfing Games presented by Lafise and Claro. Converging at the world-class break of Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua, each team consists of up to 4 Open Men and 2 Open Women surfers plus Team Officials.

The confirmed countries include, Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands and Venezuela.

Peru will return to defend the Team Gold Medal that they won at their home break of Punta Rocas in 2014 with their individual Women’s Gold Medalist Anali Gomez leading the charge.

Argentina’s Leandro Usuna is also confirmed to return to contend for a repeat of the Men’s Gold Medal.

In addition to the return of the reigning champions, many of the world’s best surfers have come to Nicaragua to compete. Costa Rica’s Carlos Muñoz, USA’s Tia Blanco and Damien Hobgood, New Zealand’s Paige Hareb and Portugal’s Nic Von Rupp, will be giving their all every day in the name of their Nations.

“I am thrilled for the competition to begin on Monday. This ISA World Championship will feature the greatest surfers at the world-class reef break of Playa Popoyo, all surfing with the pride of their nation on their shoulders,” commented ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “This is a time for the world to look at Nicaragua and experience a true World Championship, with the National Surfing Teams from all over the planet.”

Surfline, the official forecaster of the event, has predicted solid head-high waves with the occasionally larger sets for the opening days of competition. However, halfway through the event a sizeable SW swell is predicted to easily provide “overhead surf at Popoyo with occasional sets hitting the double overhead mark” for the quarters, semis and finals.

The full Surfline Forecast can be found on http://isawsg.com/forecast/

Competition begins Monday with the live webcast starting at 8:00am local time.

Monday, 8:00am Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua
Monday, 7:00am Los Angeles, USA
Monday, 11:00am Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Monday, 4:00pm Paris, France
Tuesday, 12:00am Sydney, Australia

Tune into the live webcast here – http://isawsg.com/live/

ATTENTION MEDIA:
For daily photos, video highlights and video news releases, click here – www.isawsg.com/media/

On Friday, May 29, the 2015 Nicaragua Unica Original ISA World Surfing Games presented by Lafise and Claro official press conference took place in the Hilton Hotel in Managua, Nicaragua. Representatives of Nicaragua’s leading TV, print and online media outlets filled the Press Conference room and posed questions to Nicaraguan Dignitaries as well as members of the Nicaragua´s National Surfing Team.

Those in attendance included ISA President Fernando Aguerre (via teleconference), President of the Nicaraguan Surfing Federation Carlos Deshon, Minister of Nicaraguan Tourism Mayra Salinas, Director General of the Nicaraguan Institute of Sports Marlon Torres, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee for Nicaragua María Antonieta Ocón, Second Police Chief Commissioner General Francisco Díaz, Local Event Organizer Lucy Valenti and Nicaraguan National Surfing Team athletes Valentina Resano and Rex Calderon.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre opened the forum saying, “I’m glad to return to Nicaragua because it’s a country with exceptional waves, which are a resource that will never run out. It’s the most renewable natural resource that truly doesn’t require any human activity. It’s simply taking care of the coast and the beaches to take advantage of those waves.”

Aguerre went on to speak about the solid relationship that has developed between the ISA and this Host Country of Nicaragua. “The alliance between the ISA and Nicaragua has produced excellent results. Nicaragua has become an important international surf destination. The revenue for the Nicaraguan economy as a result of this reorganization of its resources of waves, its incredible coast and its beautiful sites for visitors, are already an important part of today’s Nicaragua.”

Minister of Nicaraguan Tourism Mayra Salinas later spoke about the outstanding opportunities that events such as ISA World Championships bring to their country. “It is evident that for Nicaragua events of this nature constitute an extraordinary opportunity for the advancement of tourism in Nicaragua, but also for the creation of job opportunities and well-being. Over the years we have been seeing, from the organization of world championships like this event, how it has stimulated the creation of schools, equipment and different enterprises that come to contribute to the welfare and prosperity in all of the coastal area.”

Valentina Resano, the 11-year-old female surfer from Team Nicaragua, voiced with wonderful poise the privilege that it is to represent her country in an ISA World Championship. “It is an honor to be able to compete in these events that are so big and usually aren’t made for kids. My goal in this contest is to learn a lot for the next events when I am older and can win. For now, what I want to do is learn from the best. I am really happy. Hopefully this isn’t the last ISA World Championship that comes to Nicaragua.”

The 2015 Nicaragua Unica Original ISA World Surfing Games begin Sunday, May 31 with the Opening Ceremony featuring the Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony. All 27 National Teams and nearly 200 Athletes and Team Officials will gather and parade around the vibrant town of Rivas in Nicaragua.

During the Opening Ceremony, each National Delegation will participate in the Sands of the World Ceremony. They will take to the stage waving their national flag while pouring sand from their local beach into a glass container, symbolizing the peaceful gathering of nations through the love of surfing.

On Monday the action in the water starts and the live webcast begins at 8:00am local time.

Monday, 8:00am Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua
Monday, 7:00am Los Angeles, USA
Monday, 11:00am Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Monday, 4:00pm Paris, France
Tuesday, 12:00am Sydney, Australia 

Tune into the live webcast here – http://isawsg.com/live/

The 2015 ISA World Surfing Games is just around the corner. From May 31st to June 7th, top surfers from over 25 countries will represent their nations and compete for the Gold Medals in the Open Men’s and Women’s Divisions at the world-class surf break of Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua.

In anticipation of the competition, United States, Portugal and New Zealand have revealed their National Teams filled with elite surfers, who will battle the 2014 Team Champion, Peru.

2009 ISA World Surfing Games Team Champion, USA, has put together a team to contend for Gold. Headlining Team USA will be Damien Hobgood, who with a Gold Medal could become, along with CJ Hobgood, the first set of twins to win ISA World Championships. CJ won the ISA World Surfing Games in 2008. Joining Hobgood will be Ben Bourgeois, member of the 2009 ISA World Surfing Games Gold Medal Team, Ian Crane and Nathaniel Curran. Further strengthening Team USA, on the women’s side will be two ISA World Junior Surfing Championship Medalists: Tia Blanco, 2014 Bronze Medalist, and teammate Frankie Harrer, 2013 Copper Medalist.

Portugal is another team in medal contention. They have released their squad loaded with surfers that have plenty of past ISA World Championship experience. Vasco Ribeiro, who was a Silver Medalist at the 2011 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, will lead the charge for Portugal. Rounding out the team will be Nic Von Rupp, José Ferreira, Miguel Blanco, and on the women’s side, Teresa Bonvalot and Camilla Kemp, who were both competitors at the 2014 VISSLA ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.

New Zealand joins USA and Portugal as the first nations to announce their teams and have also put together a title-contending roster. Team New Zealand will feature a strong contingent including Paige Hareb, 2010 ISA World Surfing Games Silver Medalist, and Ella Williams, 2013 ISA World Surfing Games Copper Medalist. Recent ISA World Championship surfers, Billy Stairmand, Dune Kennings, JC Susan and Matt Hewitt will compete on the men’s side.

ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, commenting on the 2015 ISA World Surfing Games, said:

“With its incredible surf and 24/7 offshore winds, Nicaragua will be the perfect venue for the world’s best surfers competing for Individual and Team Gold Medals. I’m very excited about the top-level athletes and look forward to being in Nicaragua, a true surfing paradise. As a surfer, there is no greater honor than representing your country as a member of your National Surfing Team.”

The traditional ISA Opening Ceremony will commence May 31st with the Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony. The competition will get underway June 1st and finish June 7th, when the ISA World Surfing Games Champions will be crowned at the Closing Ceremony.

The 2015 ISA World Surfing Games is rapidly approaching. Over 150 men and women surfers from more than 25 countries will soon arrive to the beautiful country of Nicaragua, its welcoming people, warm waters, and incredible waves.

These are the ten things you need to know about the 2015 ISA World Surfing Games:

1. The ISA World Surfing Games

The 2015 ISA World Surfing Games will gather over 25 National Delegations from every corner of the world, who will gather to compete for their National Team in an “Olympic-Style” event. The surfers compete for medals and the honor of representing their respective countries.

2. The Competition

The 2015 ISA World Surfing Games is a team competition with individual Men’s and Women’s divisions. Each National Team includes 4 Open Men’s and 2 Open Women’s competitors.

3. The Champions

The results from the ISA 50th Anniversary World Surfing Games, which took place in Punta Rocas, Peru in 2014, were as follows:

Team Medals

Peru – Gold

Australia – Silver

Argentina – Bronze

Costa Rica – Copper

Open Men’s

Leandro Usuna (ARG) – Gold

Anthony Fillingim (CRI) – Silver

Shane Holmes(AUS) – Bronze

Nicholas Squires (AUS) – Copper

Open Women’s

Anali Gomez (PER) – Gold

Dominic Barona (ECU) – Silver

Phillippa Anderson (AUS) – Bronze

Jessica Grimwood (AUS) – Copper

4. The Venue

Playa Popoyo is a surf break located located 100 kilometers southeast of Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua. The village is known as a world-class surfing destination and for its high quality, consistent waves and perpetual offshore winds that flow off of Lake Nicaragua 300 days a year.

Playa Popoyo has a tropical climate with air temperatures averaging 75-92 degrees Fahrenheit (24-33 degrees Celsius) and water temperatures hovering around 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (28 to 30 degrees Celsius).

5. The Wave

The waves at Playa Popoyo are known as some of the most powerful and consistent in all of Nicaragua. The flat rock reef break offers up hollow rights and lefts, although the left is usually a longer ride. Playa Popoyo breaks on almost all tides, but it is best around mid tide. The most consistent and best surf comes from the South Swells that tend to run from May through November.

6. The Prize

The world’s best surfers will gather to compete for the Individual and Team Gold Medals, the International Olympic Committee President’s Trophy and the Fernando Aguerre World Team Trophy, named for and donated by the ISA President, who was first elected in 1994 and has been elected 8 times since.

7. The History

The ISA World Surfing Games began in 1964 under the name ISF World Championships, and were run by the International Surfing Federation, the first surfing international organization in history. In 1976, the ISF became the ISA. From it’s beginning up to present day, the contestants in the World Championship traveled to compete as a team and to represent their respective nations.

8. The Schedule

The 2015 ISA World Surfing Games will officially open on May 31st with the traditional ISA Opening Ceremony, which will include the Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony.

The Parade of Nations is a colorful and energy-filled event, complete with teams chanting, waving flags and cheering of the locals who come out to watch the spectacle.

The Sands of the World Ceremony symbolizes the true fraternal spirit that bonds together all members of the global surfing tribe. The union of the countries of the world in this Ceremony is symbolized through the mixing of the sands from the shores of all participating National Delegations, showcasing the ISA desire for a better and peaceful world.

May 29th – Official Press Conference

May 31st – Opening Ceremony: Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony.

June 1st – Competition Begins

June 7th – Final day of competition, Awards Presentation and Closing Ceremony

9. The Mission

The ISA’s mission is to develop the sport of surfing in Nicaragua and around the world. This is accomplished through annual World Championships, membership development, educational programs, scholarship distribution and working towards Surfing’s inclusion in the Olympic Games.

10. The Support

With the full support of Nicaragua’s President, Daniel Ortega, and the Ministry of Tourism headed by Mayra Salinas, Nicargua last hosted the ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship in Granada and La Boquita in 2014, ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Playa Jiquiliste in 2013, and ISA World Masters Surfing Championship in Playa Colorado in 2012.

Surfing has been integral and successful development tool in the country. According to the Central Bank of Nicaragua, Surfing now registers as the #1 source of travel and tourism for the country.

The International Surfing Association (ISA) is excited to announce its return for the fourth year in a row to the beautiful country of Nicaragua for the 2015 ISA World Surfing Games taking place from May 31 to June 7.

Over 25 Nations are expected at the competition, which will gather the best surfers from around the globe at the powerful, world-class, and warm waters waves of Popoyo, Nicaragua. Located in Nicaragua’s stunning Pacific Coast in the Municipality of Tola, the break is a two hour drive from the capital city of Managua.

The athletes will compete for the Individual Gold Medals in Open Men’s and Open Women’s that will decide the winner of the coveted Fernando Aguerre World Team Trophy, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President’s Trophy.

With the full support of Nicaragua’s President, Daniel Ortega, and the Ministry of Tourism headed by Mayra Salinas, Nicargua last hosted the ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship in Granada and La Boquita in 2014, ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Playa Jiquiliste in 2013, and ISA World Masters Surfing Championship in Playa Colorado in 2012.

Surfing has been integral and successful development tool in the country. According to the Central Bank of Nicaragua, Surfing now registers as the #1 source of travel and tourism for the country.

In 2014, the historic ISA 50th Anniversary World Surfing Games was held in Punta Rocas, Peru. New surfing nations like the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Scotland and Turkey joined the celebrations, but in the end it was the local Peruvian team that took home The Fernando Aguerre World Team Trophy. In the individual division’s, Argentina’s Leandro “Lele” Usuna won Open Men’s and Peru’s Anali Gomez won Open Women’s.

The top seven placing National Teams will qualify for an invitation to the 2016 ISA China Cup, part of the ISA’s Hainan Wanning Riyue Bay International Surfing Festival, along with the local host team from China.

Fernando Aguerre, ISA President, speaking about the announcement of the 2015 ISA World Surfing Games, said:

“I am delighted to return to the beautiful and welcoming country of Nicaragua, a place that has blessed us with incredible surf and permanent offshore winds. Nicaragua’s commitment to the sport of Surfing has shown its true value, as now Surfing ranks as the number one attraction for tourists. As we enter our next 50 years of history, I am very excited to join the world’s best surfers in experiencing this incredible country, and in witnessing them compete at one of its best waves at Popoyo.”

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