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Scotland team at the opening ceremony of the 2014 ISA World Games in Peru - the first time a Scotland team has ever attended an ISA competition
The International Surfing Association (ISA) has welcomed Scotland and Finland as its 95th and 96thMember Federations respectively, further driving the global development of Surfing.
Providing access to Surfing for those in new Surfing markets has become a priority for the ISA. A sport imbued with youthful values and energy, Surfing has a unique ability to connect with young people. Providing more Surfing opportunities and better access to equipment and facilities for young people can help to instil core values of excellence, respect, fair-play and innovation.
Scotland rewards those who brave the weather and conditions with world-class waves. The International Surfing Association (ISA) has welcomed Scotland and Finland as its 95th and 96th Member Federations respectively, further driving the global development of Surfing. Photo: Mal Anderson
Including Scotland and Finland, the ISA has inducted 17 new Member Federations from around the world since January 2014 underlining the sports worldwide growth. Other nations to join the ISA include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cayman Islands, The Gambia, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Poland, Madagascar, Nauru, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and the US Virgin Islands.
Global development is a key element of the ISA’s strategy and the consistent growth and reach amongst young people is a driving force behind the ISA’s ambitions of making Surfing an Olympic sport.
Including Scotland and Finland (pictured), the ISA has inducted 17 new Member Federations from around the world since January 2014 underlining the sports worldwide growth. Pictured is a shot from Porvoo, Finland. Photo: Finnish StandUp Paddle and Surf Federation
Speaking about the newest ISA Member Federations, ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Scotland and Finland as our newest Member Federations. Surfing is a unique and modern blend of sport performance, style and culture infused with dynamic energy – making it especially relevant for young people.”
“The ISA’s mission is to develop surfing globally and through the addition of these new ISA Member Nations we are able to spread the core values, excitement and vision that the sport represents.”
The sport is growing in popularity and a recent survey indicated that there are more than 10,000 Surfers across Scotland. Photo: Mal Anderson
William Watson, President of the Scottish Surfing Federation, said:
“ISA recognition provides the opportunity for the Scottish Surfing Federation [SSF] to align with the wider sport development programs which the ISA fosters. In turn, this helps the SSF and Scotland to support the ISA with the global progression of Surfing.
“Surfing in Scotland is pure; stripped of any pretence; for the love of the sport, the environment and the ocean. The sport is growing in popularity and a recent survey indicated that there are more than 10,000 Surfers across Scotland.
“This year the SSF celebrates its 40th Anniversary. We’ve come a long way in that time and I look at Scotland’s presence at the ISA 50th Anniversary World Surfing Games as a mark of honour to those who have passionately managed, pushed and developed the sport throughout its existence in Scotland. We’re also looking forward to the future, with Scotland part of the ISA family, it’s looking very bright.”
Jari Laakso, President of the Finnish SUP [Stand-up Paddle] and Surf Federation, said:
“Being formally recognized by the ISA will take Surfing and SUP to a new level in Finland and it’s great to join the international Surfing family. Full ISA Membership gives our young organization the necessary tools to develop educational programs for both Surfing and SUP and it also provides us with a pathway to international competitions.”
Being formally recognized by the ISA will take Surfing and SUP to a new level in Finland. Photo: Jukka Aro