Adaptive surfing – the name given to the version of the sport for Para-competitors – will have its inaugural world showcase between September 24 and 27 on the Californian coast near San Diego.

It is hoped the event will allow adaptive surfers to showcase their skills on the international stage while promoting the profile of the sport internationally.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre said: "The inaugural ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championships will be a historic moment for our sport that will help us to further grow and develop Adaptive Surfing globally.

"We are delighted to host the first ISA event of its kind here at our home in La Jolla, California.

“The championships will be a wonderful celebration of these inspirational athletes and it will provide them with a fantastic stage to showcase their skills and abilities.

"Adaptive Surfing is very important for the ISA and we will continue to work tirelessly with our National Federations around the world to break down barriers and promote, develop and grow the sport.”

American Alana Nichols, who suffered a spinal cord injury in 2000 that left her paralysed from the waist down, and Hawaiian Mike Coots who lost a leg when he was 17, will be among the surfers to watch.

The event will also feature an Adaptive Surfing Symposium which will chart the development and growth of Adaptive Surfing worldwide.

The symposium will debate and discuss the opportunities, needs and best practices of Adaptive Surfing including how National Surfing Federations can be empowered to create successful Adaptive Surfing development programs in their own countries.

The creation of an official Honorary Committee comprised of influential members from the San Diego community has also boosted the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship.

The 30 member committee has been formed to help generate awareness of the event.

Surfing is one of the sports hoping for inclusion at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.


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