The ISA have announced dates for the World Surfing Games ©ISA

The International Surfing Association (ISA) have hailed a "new era of cooperation" after the World Surf League (WSL) endorsed the participation of professional athletes in the World Surfing Games.

The sport’s governing body said they had worked with the WSL to find a suitable date to stage the Games, fitting into both the WSL calendar and enabling Championship Tour surfers to participate.

As a result of the discussions, the competition in Biarritz will take place between May 21 and 28 in 2017.

The ISA have claimed the cooperation with the WSL also reaffirms the participation of the world’s top surfers when the sport makes its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

"This is a significant moment, in a significant year for the development of surfing globally," said Fernando Aguerre, ISA President.

"We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with the WSL for the benefit of the sport.

"It will be wonderful to watch the top surfers coming together at the 2017 ISA World Surfing Games in Biarritz where fans from around the world will have the opportunity to witness and draw inspiration from their fantastic skills.

"Today’s news reinforces our long-term commitment to ensure the very best surfers compete when surfing makes its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.

"These are incredibly exciting times and we are totally committed to working together with the whole surfing family to ensure we continue on our path of global development and inclusivity.

"Our aim is to solidify surfing’s inclusion in the Olympic Programme beyond 2020."

ISA President Fernando Aguerre said he was delighted to strengthen the relationship with the WSL for the benefit of the sport ©Getty Images
ISA President Fernando Aguerre said he was delighted to strengthen the relationship with the WSL for the benefit of the sport ©Getty Images

The ISA World Surfing Games will feature the world’s best surfers, who will participate for their national teams.

It is claimed this creates a unique environment of national pride and camaraderie in the spirit of the Olympic Movement.

Paul Speaker, WSL chief executive, also reiterated their desire to aid the ISA in the build-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

"The ISA World Surfing Games is a unique event where national surfing teams from around the world are given the opportunity to compete," he said.

"The WSL remains committed to allow our top professional surfers on the WSL Championship Tour to represent their country at the ISA World Surfing Games.

"The WSL also continues to work alongside the ISA with the goal of providing the 2020 Olympic Games with the best possible surfing experience."