MORE THAN 50 WORLD-CLASS ADAPTIVE SURFERS FROM 15 COUNTRIES TO COMPETE
Demonstrating the global reach of Adaptive Surfing, the 2015 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Adaptive Surfing Championship presented by Hurley and Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) will host the world’s most talented field of Adaptive Surfers to compete, 34 of such were awarded travel grants from CAF.
Taking place September 24-27 in La Jolla, CA, the inaugural ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship will provide surfers with physical challenges an opportunity to display their talent on a global scale. The stoke of this event is far reaching through the global Adaptive Surf community, ISA National Federations and Surf Industry leaders who will serve on this event’s Honorary Committee alongside influential members of the greater San Diego area.
“Having an Honorary Committee was a step to ensure this event receives the recognition and support it deserves,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “With surf legend Shaun Tomson as the committee chairperson, I am confident this inaugural ISA World Championship will lay a solid foundation for years to come. The ISA plans to have this event in San Diego every year.”
“To be a part of the first-ever ISA World Championship for Adaptive Surfing is an absolute honor,” said surf legend Shaun Tomson. “As the Honorary Committee Chairperson, I am extremely excited to help generate awareness and get as many people as possible involved in this global effort to positively change lives through surfing.”
Long-time supporter of the growth and awareness of Adaptive Surfing, Hurley – as part of the Nike brand family that has been a long-time partner with CAF – is showing their commitment to the space by coming onboard as a Presenting Sponsor.
“Hurley is inspired by the work of the ISA to host this World Adaptive Surfing Championship, and is honored to be a part of their efforts,” said Bob Hurley, co-founder and chairman of Hurley. “At the core of our DNA is a deep commitment to inclusion and supporting organizations that promote universal access to sports.”
Hurley has been a proud sponsor of Adaptive Surfing athlete Jesse Billauer who was paralyzed in a surfing accident years ago. Billauer is a member of the ISA Adaptive Surfing Advisory Board and has been confirmed to compete in the event for Team USA.
Hurley Team Rider Jesse Billauer has been confirmed to compete at the first-ever ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship. Photo: Catherine Gregory
The 2015 ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship presented by Hurley and CAF will start on Thursday, September 24 with the ISA Adaptive Surfing Clinic. The event will officially commence with the Opening Ceremony that evening at Balboa Park in San Diego, CA at 5pm PT, including the Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony. The remainder of the event will take place as follows:
- Friday, Sept. 25 – Opening rounds of competition to begin at La Jolla Shores
- Saturday, Sept. 26 – Adaptive Surfing Symposium featuring keynote speakers about the future development of Adaptive Surfing at the CAF headquarters
- Sunday, Sept. 27 – Live webcast of Competition Finals at La Jolla Shores to culminate with the event’s Closing Ceremony
For more information, visit – ISA ADAPTIVE SURFING INFO
About International Surfing Association
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for Surfing, StandUp Paddle (SUP) Surfing and Racing and all other wave riding activities. The ISA has been crowning World Champions in surfing since 1964, with the ultimate mission to develop surfing globally. To learn more, visit www.isasurf.org.
About Hurley
Founded in Huntington Beach in 1999, Hurley is a surf lifestyle brand which designs, markets and distributes industry-leading apparel, footwear and accessories. Fueled by innovation, inclusion and empowerment of youth, Hurley is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nike Inc. with headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA and offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Barcelona and Bali. www.hurley.com www.facebook.com/hurley
About Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping people with physical challenges lead active, healthy lifestyles. CAF believes that participation in physical activity at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $64 million has been raised and over 11,000 funding requests from people with physical challenges in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. To learn more, visit challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.