Adaptive surfer Alfonso Mendoza. Photo: Ernesto Borges
Surfing is about to have a new World Champion, and it’s not going to be Kelly Slater. This September, the International Surfing Association and the Challenged Athletes Foundation are teaming up to hold the first ever ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship in La Jolla, California.
With the popularity of inspirational athletes like Mike Coots growing, the four day celebration will raise awareness of what’s possible for adaptive athletes. The CAF will give 15 travel grants of $1,000 each to help competitors from all over the world travel to the contest.
“Our goals are to make the sport of Surfing more accessible to physically challenged surfers, offer a premier competitive opportunity for those surfers and to connect the international community of athletes with one another,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. In order to do this the ISA and CAF have events planned around the four day contest, including inspiration from elite adaptive and pro surfers. Speaking on the partnership between the two organizations, CAF Executive Director Virginia Tinley says “This can be the difference between getting into the game and being left of the sidelines.”
Editor’s Note: To learn more about the ISA Adaptive Surfing Championship held September 24-27, visit ISA Adaptive Surfing Info.
