Since its first inauguration as part of the ISA (International surfing association) in 2015, adaptive surfing has been growing quite a bit. A couple weeks ago, Nov. 29th-3rd of December, the best adaptive surfers competed in the Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship presented by Vissla, in San Diego, California. Over a hundred athletes coming from 25 differents countries have been taking part of the competition. This is 50% more inscriptions than the first year of the event.
Surfing is the most beautiful activity on earth and this event is a living proof that it’s for everyone. No matter if you surf on your feet, on your knees, seated or on your belly, no one can deny the blissful experience of sliding on a wave.
Since the event is growing every year, and surfing will now be part of the Olympics and Paralympics Games, the organisation also implemented a new Women’s category for more gender equality and separated athletes in different category. The competitors are divided as follows:
- AS-1 (Surfers who ride in a standing or kneeling position)
- AS-2 (Surfers who ride in a standing or kneeling position)
- AS-3 (Surfers who ride in a seated position on a wakeski)
- AS-4 (Surfers who ride in a prone position)
- AS-5 (Surfers who ride in a non-standing position and need assistance to paddle into waves)
- AS-VI (Surfers who have a visual impairment)
First women to be ever crowned champion in ISA world adaptive surfing: Alana Nichols (USA) (Below)
Surfer Pablo Martinez, Team Argentina, happy after his heat. (Visually impaired surfer) (Below)
Here’s Filipe Lima on one of the waves that got him is 3rd Gold Medal in the history of Adaptive Surfing. (Below)
Winners of 2016, Team Brazil kept their title for a second year in a row, proving everyone they could do it again in 2017.
It’s so inspirational for everyone to see the determination of all the competitors. With the growing popularity of the sport, these names are some to remember, because we’re not done being totally blown away by their skills and unique abilities. Let yourself be inspired by this incredible people, get out there and go SURFING! There’s no reason or excuse to not be!
Marie-Soleil
Lead Surf Instructor