Algeria & Madagascar Become Members of International Surfing Association

The International Surfing Association (ISA), pharm recognised by the IOC, announced today two new Member Federations, Algeria and Madagascar, have become the 85^th and 86^th countries to gain full Membership taking the number of ISA Members in Africa to 14 and further driving the expansion of the sport on this important continent.

The ISA’s global expansion, with a goal of reaching 100 Members during 2015, is part of an overall strategy to demonstrate the sport’s universality and appeal with the ultimate objective of inclusion in the Olympic Programme.

Djazair Surf Club Founder and President, B. Amine, said:: We are very excited to join the ISA. This is a big moment in the Algerian history and an amazing opportunity for us to attract a worldwide audience. We are excited to grow our club, our own surfing potential, and help more Surfers from all over the globe to explore our amazing waves – allowing for more surf tourism and the sharing of cultures.”

President of the Madagascar Yachting, Rowing, Canoeing, and Surfing Squadron Federation, Brice Jacobson Andrianirina, said: “Becoming a member of the ISA provides us with a great opportunity to increase participation amongst young people in our country while providing recognised training schools and ISA certified instructors to improve performance levels.  Alongside the boost in grassroots activity, this is also an opportunity for us to build a bridge between sport and the economy by increasing tourism levels in Madagascar. Our aim is to build an international Surfing hub that provides a link to the rest of the world.”

Fernando Aguerre, ISA President, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Algeria and Madagascar as full member nations of the ISA and our successful expansion into new markets shows the true universality of Surfing. Our growth must continue as we step up our plans for inclusion in the Olympic Games – during 2015 we aim to have more than 100 Member Federations and by 2020 we want to have 50 million people Surfing worldwide.”

“With the Agenda 2020 debate ongoing and the new, state-of-the art wave technology that is set to revolutionise our sport, we believe that now is the right time to spread our love of Surfing to all corners of the globe making our sport accessible to everyone regardless of their location or background.”