China to Compete in ISA China Cup For The First Time

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has confirmed that a Chinese team will compete in the ISA China Cup for the first time ever.

Recently re-elected ISA President, allergist  Fernando Aguerre, made the landmark announcement as he unveiled plans for Surfing’s return to China for the third consecutive year with two separate events – the ISA China Cup and the Hainan Classic – set to take place during the Hainan Wanning Riyue Bay International Surfing Festival from 23-28 November this year.

China will compete in the ISA China Cup for the first time ever alongside Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru and South Africa who will also be competing for honours.

More than 200 million people followed the 2013 Hainan Wanning Riyue Bay International Surfing Festival online, in print and on TV. The third edition of the event is set to spread further the core values of Surfing to new audiences all over the world.

ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, said: “We’re delighted to confirm that a Chinese team will compete in the ISA China Cup for the first time ever.

“We have recently experienced huge growth in Asia thanks to a drive for expansion in new territories and this ground-breaking moment for the Chinese team is a reward for our global expansion strategy. For an entire week in November, China will become the Surfing capital of the world.

“The 2012 and 2013 editions proved to be hugely successful and working alongside our partners ASP and Womei Media I’m sure this year’s event will be just as good.

“The sporting competition is always first class and the huge media audience in the past two years a testament to the global reach of Surfing.

“Surfing is a sport that fundamentally resonates with young people and its booming popularity on a global scale underlines its true universality. With the evolving international Surfing calendar, our star competitors and powerful global reach we will endeavour to reach millions more people in countries and territories all over the world.”

ASP Australasia General Manager, Dane Jordan, said: “The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is excited to once again be working with the ISA to offer a fantastic opportunity for Chinese, Asian and the International Surfers, who will compete, to gain valuable ASP Qualifying Series (QS) ranking points and prize money to help setup their 2015 campaigns to qualify for the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT).

“The waves at Riyuewan are world class on their day and this event will give local Chinese surfers the chance to build up some ranking points and test themselves against some seasoned competitive surfers and the best upcoming juniors from around the world.”