ISA and Surf City El Salvador Confirm Historic Partnership Through 2027

Sport

21 January 2025

The International Surfing Association (ISA) and Surf City El Salvador have forged a landmark partnership, securing six major events in the Central American surfing paradise over the course of the next three years.

The unprecedented partnership, a first for the ISA, solidifies the continued support of the government of El Salvador while providing a guarantee of consistent event opportunities for national federations. Having previously hosted nine ISA events, Surf City El Salvador is now committing to a further six with options for more.

The agreement takes effect in 2025, with the two initial events consisting of:

● World Longboard Surfing Championship (WLSC) – April 25 – May 1, 2025

● World Surfing Games (WSG) – September 5-14, 2025

The WLSC will continue for each of the three years, while the WSG will alternate with the World Junior Surfing Championship in 2026. El Salvador have also the option to run the World Masters Surfing Championship during the period of the partnership, following the highly successful edition of the event last year.

Under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, El Salvador has significantly strengthened its position as a prime surfing destination, attracting surfers from all over the world to visit, live, and invest in while enjoying its world-class waves.

Recognizing the growth and development of the surf community within El Salvador, the ISA is dedicated to strengthening the capabilities of surf schools throughout the country through the implementation of the ISA Level I and Level II training and instruction programs. Additionally, national judges will be trained and certified through the ISA Judging Course.

As a part of this partnership, the ISA is proud to continue to support El Salvador in their efforts to promote Surf City worldwide.

El Salvador Tourism Minister, Morena Valdez, said:

Surf City El Salvador continues to grow internationally with long-term alliances with key world surfing organizations such as the ISA. We have built a strong working relationship and friendship with the ISA over the years, and this has helped position our world-class waves and expand the quality of our tourism services for surfing and for other national destinations. Our partnership with the ISA reflects the constant and sustainable transformation of El Salvador..

ISA President Fernando Aguerre said:

“This historic partnership is something that I am very proud of. The commitment of El Salvador to continue hosting ISA World Championships over the coming years means that national federations can strategize far in advance of how best to develop World Champions and Olympians, with El Salvador’s amazing surf at the center of those plans.

“Surfing has been a game-changer for tourism in El Salvador, and for very good reason. The endless waves that fill their stunning coastline are what occupy the dreams of surfers worldwide.

“We have worked very closely with President Bukele, Minister Valdez and the rest of the Salvadoran government, as well as with the incredible people of El Salvador, for many years already. I am so happy that our relationship will continue for many years to come.”