Why Become a Member
The ISA is an integral element for the sport of surfing as we are the only association able to represent surfing on a global spectrum. ISA Member Nations are only recognized as the National Federation for surfing within their country due to their membership with the ISA. Without the ISA providing membership and recognition to an association, one can only be considered a promoter within a country. We are the only organization working towards global standardization of the sport and working towards expansion and exposure through our various development programs.
The list of benefits of becoming a National Governing Body (NGB) includes:
- Involvement in the surfing world at the international level
- Recognition by the IOC, through the ISA, as the only National Federation for the sport of surfing in your country
- Ability to participate in World-Class competitions against other top-tier athletes in over 55 countries
- Increased global visibility makes funds and sponsorships easier to obtain
- Increase your opportunity to receive government support
- Become a part of the movement to make Surfing an Olympic Sport
- Enhanced performance in both event Judging and Coaching
- Pathways for your athletes to be noted and excel on the global stage
- Opportunity to host internationally visible events and potentially drive tourism to your beaches
- A voice in the future of surfing
The ISA encourages new, developing and existing organizations to apply for ISA recognition to bring the sport of surfing and its disciplines to a higher level in your country. Membership to the ISA, the IOC recognized, World's Governing Authority for Surfing, will add essential value to your association, events and activities, and will be great motivation for surfing development in your nation. It will also be to your advantage when approaching the government and industry for recognition and financial support.
Also, one of the ISA's many objectives is working towards the inclusion of surfing in the Olympic Games and other continental and multi-sports events.
The ISA requests each of its NGB's help in the development of surfing worldwide. Do you have any contacts for surf organizations, surf shops or people interested in forming a NGB for surfing and bodyboarding in a country not already on ISA's list of member nations? The ISA would be grateful if you could take a moment to look through this list. If you have any contacts in any nation(s) not included in this list, please let the ISA know. The ISA wishes to establish contact with them, inform them about the ISA and its goals, guide them on NGB formation and what it means to be an ISA member.
The ISA would truly appreciate your help and any information/contacts you can give in this matter.
There are different categories of ISA membership. In 2002 the ISA created a new category for new, small and/or developing organizations wanting ISA recognition. This category is also appropriate for surfing organizations not yet able to send teams to ISA events, but wanting to be involved in other ISA programs.
If you have any questions about applying for ISA membership please do not hesitate to contact the ISA Headquarters at surf@isasurf.org.
We look forward to bringing you into the ISA family for a Better Surfing Future!
