The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing authority for surfing and all its waveriding disciplines, including bodyboard, kneeboard, longboard, tandem, skimboard and bodysurf. The ISA promotes its World Championship events as the true “Olympics” of the sport.[1]
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The ISA was originally named the International Surfing Federation (ISF) between 1964 and 1973. An Open Division World Championships has been contested biennially since 1964, a Junior World Championships since 1980, a Masters World Championships since 2007 and a Stand Up Paddle World Championship since 2011.[2]
The ISA only accepts membership from national governing bodies.[3]
Somewhat in line with the tradition of the Olympic Games a gold, silver, bronze and copper medals are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed athletes who compete for the honor to represent their country and national colors, in the true nature of surfing's aloha spirit and fair play.[4]