Special coverage presented by Visit Huntington Beach - International Surfing Association - All photos by ISA/Sean Evans - Jersson Barboza 

184 surfers from 27 nations paraded through the streets of Huntington Beach yesterday and then took part in the Sands of the World ceremony, marking the start of the ISA World Para Surfing Championships.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre said: “I am very happy to see a record number of countries, participants, nations, competitors, everything. We are continuing to grow. You know we have great aspirations. Many years ago people told me: ‘Fernando, don’t waste your time. Olympic surfing will never happen.’ Well, I don’t think we have wasted our time.

“Now surfing is in its second Olympic cycle. And I want you to know that from day one we have been trying to get Para Surfing into the Paralympic Games. We tried to go to Tokyo, they said no. We tried to go to Paris, they said no. Now we are trying very hard for Los Angeles 2028. Para Surfing needs to be in the Paralympic Games. It is a sport that will bring energy, positivity and equality for everyone,” she added.

Below are some photos from the ceremony.