Neither surfers nor coaches of Russian origin will be allowed to participate in International Surfing Association events, the organization announced yesterday in a press release.

“In line with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the ISA sanctions mean that no athletes or officials from Russia will be invited to participate in or attend ISA events until further notice. This action follows an earlier confirmation that the ISA will not consider hosting any ISA events in Russia for the foreseeable future,” the statement said.

The decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting held on February 28.

“The global surfing community is shocked and appalled by the appalling act of aggression by Russia and the role of Belarus in facilitating its invasion of Ukraine. We are unequivocal in our views on this crisis and stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. This is a human tragedy that requires all of us to take a firm stance and send a message that such violence will not be tolerated or forgotten,” the organization concluded, also reporting that it is already in contact with the Ukrainian surfing federation.

Russia has been a consistent participant in the ISA Open and Junior World Championships, having participated in 2021 in El Salvador, in 2019 in the Huntington Beach Junior Championships and that same year in Miyazaki.