PASA expressed its support for the ISA and its new criteria for LA 2028

“They believe this new model represents a firm step towards greater equity and true universality in sport,” they wrote in a statement.


February 23
|EN News
|POR DUKE

Cover photo: ISA/Franco 

The International Surfing Association received strong support today with a letter from the Pan American Surfing Association saying it “absolutely” supports the new Olympic surfing qualification criteria.

The PASA statement was published on its website and Instagram and primarily represents the 41 member countries of Panam Sports that have affiliated surfing federations.

These attributes of the new system stand out:

-It reinforces the mission of universality of the Olympic movement.
-It creates a level playing field for athletes.
-It promotes the development of surfing in emerging countries in this discipline.
-Recognizes the value of national federations and competitions organized under the ISA framework.

“As the governing body for surfing in the Americas, PASA believes this new model represents a firm step towards greater equity and true universality of the sport. The proposal strengthens the Olympic principle of equal opportunity, ensuring that athletes from different regions and sporting backgrounds can access the world's premier sporting event under fairer conditions,” the statement reads.

He adds: “For decades, the growth of surfing has become globalized, with significant development in multiple countries across the Americas that don't always have optimal opportunities. The new ranking system recognizes this reality and promotes more balanced representation among nations, expanding access through international and continental competitions.”

“We firmly believe that Olympic surfing should reflect the diversity and global reach of our sport. This system not only maintains a high competitive standard but also consolidates a more inclusive and sustainable path for future generations of surfers. The Pan American Surfing Association reaffirms its commitment to working alongside the ISA, national federations, and athletes across the continent to strengthen Pan American surfing and ensure that our representatives arrive in Los Angeles 2028 at the highest competitive level and under principles of fairness and transparency,” they conclude.

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