The Undeniable Appeal of Para Surfing Soars to New Heights

It’s been a little over a month since the 2023 World Para Surfing Championships at Huntington Beach, California, a.k.a Surf City. The event was its biggest yet historically with 184 registered athletes from 27 nations. Furthermore, 62 of the athletes were women competitors. So what is it about Para Surfing that gives it its undeniable appeal? Let’s break it down for you so you can get a better glimpse at just why Para Surfing is reaching new heights in popularity on a local to international level.

9 Unique and Distinct Categories

Unlike most surf competitions which have male and female categories according to age groupings, Para Surfing categorizes competitors into 9 unique and distinct categories. These are determined by the perceived disability which challenges the surfer in the water. Consequently, male and females each compete within the nine categories. In some cases a category may include both male and females if there is a lack of competitors. The classifications, as determined by the ISA, are as follows: Sit (a.k.a. Waveski), Kneel, Stand 1, 2, and 3, Prone, Prone Assist, Vision 1, and Vision 2 (Partial vision).

There are two levels of classification: National Classification and International Classification. Athletes who are interested in competing at national and international events must be classified into a Para Surfing Sport Class. This is conducted by a certified International ISA Para Surfing Classifier. Accordingly, Classification sessions typically are conducted 1-2 days before the start of a surf event and require about 20-30 minutes per classification session.

The uniqueness of these distinct categories creates undeniable attraction to the sport of Para Surfing. If you have never watched a competition before, you need to experience at least one to see how each classification has an appeal of its own. Spectators are drawn not to the perceived disability of the surfer but rather overwhelmed by the abilities of the surfer.

Moreover, age is not a determining factor in the classifications which means a fifty plus surfer may be competing with a fourteen-year-old.

Para Surfers Have Distinct Stories

Whether you were born with a congenital disability or became disabled due to an accident, if you are a Para Surfer you have a distinct story. These individual stories inspire hope to overcome obstacles and challenge others to do the same. Surfing is the common denominator of Para Surfers who share the ocean’s playground to experience personal fulfillment. Additionally, for those who choose to compete, there are opportunities to achieve victory within your individual category.

If you are competing internationally, you also have the chance to earn points for your team. Because surfing is the bridge which brings so many Para Surfers together, it only follows that individuals have stronger empathy for others. As Team U.S.A. surfer and gold medalist Liv Stone has said, “The ocean doesn’t discriminate.” This statement implies that Para Surfers and other individuals often face inclusion issues, in sports and perhaps personal interactions.

New friendships are formed based on shared experiences and an understanding of the circumstances that had to be overcome. This results in mutual respect between athletes.

The Future is Bright for Para Surfing

With the recent success of the ISA WPSC this past November, the possibility of Para Surfing being included in the next Paralympics is pretty solid. As we stated in a previous article, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board confirmed that Para Surfing demonstrates the competitive viability and integrity of the sport. We knew this all along, didn’t we?

The LA28 will lead a process of evaluation of the impact of including Para Surfing to the Olympic lineup. Consequently, the process is expected to conclude, and the final program confirmed before the end of this year. That time is now, and we all wait with bated breath for the impending announcement.

However, if you are like me, you may be more of a soul surfer and a fan of Para Surfing not only because it is so amazing to watch. You may just enjoy the stoke of seeing others have the opportunity to experience the amazing benefits of the ocean. Equal access. Accessible beaches, which thanks to the work of many motivated individuals, are becoming more and more available.

In conclusion, the undeniable appeal of Para Surfing is much greater than the sum of its parts. The camaraderie, the stoke, the distinct classifications, the stories all contribute to the attraction of the sport. Being able to participate in nature’s playground with others, whether in a clinic, a local, national or international event or with friends at an accessible beach is priceless.

Some recommended organizations to contact for more information on how to become involved: Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals, Amp Surf, and Surf Adaptado CR. 

All photos by ISA as noted above from the ISA WPSC, Huntington Beach.