Scotland and Finland become latest ISA Member Federations as surfing continues Olympic drive

The ISA have announced Scotland and Finland as their latest Member Federations ©ISA

Scotland and Finland have been announced as the latest Member Federations of the International Surfing Association (ISA) as the sport continues its drive for Olympic inclusion.

The Scottish Surfing Federation (SSF) and the Finnish Stand Up Paddle and Surf Federation become the 95th and 96th members of the ISA respectively, joining a list of 17 nations who have become Member Federations since January 2014.

Adding a further two Member Federation forms part of the ISA’s strategy to continue the sport’s growth worldwide as surfing is vying to be part of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, along with baseball/softball, wrestling, cue sports, roller sports and karate.

“We’re delighted to welcome Scotland and Finland as our newest Member Federations,” ISA President Fernando Aguerre said.

“Surfing is a unique and modern blend of sport performance, style and culture infused with dynamic energy - making it especially relevant for young people.

“The ISA’s mission is to develop surfing globally and through the addition of these new ISA Member Nations we are able to spread the core values, excitement and vision that the sport represents.”

Image title — Finnish Stand Up Paddle and Surf Federation President Jari Laakso feels their addition to the ISA will prove beneficial for the sport in the future ©ISA

The SSF celebrate their 40th anniversary this year and President William Wilson claimed being a member of the ISA will allow Scottish surfing to continue to develop.

“ISA recognition provides the opportunity for the Scottish Surfing Federation to align with the wider sport development programs which the ISA fosters,” he said.

“In turn, this helps the SSF and Scotland to support the ISA with the global progression of surfing.

“Surfing in Scotland is pure; stripped of any pretence; for the love of the sport, the environment and the ocean.

“The sport is growing in popularity and a recent survey indicated that there are more than 10,000 surfers across Scotland.”

Finland, meanwhile, also harbour hopes that becoming an official part of the international surfing world can elevate them to greater heights, and the Finnish Stand Up Paddle and Surf Federation President Jari Laakso feels it marks a significant moment for the sport in his nation.

"Being formally recognised by the ISA will take surfing and SUP to a new level in Finland and it’s great to join the international surfing family," he said.

"Full ISA membership gives our young organisation the necessary tools to develop educational programmes for both surfing and SUP and it also provides us with a pathway to international competitions.”