The newly established International Surfing Association medical commission has had its first virtual discussion on health measures for athletes during the pandemic ©Getty Images

The International Surfing Association’s (ISA) Medical Commission had its first virtual meeting recently to discuss key issues relating to health and safety within surfing during the pandemic.

The Commission was established last month, and Its first mission was to assess the COVID-19 countermeasures set to be in place at the World Surfing Games at Surf City in El Salvador, due to run from May 29 to June 6.

Chaired by Lee Rice of the United States and comprised of America's Chuck Davey, Thierry Durantel of France, Gonzalo Saldanha of Portugal and Austtralia’s Linda Hart, the Commission commended the actions and measurements that the ISA has set forth on a range of issues.

The topics discussed during the meeting included medical requirements, water quality standards, risk assessment, accident response and disaster relief at ISA World Championships; anti-doping protocol and procedures; COVID-19 countermeasures and medical services and the re-arranged Olympic Games in Tokyo, where the sport is due to make its Games debut.

The ISA Medical Commission will now review a number of operational plans related to the above points and is due to reconvene in early March.

Members of the newly established International Surfing Associiation medical commission gathered for their first online meeting to discuss safety measures for the impending World Surfing Games and Tokyo 2020 Olympics ©ISA
Members of the newly established International Surfing Associiation medical commission gathered for their first online meeting to discuss safety measures for the impending World Surfing Games and Tokyo 2020 Olympics ©ISA

ISA President Fernando Aguerre commented:  "We are really pleased to have this group of experts with diverse backgrounds and experiences advising the ISA on medical issue.

"Their valuable input and guidance is all the more essential now, as we prioritise athlete health and safety on our road to the World Surfing Games in El Salvador and the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

"Together, we are highly committed to creating proper health protocols, implement best practices and improve the overall medical framework to ensure the safest environments within ISA events and initiatives, as well as the Olympic Surfing competitions.

"I am greatly looking forward to working with this dedicated team to continue to improve and develop the health and safety standards within our sport."

Rice added: "I am impressed with the qualified, talented individuals that have been assembled for this commission and proud to lead as the chair.

"Today’s meeting was productive and beneficial for all members to get on the same page and to exchange their ideas and thoughts within their particular areas of expertise.

"I am confident that together we can truly impact the sport of Surfing and make a difference within the ISA network, the sport as a whole, and the Olympic Games."