Para Surfing Denied Inclusion in Los Angeles Paralympics

The International Surfing Association recently received the news that para surfing will not be part of the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic program. Despite the disappointing decision, the ISA has vowed to continue its efforts.

Para Surfing, also known as adaptive surfing, is a form of the sport that enables people with physical disabilities to participate. Competitions have a number of events, designed to provide a high level of competition and a level playing field for athletes with a wide range of eligible impairments, from limb deficiency to vision impairment. The ISA has hosted an annual World Para Surfing Championship since 2015.

According to an ISA statement released June 12, the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee (LA28) decided not to propose Para Surfing for Paralympic Games inclusion as a new sport. The decision marks the end of a lengthy effort on the part of the ISA to see the sport in the Los Angeles games, after its previous bid  for Paris 2024 also fell short. However, the organization has now vowed to turn its efforts to the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane, Australia.

“We are, of course, disappointed in this news, but as surfers, when we miss a wave, we turn and paddle just as hard for the next one, and we will do the same now with the hope of seeing Para Surfing included in Brisbane in 2032,” said ISA President Fernando Aguirre in the statement.

“Para surfers are amazing athletes, full of hope and resilience in the face of life’s challenges,” he continued. “We take inspiration from their love of this sport, and reaffirm our commitment to them and to this sport. Just as was the case with Olympic surfing, we will continue to advocate and promote Para Surfing as being worthy of a place on the highest para-sport stage – the Paralympic Games.”

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