- WSL / ISA/Sean Evans
- WSL / ISA/Sean Evans

For the first time in the event's history, over 120 surfers are expected to participate at the 2018 Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship kicking off December 12-16 in La Jolla, CA.

The event was created to give surfers with physical challenges an opportunity to compete and display their talents in a Paralympic-style competition.

Trailer: Adaptive Surfers Unite
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Since it's inception in 2015, the ISA has worked to increase participation on a global scale year over year with 2018 being no different.

"Delivering a global platform and highlighting the talents of adaptive surfers worldwide is a great source of pride and a high priority for the ISA," said the ISA President Fernando Aguerre. "We are fully committed to the growth and development of Adaptive Surfing and our hard work has paid off as we have seen an explosion of the sport across all continents of the world."

ISA Adaptive Surfing: Alana Nichols
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2018 Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing competitor.

For the first time visually impaired women competitors will be involved in the event and 37 female competitors will earn team points for their nations. The first women's division was just introduced in 2017.

"We think that the sport's high-performance qualities and youth appeal would bring a new audience and wave of energy to the Paralympic Games," continued Aguerre. "We will continue pushing for its inclusion and working with the Paralympics to create a pathway that will help us achieve this goal."

ISA Adaptive Surfing: Spike Kane
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2018 Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing competitor.

Athlete participation has increased by 75% and countries participation by 40%. Many nations now hold National Championships of their own to select their National Teams to compete.

"Stance's support has also been instrumental in our ability to grow this event and the sport as a whole," said Aguerre. "It is an honor to have them as the Title Sponsor for the third consecutive year, demonstrating their commitment to these incredible, inspirational athletes."

ISA Adaptive Surfing: Felipe Lima
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2018 Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing competitor.

This year's Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship will be streamed live on isasurf.org.

Schedule:

Wednesday, December 12:
9:30am - 11:30am: Opening Ceremony at La Jolla Shores & Kellogg Park
1:00pm - 4:30pm: Start of Competition at La Jolla Shores
6:00pm - 8:30pm: Adaptive Surfing Symposium at La Jolla Shores Hotel

ISA Adaptive Surfing: Bruno Hansen
2:30
2018 Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing competitor.

Thursday, December 13-16
Competition at La Jolla Shores, 7:00am - 4:30pm

Sunday, December 16
Closing Ceremony at La Jolla Shores following the competition Finals

ISA Adaptive Surfing: Mike Coots
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2018 Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing competitor.

For more information visit www.isasurf.org. The event will be streamed live via the webpage Dec 12-16.

World Surf League
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