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World Surfing Games

The World Surfing Games is an annual international surfing event organised by International Surfing Association (ISA). In 2017 there were a record 47 nations competing, riding the wave of interest around the world following surfing being included in the Olympics. Non-traditional surfing nations such as Afghanistan, China, Chinese Taipei, Senegal, South Korea and Greece fielded teams for the first time in 2017. The previous record was set in 1996 when 36 nations attended the event held at Huntington Beach, USA.



The format of the World Surfing Games involves six surfers (four men and two women) representing their country. There are four titles awarded: Men's Individual, Women's Individual, National World Champion and Relay World Champion. Gold, silver, bronze and copper medals are awarded to the first four placegetters.

surfing

The opening ceremony includes an event called 'Sands of the World', an ISA creation and tradition in which every country pours sand from their home nation into a container to symbolize the peaceful gathering of nations of the world through surfing.

Evolution

A world championship type event for surfing has been held since 1964:

Hosts

Edition Year Host City Country
36 2024 Arecibo  Puerto Rico
35 2023 Surf City  El Salvador
34 2022 Huntington Beach  United States
33 2021 Surf City  El Salvador
32 2019 Miyazaki  Japan
31 2018 Tahara  Japan
30 2017 Biarritz  France
29 2016 Jacó  Costa Rica
28 2015 Popoyo  Nicaragua
27 2014 Punta Rocas  Peru
26 2013 Santa Catalina  Panama
25 2011 Pedasí  Panama
24 2010 Punta Hermosa  Peru
23 2009 Playa Hermosa  Costa Rica
22 2008 Costa de Caparica  Portugal
21 2006 Huntington Beach  United States
20 2004 Salinas  Ecuador
19 2002 Durban  South Africa
18 2000 Maracaípe  Brazil
17 1998 Lisbon  Portugal
16 1996 Huntington Beach  United States
15 1994 Rio de Janeiro  Brazil.
14 1992 Lacanau  France
13 1990 Chiba  Japan
12 1988 Aguadilla  Puerto Rico
11 1986 Newquay  United Kingdom
10 1984 Huntington Beach  United States
9 1982 Gold Coast  Australia
8 1980 Biarritz  France
7 1978 East London  South Africa
6 1972 San Diego  United States
5 1970 Torquay - Lorne - Johanna  Australia
4 1968 Rincón  Puerto Rico
3 1966 San Diego  United States
2 1965 Lima  Peru
1 1964 Manly  Australia


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Major Events Extra

The largest sporting event in the world is the Olympic Games, but there are many other multi-sport games. In terms of single sport events, nothing beats the FIFA World Cup. To see what's coming up, check out the calendar of major sporting events.

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