
Representative of Team USA, Alana Nichols, finds a glassy wave at La Jolla Shores. Photo: ISA/Reynolds
LA JOLLA–Day one of competition of the 2015 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Adaptive Surfing Championship Presented by Challenged Athletes Foundation, Hurley, Stance and the City of San Diego was completed, as the global Adaptive Surfing community united at La Jolla Shores.
“In my next heat I get to surf with the guy who inspired me to get into Surfing in the first place, Alcino “Pirata” Neto. He was the first above knee amputee I’ve ever seen standing up on a surfboard.
“It was also great to meet Eric Welton. He started surfing after seeing pictures of me, which is what the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship is all about, to inspire other people.”
“The first round of competition was absolutely amazing! Seeing all of the athletes on the beach cheering and rooting for their country and the other countries was so inspirational,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre on the first day of the competition.
Every one of these athletes has a unique story that has led them to this ISA World Championship. It is a beautiful thing to see them in one place, forming new friendships and paving the road for the future growth and development of Adaptive Surfing around the world.”
The competition will resume on Sunday with the finals and closing ceremony.