Surf City Hosts ISA World Surfing Games
- The International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games are underway in El Salvador, and while customary surfing nations like Brazil, Australia, and the United States are expected to...
- The ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador, running this week, are the largest ever, featuring 297 surfers from 61 nations [ISA Official Preview].
- The Brazilians return to the 2025 ISA World Games as the reigning champions.
Uzbekistan’s Unexpected Rise in Surfing: A Potential Powerhouse?
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Published September 4, 2025, 19:24:00
The Surprising Emergence of Uzbek Surfing
The International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games are underway in El Salvador, and while customary surfing nations like Brazil, Australia, and the United States are expected to contend for the top spots, a new contender is generating buzz: Uzbekistan. This landlocked Central Asian nation, historically known for its rich cultural heritage and not its waves, is sending a team to the Games, sparking questions about its burgeoning surfing scene.
The ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador, running this week, are the largest ever, featuring 297 surfers from 61 nations [ISA Official Preview]. This unprecedented level of global participation underscores the sport’s growing accessibility and appeal. Uzbekistan’s presence is especially noteworthy, given its geographical constraints.
Brazil’s Reigning Champions and the 2025 Games
The Brazilians return to the 2025 ISA World Games as the reigning champions. At the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador, Gabriel Medina dominated, winning eight heats and the event title, securing Brazil a third surfing spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics at Teahupo’o [WSL Report on Medina’s Win]. Medina subsequently earned a gold medal at the 2024 Paris olympics [Paris 2024 Surfing Results].
The 2025 team includes Medina’s sister,Sophia Medina,alongside Lucas Silveira,Laura Raupp,and Michael Rodrigues. This marks the frist ISA World Games appearance for Sophia Medina, Lucas Silveira, and Laura Raupp. Rodrigues, however, is a veteran, returning to ISA competition for the first time since his victory at the 2013 ISA China Cup [ISA China Cup 2013 Event Page].
How is Uzbekistan Developing a Surfing Program?
Uzbekistan’s journey to the ISA World Surfing Games is a testament to dedicated individuals and innovative approaches. The country lacks a natural coastline, forcing surfers to seek out artificial wave pools and travel extensively for ocean experience. The Uzbekistan Surfing Federation (USF),established in 2022,has been instrumental in fostering the sport’s growth [Uzbekistan Surfing Federation Facebook Page].
the USF has focused on several key strategies:
- Wave Pool Access: Partnering with wave pool facilities in neighboring countries and, increasingly, within Uzbekistan itself.
- International Training: Sending athletes to train with established surfing programs in countries like Portugal and australia.
- Youth Development: Implementing grassroots programs to introduce surfing to young people.
- Building a National Team: identifying and nurturing talented surfers to represent Uzbekistan on the international stage.
Currently, Uzbekistan boasts at least two operational wave pools: one in Tashkent and another in Samarkand. These facilities provide crucial training opportunities for aspiring surfers. The USF is actively working to establish more wave pools throughout the country to further expand access to the sport.