Easkey Britton, a female surfer from Ireland, played a key role in Surfing’s development in Iran.
Photo: I.R. Iran Surfing Association
The International Surfing Association (ISA) announced in a press release Thursday that they have welcome the Islamic Republic of Iran Surfing Association as the organization’s 100th member. The Iran Surfing Association is brand new, having been created earlier this year while the sport itself was only recently introduced here. In 2010 Ireland’s Easkey Britton visited, promoting the sport and introducing surfing to many of the locals for the first time.
“Witnessing the birth and rapid emergence of Surfing in Iran has shown me how the sport can be a unique lens to facilitate a deeper understanding of the world around us and each other,” Britton said. “Ultimately, it can be developed to create a space and opportunity for connection across cultures and a positive relationship with the marine environment.”
And since Britton brought surfing with her to Iran less than a decade ago the sport has grown in popularity, building to today’s announcement.
“This decision is rich in symbolism for us, both in terms of the milestone of recognizing the ISA’s 100th Member, but also in showing Surfing’s ability to help bring unity through sport,” ISA President Fernando Aguerre said.
The news comes with five key objectives set out by the ISA and the Iran Surfing Association, including holding educational courses and workshops to train instructors and judges as well as organizing local and national surfing competitions once uniform rules and regulations for the sport are set in Iran based on ISA rules.
“Surfing is not just a sport for the people of Iran, but a tool capable of uniting people of different cultures and backgrounds that highlights the values of hospitality, truthfulness and loyalty that define Iranian culture,” Iran Surfing Association President Alireza Rostami said. “Iran has 120km of ocean shoreline for Surfing, lots of lakes and rivers for paddleboarding and many young sports fans giving us great potential for the development of Surfing across the country.”
