Water is therapeutic – especially salt water. Despite any surfer’s theological stance, all maintain a saintly reverence and keen desire to fully understand the ocean. Regardless of this truth, surfers (as well as most people) can be rather exclusive – protecting “their” break or clique from those deemed unworthy. Out of the water, those with adaptive issues have to endure excruciating social and kinesthetic issues. In the water, however, and on top of whatever board can work, one can blissfully block out the chatter. No thinking, just instinct and reaction. Adaptive or not, they love to surf and – for the second year in a row – the International Surf Association (ISA) will be hosting the “Stance World Adaptive Surfing Championships” from Dec. 8 to 11. Fernando Aguerre, from Mar de Plata, Argentina, fell in love with surfing as a young child. When a military dictatorship banned surfing in his country 1976, he founded the first Argentinian National Surfing Association. In 1994, after having competed in several ISA events as a surfer, he was elected president of ISA. Currently based out of Bird Rock, Aguerre’s passion for surfing and the disenfranchised is tangible. Following a great deal of success and international excitement as seen from the inaugural competition, Aguerre aims to keep the event in California – where it all began. “You know, there was such a buzz following last year’s competition,” said Aguerre. “In a lot of places around the world, these athletes are viewed as second and third class citizens. California is different, however, and is why we chose to have the competition in La Jolla.” Aguerre further explained that athlete’s who participated in 2015 witnessed how U.S. society takes care of those with limitations and went back to their respective countries demanding equality. This year’s competition, which is sponsored by Stance surf socks, will entail roughly 80 entrants from over 22 countries. At last year’s event, there were about 60 surfers from 18 countries. A range of categories will be available in which to surf, as no two individuals are alike. Boards of various sizes, shapes and adaptive design will be seen at the competition. “We call it an ‘adaptive’ competition, not only for the athletes adapting their skills but also the creativity into the equipment they use,” said Aguerre. “As surfers, we are all constantly adapting. Once you catch a wave, you aren’t thinking. Instinct takes over then, and you forget about whatever stressors the day may have entailed. It truly is therapeutic.” Solace can be found in numbers, and that is ultimately a goal of ISA. While one may be discouraged regarding their functional capabilities, an event like this shows them that they aren’t the only one with a particular issue or limitation. They can talk with others who have endured similar difficulties or simply get out and be stoked on surfing. “My wife and I surfed the Shores today,” said Aguerre. “I heard a surfer speaking in Argentinian Spanish, with someone telling him when to go. He was blind, and another athlete was coaching him into a wave. That is truly why we host this event, to come together as humans and surfers.” For more pictures or information about ISA’s World Adaptive Surfing Championship, visit www.isaworlds.com.
