The 2024 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Masters Surfing Championship (WMSC) is set to gather the world’s best masters surfers in Surf City, El Salvador, on October 18-24, 2024.

Team South Africa is an experienced unit with decades of expertise. Best of luck to Gary Van Wieringen, Heather Clark, Tasha Mentasti, and Tyrell Johnson as they represent their country in Surf City, El Salvador. Photo © Sean Evans.

Here are 10 things you need to know about the competition.

1. International Masters Competition Is Back

Last held in 2013, the WMSC took place six times between 2007 and 2013, showcasing legendary surfers. Notable names who claimed Masters World Titles include two-time Gold Medalists Layne Beachley (AUS) and Sunny Garcia (HAW). This is the second time the WMSC is hosted in El Salvador, with Punta Roca being the venue in 2011.

2. Former Medalists Return

Thirteen former medalists will compete in El Salvador, headlined by Tom Curren (USA), the only surfer to win Gold in the Open, Junior, and Masters divisions at the ISA. Joining him are other champions: Rochelle Ballard (HAW), Mike Latronic (HAW), Heather Clark (RSA), and Rod Baldwin (AUS).

3. Record National Participation

Over 90 athletes from 28 national teams will compete for the prestigious Team Gold medals, surpassing the previous record set in 2012. Defending champions, Team Hawaii, include two former Gold Medalists, aiming to retain their title.

4. New National Teams

For the first time, national teams from Austria, Barbados, Canada, England, and Israel will compete in the WMSC.

5. The Divisions

The 2024 WMSC introduces new divisions for women and updated categories for men:

• Men’s and Women’s Masters (Over 40)
• Men’s and Women’s Grand Masters (Over 50)
• Men’s and Women’s Kahunas (Over 60)

6. Gender Equality

For the first time, women can compete in three divisions. Since 2017, the ISA has provided equal competition slots for women and men, promoting gender equality in surfing.

7. Where to Watch

Watch the live webcast from October 18–24 at www.isasurf.org, where results, team rosters, photos, videos, and news will be available.

8. Social Media

Get live updates, photos, and videos on the following platforms:

• Facebook: @ISAsurfing
• Instagram: @ISAsurfing
• Twitter: @ISAsurfing
• YouTube: @ISAsurfing
• TikTok: @isasurfing

9. Schedule

• Oct 17, 10am: Press Conference (Casa de Mar)
• Oct 18, 3pm: Opening Ceremony (Casa de Mar)
• Oct 19-24: Competition (El Sunzal)
• Oct 24: Closing Ceremony

10. The ISA and El Salvador

Surf City El Salvador has become a vital supporter of the ISA and a premier surfing destination, hosting its eighth major ISA event under the Surf City El Salvador title.

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Press Release Submitted By:

• Company Name: Surfing South Africa
• Contact Person: Craig Jarvis
• Contact Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Contact Number: 082 376 4443

Total Words: 611

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10 Things to Know About the 2024 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Masters Surfing Championship Starting Today

Surf’s up in El Salvador! Catch the world’s best masters surfers from Oct 18-24, 2024.
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