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February 25, 2013

THE 2013 ISA WORLD STANDUP PADDLE AND PADDLEBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP IS OFFICIALLY OPEN

ISA President Fernando Aguerre amongst the flags of the National Teams declared the 2013 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship officially open. Photo: ISA/Tweddle.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre amongst the flags of the National Teams declared the 2013 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship officially open. Photo: ISA/Tweddle.

23 National Delegations Marched Through the Streets of Miraflores in the Parade of Nations during the Opening Ceremony

The 2013 ISA World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship, was officially inaugurated this Sunday, February 24, 2013. In attendance were the 23 countries that traveled to Peru from every corner of the world. Local authorities, officials and hundreds of enthusiastic locals were witnesses to the start of the 2nd annual World Championship.

The National Delegations walked around Parque Kennedy, which is located at the heart of Miraflores, as hundreds of local spectators cheered them on. When arriving to the main stage, each flag bearer waving their national flag, poured sand from their local beach into a glass container symbolizing the peaceful gathering of nations through the love of surfing.

“This is a record in participation in the short history of this event. Last year we had 17 countries and this year we have 23 countries and over 150 competitors,” stated ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “I’ve been asked why we come back to Peru, and I said that we think about things and we need three elements to decide where we go, great waves, good logistic, and a great climate, not only for its weather, also for its people. Thanks Peru for receiving us for a fifth year in a row.”

23 nations paraded through the streets of the beautiful surf town Miraflores in Lima, Peru. Photo: ISA/Tweddle

23 nations paraded through the streets of the beautiful surf town Miraflores in Lima, Peru. Photo: ISA/Tweddle

Aguerre was joined at the Opening Ceremony by the Representative from the Municipality of Miraflores, Mrs. Patricia Delrio Jimenez de Olavide, Founder of the ISA and Legendary Peruvian Surfer, Eduardo Arena, Legendary Peruvian Surfer, Hector Velarde, President of the Peruvian Sports Institute Francisco Boza, President of FENTA (Peruvian National Surfing Federation), Carlos Neuhaus, and Event Organizer, Karin Sierralta.

“I’m glad that Miraflores is once again the host of a World Championship,” said Patricia Maria del Río Andrade, Mayor of Miraflores representative. “I know that last year, Peru placed fifth, I hope that this year it takes the Gold Medal. Either way, I wish the best of luck to all the participating countries. Welcome to all!”

After a showcase of the Peruvian culture, with the traditional national dance of “La Marinera Norteña,” President Aguerre officially declared open the 2013 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship open.

All the action starts tomorrow at 7:40am local time, with the daily Morning Show followed by the firsts Two Rounds of Men’s SUP Surfing and Round 1 of Women’s SUP Surfing.

Here is the schedule for the first day of the 2013 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship live webcast:

Monday, 7:40am Peru
Monday, 4:30am West Coast USA
Monday, 1:30pm Western Europe
Monday, 11:30pm Sydney, Australia
Calculate the time for all other areas

Follow all the action live here – http://www.isawsuppc.com

About the International Surfing Association
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the World Governing Authority for Surfing. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running the Open Division World Championship since 1964, the World Junior Surfing Championship since 1980, the World Masters Surfing Championship since 2007, the World Bodyboard Championship since 2011, the Hainan Wanning Riyue Bay International Surfing Festival in China, and the World Standup Paddle (SUP) and Paddleboard Championship beginning in 2012. The ISA also sanctions the World Kneeboard Titles and the World Tandem Surfing Championship, and will launch the World Longboard Championship in 2013. ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies of 73 countries on five continents. Its headquarters are located in La Jolla, California. It is presided over by Fernando Aguerre (Argentina), first elected President in 1994 in Rio de Janeiro and re-elected seven times since. The ISA’s four Vice-Presidents are Alan Atkins (AUS), Karín Sierralta (PER), Debbie Beacham (USA) and Layne Beachley (AUS).

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