ISA Press Release – The International Surfing Association (ISA) and the International Canoe Federation (ICF) have requested the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to mediate new discussions over the governance of StandUp Paddle (SUP).
SA President, Fernando Aguerre, said:
“We are pleased that the issue regarding the governance of SUP, a discipline that is very important for ISA, is now before CAS. As a committed member of the Olympic Family, we believe CAS is the appropriate forum to have this case heard fairly.
“The ISA welcomes the opportunity to put forward our position as the historical rightful custodian of SUP that can continue to best ensure the development of the sport and work in the interest of all SUP athletes worldwide.
“Under the guidance of the ISA for many years, both SUP Surfing and Racing disciplines have grown in popularity and professionalism – becoming one of the fastest growing water sports in the world.”
Triple SUP Racing World Champion (2013, 2014 & 2016), ISA Vice President and Chairman of the ISA Athletes’ Commission, Casper Steinfath, said:
“The ISA has been able to offer so much to SUP and our athletes – creating an international competitive platform, empowering national surfing federations to develop the sport worldwide and giving a voice to our discipline that can be heard by more people globally.
“The ISA World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship is a cornerstone in the Federation’s World Championship Series, and the first to feature complete gender equality. At the same time, the ISA’s global SUP coaching programmes have brought the sport to new surfing nations around the world such as Iran, The Gambia and Singapore.
“As an active professional SUP racing athlete, I look forward to this issue being addressed fairly and quickly.”
The ICF according to a statement published on Inside the Games:
“This is not a CAS arbitration matter.
Rather, it is two sporting Federations who share a good relationship amicably agreeing to further discussions.
The ICF is confident the situation can be resolved without the need for arbitration.”
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