El Salvador: A Major Surf Destination
El Salvador has hosted nine major International Surfing Association events since 2019, supported by President Nayib Bukele who integrated surfing into his tourism strategy through the "Surf City" initiative.
ISA World Surfing Games
2021 Edition (May 29 - June 6)
- Locations: El Sunzal and La Bocana
- Participants: 256 surfers from 51 nations
- Olympic qualifications: Tokyo 2020
- Record: 121 women participants (47%)
- Team gold medal: France
2023 Edition (May 30 - June 7)
- Participants: 297 athletes from 64 nations
- Olympic qualifications: Paris 2024
- Highlight: Gabriel Medina (Brazil) with 8 consecutive victories
- Team gold medal: Peru
2025 Edition (September 5-14)
- Record participation: 297 surfers
- Olympians present: 22
- Dominant nation: Australia
Other Competitions
ISA World Longboard Championship
Held in 2023, 2024 and 2025 at El Sunzal (143 athletes in 2025).
ISA World Masters Championship 2024
October at El Sunzal.
ISA World Junior Championship
2022 and 2024 editions.
ISA World SUP Championship
2019 and 2025 editions.
Competition Spots
- El Sunzal: World-class point break, 3-8 foot waves
- La Bocana: Peak with fast and powerful waves
ISA Partnership
Unprecedented agreement signed January 2025 until 2027, guaranteeing annual and alternating competitions.
Statistics and Awards
Australia leads with 5 team gold medals. Record gender parity: 48% women in 2025.