As the sun sets on 2023, the Pan American Surfing Association (PASA) proudly looks back on a year overflowing with wave-crushing action, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of surfers across the Americas.

From the thrill of the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Championships to the camaraderie of the Pan American Surfing Games in Panama, and the historic participation of surfing in the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, 2023 has been a year where the Pan American surf scene truly rode the wave of success.

*ISA World Championships*:

Pan American surfers made their mark on the global stage at the ISA World Championships in Surf City, El Salvador. Team Peru emerged victorious in the team competition of the World Surfing Games, followed by Brazil in third place, Canada in sixth and Mexico in seventh.

Individual accolades were also celebrated, with surfers from across the Americas securing podium finishes. Mexico’s Alan Cleland and Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb took the Gold in the Men’s and Wome’s Divisions.

The ISA World Junior Championships saw the next generation of Pan American surfing talent shine, with young guns from across the Americas showcasing their skills and securing valuable experience on the international stage.

Team Brazil took the Gold and Team USA took the Silver in the teams competitions. Individually, in the U16 divisions Guilherme Lemos and Ryan Coelho from Brazil took the Boys Bronze and Copper Meldals and USA’s Lenea Mons and Eden Walla took the Girl’s Silver and Bronze Medals.

Brazil’s Ryan Kainalo took the Gold in the Boy’s U18 division and Nicaragua’s Candelaria Resano and USA’s Zoe Chait took Bronze and Copper respectively.

Longboarder Pan American Surfers also shined in this year’s edition of the World Longboard Championships, as Brazil and Peru took Silver and Bronze Team Medals, lead by the performances of Peru’s María Fernanda Reyes and Brazil’s Chloe Calmon in the Women’s division, Carlos Bahia in Men’s.

In StandUp Paddling World Championship in France, Lucia Cosoleto from Argentina and Max Torres from Puerto Rico took the Gold in the SUP Surfing division, leading the charge of the Pan American team.

ParaSurfing World Championships was highlighted by Team’s USA and Brazil Silver and Bronze Medals, along with Gold Medals won by Aaron Paulk (HAW), Aleli Medina (PUR), Davi Texeira (BRA), Victoria Feige (CAN), Rafael Lueders (BRA) and Roberto Pino (BRA).

*Pan American Surfing Games:*

Santa Catalina, in Panama, came alive with the energy and excitement of the Pan American Surfing Games, where surfers from 19 nations battled in eight divisions for continental glory, while seeking for their ticket to Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.

* Team Brazil reigned supreme, capturing four Golds in both Open Men’s and Women’s, also in Women’s Longboard and Men’s SUP Race divisions, proving their unwavering commitment to surfing excellence. Argentina, Peru and Canada followed closely behind, with impressive performances that solidified their positions as surfing powerhouses in the region.

* Beyond the competitive spirit, the Pan American Surfing Games fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among Pan American surfers, solidifying the bonds of friendship and sportsmanship that define the region’s surfing community.

*Surfing Santiago 2023 Pan American Games:*

* History was made during the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, marking a pivotal moment for the sport and its growing prominence in the region.

* Team Peru stood out taking a total of six medals, three of them Gold. USA also took three Gold medals.

* The inclusion of surfing in the Pan American Games not only provided a platform for Pan American surfers to shine on the continental stage, but also served as a catalyst for the sport’s continued growth and development in the region.

The Pan American Surfing Association celebrates a year of triumphs, challenges, and unwavering passion for the sport. The achievements of Pan American surfers at the ISA World Championships, the Pan American Surfing Games Panama, and the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games serve as a testament to the region’s vibrant surfing culture and its promising future.

Looking ahead, PASA is dedicated to fostering continued growth, inclusivity, and excellence in Pan American surfing, ensuring that the region continues to ride the wave of success in the years to come.