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BIGGER FISH TO FRY Why didn't Surfing America send a USA Surf Team to the 2008 ISA Masters in Peru?

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By: Surfing America CEO and ISA VP Mike Gerard April 11, 2008 Why didn't Surfing America send a USA Surf Team to the 2008 ISA Masters in Peru? -- Danny Misken Surfline went to the source and got the skinny from Surfing America executive director Mike Gerard. Gerard also serves as vice president of the International Surfing Association. Here's what he had to say: Surfing America has come a long way in a very short time. And while a Masters program is viewed as important by some, our organization is working hard to improve existing programs and infrastructure--with its primary focus on the Junior program--before considering any expansion into Masters competition.

As a vice president of ISA, I probably have a greater interest than anyone does in the Surfing America family to encourage participation in ISA events. At this time, however, Surfing America's Board of Directors has determined that the ISA Masters is not relevant to the organization's full plate of short-term goals and objectives. The bottom line: Surfing America has bigger fish to fry. Surfing America currently sends teams to the ISA Juniors and the ISA World Games (both events are happening this year in Europe). Also, the Board just approved joining the Pan American Surfing Association (PASA) and fielding yet another junior team to the Pan American Junior Surfing Championships this November in Venezuela. This junior's program expansion strategy takes precedent over all others, as it is critical to Surfing America's top priority of attaining United States Olympic Committee recognition. When Surfing America took the reigns as the USA national governing body in 2004, the ISA Masters event did not exist. Since its inception last year, a small number of older surfers have enquired about representing the USA at the event. And--while most have offered to pay their own way or help organize the trip--it's safe to say that none of these individuals would qualify for the caliber of team that Surfing America will eventually send. Also, while funding the program does raise some challenges, Surfing America would never compromise the integrity of its programs by allowing inferior athletes to "buy their way onto the USA Surf Team." Surfing America would never compromise the integrity of its programs by allowing inferior athletes to "buy their way onto the USA Surf Team." -- Surfing America executive director and ISA VP Mike Gerard Regarding a Team selection process, a proposal is being discussed that would include accredited American athletes who have either 1) participated at the ASP World Tour level in the past; and/or 2) have previously represented our country in ISA events on an official US National Team. But even sending a team of this high caliber raises questions about the marketability of a USA Masters Surf Team. All current sponsors and financial backers of Surfing America are focused on the Junior program and the up and coming young Champions of tomorrow. The ISA Masters is simply not on their radar. Surfing America has proven it has the ability to create a well-planned, legitimate, and successful program of the highest standard. There is absolutely no question that Surfing America's success has contributed greatly to raising the profile of ISA in the United States today. Expanding into Masters programming is no exception. When the organization eventually does the ISA Masters, rest assured, Surfing America will do it right. SURFLINE HOME PAGE SURFNEWS ARCHIVE