For the very first time in history, the Republic of Vanuatu is riding high on the international surf scene. In a powerful show of cultural pride and sporting ambition, Vanuatu has officially joined the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games—a milestone that brought tears of joy to islanders and earned a heartfelt tribute from ISA President Fernando Aguerre himself:
“Por primera vez viene la Isla de Vanuatu. Les hicimos homenaje.” “For the first time, the island of Vanuatu has come. We honored them.”
This isn’t just another sporting appearance—this is a statement.
Surfing Roots in the Pacific
Surfing has long been embedded in the spirit of island living across the Pacific. For Vanuatu—a nation of over 80 islands surrounded by powerful reef breaks and turquoise barrels—surfing is not just a sport, but a way of life. However, limited resources and lack of international exposure have historically kept ni-Vanuatu surfers out of global competitions.
Until now.
Vanuatu’s ISA Debut: 2025 El Salvador
From September 5 to 14, 2025, the world’s best surfers gathered in Surf City, El Salvador for the ISA World Surfing Games, competing on the famous waves of La Bocana and El Sunzal.
This year broke records with:
61 nations represented
297 surfers competing
And 2 new countries making their debut: Vanuatu 🇻🇺 and Angola 🇦🇴
For Vanuatu, this meant stepping onto the world stage, sharing the Pacific surf culture, and planting a flag among surfing giants like Australia, Brazil, and Japan.
A Moment of Honor
ISA President Fernando Aguerre acknowledged Vanuatu’s debut in his opening remarks, making sure the world paused to recognize what it meant for a small island nation to arrive on such a prestigious platform.
The ISA even organized a special tribute to Vanuatu, highlighting the nation’s cultural and oceanic connection—a gesture that resonated deeply with the ni-Vanuatu team and diaspora.
Building the Future of Surf in Vanuatu
This is more than a one-time event. It’s a signal of growth.
The Vanuatu Surfing Association (VSA), supported by local champions, volunteers, and regional surf partners, has been working behind the scenes to:
Train young surfers from Port Vila, Efate, and Tanna
Promote surf safety and environmental protection
Build partnerships to gain access to gear, coaching, and international competitions
With Vanuatu now officially recognized on the ISA platform, the door is open for:
Youth development programs
Surf tourism
Olympic pathways Yes, surfing is now an Olympic sport, and Vanuatu is officially in the mix.
Why It Matters
In a time when global attention often skips over small island nations, Vanuatu’s presence at the ISA WSG sends a powerful message:
“We are islanders. We are wave riders. And we belong here.”
It’s a win for every young surfer in Erakor, Mele, Lenakel, or Luganville who dreams of standing on the world stage with salt in their hair and freedom in their soul.
Follow the Journey
You can follow Vanuatu’s progress and surfing updates through:
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