Is Uzbekistan The Next Great Surfing Powerhouse?

"The ISA has confirmed Togo and Uzbekistan as its 118th and 119th national federation members. The federations are the 20th and 28th members to represent Africa and Asia, respectively, reflecting the continued depth of surfing’s reach into their continents"

Togo

Formally known as the Togolese Republic, Togo is a small, tropical country in West Africa, with a coastline of just 56km. While that coastline may not hold many waves, neighboring Ghana is home to plenty of waves and a thriving surf culture. Recently founded, the Fédération Togolaise de Surf (F.T. Surf) is working closely with the ISA to develop and grow surfing in Togo.

"Designated in the least developed countries group by the UN, the biggest challenge to the growth of the sport in Togo is the lack of surfing equipment in the country. Local surfers have borrowed equipment from travelers or received donated boards from NGOs such as Provide the Slide (Link) to try surfing, and there are now a handful of regular surfers in Togo. F.T. Surf has developed close relationships with the neighboring countries of Ghana and Benin, and will utilize those ties to further encourage local participation." - ISA

“Togo could transform surfing into a lever for sustainable development and openness to the world. Surfing also promotes values such as perseverance, respect and adaptability amongst young people. It will bring development of small businesses and international exposure with a positive image.” - Razak Gbadamassi, President of F.T. Surf

Uzbekistan

The most populous country in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is entirely landlocked and has no wave pools (at least not yet). The decision to join the ISA comes as part of a larger movement to develop athletics in Uzbekistan, the Federation of Surfing and Extreme Water Sports of Uzbekistan was founded to promote surfing, SUP surfing, and other sports for their citizens.

"For Uzbekistan, participating in ISA World Championships is a historic milestone. It symbolizes the beginning of a new era for our country in international water sports and inspires the younger generation to aim for great achievements on the world stage. This moment marks the start of a long journey, in which we aim to develop surfing on a national level, build infrastructure, and integrate surfing into sports education and youth programs." - Azizjon Khodjiev, Chairman of Federation of Surfing and Extreme Water Sports of Uzbekistan

They are hoping to field their first competitor(s) in upcoming ISA World Surfing Games. Additionally, the federation plans to establish a national calendar of competitions and events, expand its membership, and bring further awareness to surfing in Uzbekistan, as well as developing the Olympic pathway...could there be an Olympic Gold Medal Surfer from Uzbekistan? Not likely, but anything is possible.