USA Surfing’s para surfers are the most inspiring, dedicated, and downright gnarly in the world. With an eye on repeating team Gold at next month’s ISA World Para Surfing Championship, these surf athletes have been putting in countless hours in the gym, in the water, and fine-tuning their nutrition, equipment and mental preparation.
They’ve assembled teams of dedicated support staff, friends, fans and family members to support the team’s strongest performances when they compete against the world’s best para surf athletes.
You can support them by learning more below, sharing this link and going to usasurfing.org/donate
USA Surfing’s Para Surf team is getting ready to defend their team Gold Medal at the 2022 International Surfing Association’s World Para Surfing Championship event in Pismo Beach, Calif.
The team was led by three Gold Medal performances from triple amputee veteran Jose Martinez from Apple Valley, Calif. in the Prone 2 division, Liv Stone of Oceanside in Stand 1, and Sarah Bettencourt from San Diego in Prone 1. Liv and Sarah are two-time world champs, winning individual Gold Medals in 2020 and 2021.
San Diego’s Ethan Kairer and Jesse Billauer of Pacific Palisades, Calif. won Silver Medals — Ethan in the Open Sit division and Jesse in Prone 2.
Barbie Pacheco of Valley Mills, Texas won the Bronze Medal in Visually Impaired 1.
Alana Nichols of Reno, Nev. and Katherine Beattie, Los Angeles, won Copper Medals — Alana the only woman in Open Sit and Katherine in Prone 1.
140-plus para surf athletes representing more than 25 countries are expected to compete for world titles. The athletes and their support teams have been putting in intense training hours and are fine-tuning their equipment to deliver peak performances.
December 6–11, 2022
Training to compete at such high levels requires the best resources and support, including coaching, training, physical therapy, board shaping, travel and accommodations. Please show your support at usasurfing.org/donate
There is a strong push for para surfing to make it’s Paralympic debut in the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Nine American para surfers made the podium last year — the strongest U.S. showing in the event’s history. They belong on that SoCal world stage!
