The 2024 ISA World Para Surfing Championship has concluded in Huntington Beach, California, with inspiring performances from adaptive surfers across the globe. After a week of intense competition, the championship awarded gold medals to athletes from the USA, Chile, Japan, and France.
Among the standout performances was Cass Eckroth’s victory in the women’s sit division. The American surfer, who suffered a life-altering injury in 2021, clinched the gold medal, while her fellow Team USA member, Alana Nichols, took home the silver. Nichols had previously been unbeaten in the World Para Surfing Championship, but Eckroth’s victory marked a significant milestone in her career.
Eckroth, who was paralyzed from the waist down after a surfing accident in Maui, spoke with emotion after her win: “It’s just so incredible. The conditions out there were amazing. Alana is my biggest mentor—she got me into wave skiing and has coached me. Until now, she’s been my fiercest competitor. Beating her has been my goal for the past two years, so to be here right now is really exciting.”
In a historic moment for Chile, 19-year-old Catalina Castro made history by becoming the first Chilean woman to win an ISA world title in the Women’s Stand 1 division. Castro, who had earned multiple medals in previous competitions, expressed her joy after securing the gold: “I’ve been fighting for second and third place in recent years, but finally, after a long time, I’ve earned my first gold medal. I’m so happy to bring this victory to my country and my city.”
On the men’s side, France’s Guillaume Colin captured his first gold medal in the men’s Sit division, edging out Americans Chris Oberle (silver) and Jeff Munson (bronze). A veteran of the ISA World Para Surfing Championship, Colin reflected on the significance of his win: “This is my third time at the ISA, and it’s always so special to compete here with the French team and all the other nations. I’m proud to bring this gold home and contribute to the team’s success.”
Japan’s Shingo Kato triumphed in the competitive Stand 1 division, claiming the gold medal after a silver finish in 2023. Kato attributed his success to his positive mindset: “Last year, I earned silver, and when I came to Huntington this year, there were times when I struggled with the waves. A Japanese friend told me to just laugh and enjoy it, no matter what. I was able to win the gold by following that advice.”
The ISA World Para Surfing Championship, held on the iconic south side of the Huntington Pier, will continue through the weekend, with the men’s Visual Impairment 2 Final slated as the next event. With fierce competition and memorable moments, the world’s best adaptive surfers have once again demonstrated their resilience and determination.
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