The Professional Kiteboard Riders Association (PKRA) announced today that starting with the 2009 season, all PKRA events will be sanctioned by the International Surfing Association (ISA).
In a formal letter sent to PKRA President Mauricio Toscano and PKRA Vice President Paul Caswell, ISA President Fernando Aguerre expressed delight in welcoming the PKRA under its wing. In addition to being recognized as an association member, ISA also granted sanctioning to the PKRA World Tour events.
“This ISA recognition will further enhance PKRA’s solid footing in Professional Kitesurfing and we consider this as another step forward in further uplifting the level of the sport of kitesurfing worldwide,” said Toscano.
The ISA recognition will not only adjoin more professional value to the PKRA events and activities but it will also create a new level of confidence to event organizers as far as government support and industry recognition is concerned.
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing and all surf-riding activities, including short board, long board, body board, knee board, skim board, tow in and stand up paddle surfing. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world championships since 1964 and the Junior World Championships since 1980.
Since 2000, the Professional Kiteboard Riders Association (PKRA) has been in the forefront of professional kitesurfing, organizing world-class, professional kitesurfing events and the PKRA World Tour. Over the years of running professional kitesurfing events around the world, PKRA has developed a competition format largely with the input of the competitors, with a riders’ committee in charge of reviewing current competition rules and formats. PKRA membership includes some of the best National Kitesurfing Bodies in worldwide. Its headquarters is located in Maui, Hawaii. It is presided by PKRA President Mauricio Toscano.
[Source: PKRA]