A newly founded body, the SLSA is based at the Bureh Beach Surf Club, a central hub for the sport in the African country which has an Atlantic coast. 

After joining the ISA, the organisation aims to implement a proper structure for surfing in Sierra Leone as well as organise the first-ever national Championships and increase the number of competitors.

Fernando Aguerre, ISA President, said: “Surfing has a thrilling nature and its unique inclusive culture makes it popular amongst people of all ages and backgrounds.

"We’re delighted to welcome the Sierra Leone Surfing Association to the ISA family as we continue to grow and develop the sport in Africa and around the world.

“By offering more opportunities to young people in different regions through increased access to equipment and a higher standard of training we can help to share the thrill and enjoyment of surfing and open the sport up to people who may have never considered participating before.

“As we are seeing in Sierra Leone, along with the excitement and energy surfing can bring it also has a unique capacity to bring people and communities together - helping to create social opportunities and economic growth.

"We will continue to harness the love and energy for surfing around the world as we continue in our campaign to make surfing an Olympic sport."

Surfing is hoping to be added to the Olympic programme at the Tokyo 2020 Games, after organisers in the Japanese capital put it forward for inclusion along with baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding and sport climbing.

"Being a member of the ISA will put Sierra Leone on the surfing map and we are proud to be part of something that shows the positive side of our country," said SLSA President Jahbez Benga.