As part of their membership, the Surfing Cook Islands Association have committed to the organising and promotion of regional and national competitions.

They have already revealed that the Association will host the Cook Islands Winter Open Body Boarding Championships in August and they also will arrange a Surfing Youth Camp.

The camp will aimed at encourage young people from around the islands to take up surfing, fulfilling the association’s pledge to surfing and standup paddle.

“Surfing Cook Islands Association is ecstatic to be confirmed as the 99th member of the International Surfing Association, said Falakiko Drollett, President of the national governing body.

“We look forward to the challenge of international level competition, gaining access to support in best practice through training and scholarship programmes for our youth, professionalising the association and to having a platform to voice our thoughts on the future of surfing in the international arena.

“Our Association is here to grow and develop surfing as a major sport in the Cook Islands and I’d like to express our appreciation to the ISA for granting our membership."

The Association will be required to cooperate with international surfing bodies, environmental organisations and marine focused national governing bodies, as part of the conditions of their membership.

They will also have the responsibility of selecting and prepare Cook Islands surf teams for international competitions.

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

Surfing Cook Islands have committed to support the ISA in its campaign for inclusion in the Olympic Games, as well as other major multisport events.

“We’re delighted to welcome Surfing Cook Islands to the ISA family as Surfing and SUP continue to grow and develop around the world,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre.

“Surfing’s culture and strong values help the sport to create lasting bonds, bringing communities together and creating social opportunities and economic growth - especially in remote island nations such as the Cook Islands.”