Team USA has named its squad for the upcoming 2016 ISA World Surfing Games ©Surfing America

Team USA has named its squad for the upcoming 2016 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games.

Brett Simpson will lead the charge for the Americans in the event, which takes place between August 6 and 14 at Playa Jacó in Costa Rica. 

The United States won team gold in 2009, the last time the event was held in the Central American country.

Representing Team USA in men's competition alongside Simpson are Kevin Schulz, Nolan Rapoza and Colt Ward.

Brett Simpson will be representing Team USA at the 2016 ISA World Surfing Games ©Getty Images
Brett Simpson will be representing Team USA at the 2016 ISA World Surfing Games ©Getty Images

Tia Blanco will represent the Americans in the open women's division, in search of a repeat individual gold medal performance.

Maddie Peterson will also represent Team USA in the women's division.

The competition could take place after surfing has become an Olympic sport.

The sport is one five hoping to be accepted for Tokyo 2020, after Japanese organisers recommended it for inclusion alongside baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding and sport climbing.

These nominations were then rubber-stamped by the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Executive Board with a final decision deferred to the ongoing IOC Session tomorrow.

It is widely expected that all five sports will be successful.