International Surfing Association admits latest member nation ... Afghanistan

IT has no beaches. The only barrels are those on guns. But a devoted few in Afghanistan surf — and now they’ve received official recognition.

IT’S landlocked, mostly desert and the only barrels are those on the millions of guns in the hands of various warring groups.

But Afghanistan is the latest country to be making waves in the international surfing community.

In an interesting move, the International Surfing Association (ISA) — the international governing body for surfing — has added the landlocked country as their 82nd member.

To become a member, a country must have a surfing organisation that actively pursues and encourages the development of the sport.

In the case of Afghanistan, it was the Wave Riders Association of Afghanistan (WRAA) that has been promoting wave riding since 2012.

“By surfing, a sport which is associated with positive emotions and events, we want … to show Afghanistan in a different light,” the group writes on their Facebook page.

Wave Riders of Afghanistan president Afridun Amu says surfing will help positive emotions in his country.

“This beautiful, hospitable country has much more to offer than terror, oppression and suffering.”

The association’s president Afridun Amu said the membership offers an opportunity for Afghanistan surfers to meet and share their experiences with each other.

Fearless female Afghan skater struts her stuff

“More importantly, for our citizens and surfers, this provides the opportunity to take part in an international network, which strengthens the ties of Afghanistan’s role in the world community.

“Since that is possible with soccer, basketball, cricket and chess, we think it can be the case with surfing as well.”

The ISA president Fernando Aguerre said the association was proud to welcome the country as their newest member.

“Members of the Wave Riders Association of Afghanistan (WRAA) have brought together surfers from around the country to participate in a sport that brings them joy and a common bond,” he said in a press release.

Afridun Amu takes on the break ona recent trip to Morocco.

“While still in its infant stage, there are a lot of opportunities for surfers … in Afghanistan, and we are excited to provide them with tools so they can grow their existing surfing community and allow their surfers to compete on an international level.”

Their membership puts them, perhaps, in good company with some other countries that have a little-known surfing culture.

In particular, Hungary and Bulgaria stand out, but the presence of China and Russia also raises a few curious eyebrows.