Online ReporterZIMBABWE has joined the International Surfing Association as a national federation member, becoming the 120th member of the ISA worldwide and the 21st from Africa. It is an unlikely surfing addition on paper. Zimbabwe has no coastline. But that’s precisely what makes the move significant.
The Zimbabwean federation will operate through the Rowing Association of Zimbabwe, an established national sporting body recognised by the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.
The International Surfing Association on Wednesday confirmed Zimbabwe’s federation as a member of ISA.
Zimbabwe thus becomes the 120th member country of the ISA and the 21st in Africa.
“Zimbabwe’s membership also has a notable connection to the Olympic movement. Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee and one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated athletes, served as ISA vice-president for several years, forging a significant link between Zimbabwe and the world of surfing,” the ISA statement explained.
With this membership, they hope the country will debut in the youth world championship that will take place in El Salvador, with Marcello Zedde.
“Although Zimbabwe has no direct access to the ocean, many Zimbabwean surfers live and compete abroad, training regularly in neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and South Africa. Furthermore, a river wave on the Zambezi River offers a unique opportunity to surf on home soil.
“The connection between Zimbabwe and the ISA was established through the efforts of Zimbabwean surfer Marcello Zedde and his father Mario, both based in South Africa, who sought a way for their home country to have representation on the international stage,” they added.
The surfer will be able to represent the country as a member of the Zimbabwe Rowing Association (RAZ).
“We welcome Zimbabwe with open arms and are excited to see Zimbabwean surfers representing their country on the international stage. The journey has just begun, and we can’t wait to see where it takes them,” said Fernando Aguerre.
Meanwhile, RAZ President Andrew Lorimer stated: “A sincere thank you to the International Surfing Association for allowing Zimbabwe, through the Zimbabwe Rowing Association, to become its 120th member and for the warm welcome to the global surfing family.”
The immediate goal for Zimbabwe is to send a team to the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, with Zimbabwean surfer Marcello Zedde expected to be among the country’s first international representatives.
Zedde and his father, Mario, helped establish a pathway for Zimbabwean surfers to compete under their national flag.
Based in South Africa, the pair have trained and competed throughout the region, while other Zimbabwean surfers regularly travel to neighbouring Mozambique and South Africa. T
here is even a river wave on the Zambezi offering a distinctly Zimbabwean version of home-field surfing.
