ABOUT US

Our Backstory

While bodysurfing has been around for ages and long considered the purest form of wave riding, the sport has historically lacked infrastructure and governing bodies.
  • In 2022, USA Bodysurfing was founded as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to grow the sport of bodysurfing in the United States.
  • In 2023, the International BodySurfing Association (IBSA) launched the inaugural BodySurfing World Tour. The tour includes a series of qualifying events across 5 global regions. The top ranked competitors from each region will compete in the inaugural World Tour Championships this summer in Oahu.

Our Vision

Bodysurfing is to swimming what cliff diving is to diving, what wingsuiting is to skydiving, what breakdancing is to dance and what BMX and mountain biking are to cycling. At USA Bodysurfing we aim to:
  • Elevate bodysurfing (extreme swimming) to a globally recognized sport combining art with aquatic athleticism.
  • Inspire youth to spend more time in the water, while promoting inclusivity and diversity in the sport.
  • Continue hosting North America’s elite contests.
  • Get bodysurfing added to the Olympics by the 2032 summer Olympics in Brisbane, Australia.

2024 Season

We are finalizing our 2024 contest schedule, but plan to have four USA Bodysurfing sanctioned contests in addition to our local meet-ups and youth outreach events.

2024 Contests:

  • Santa Cruz (January 2024)
  • Del Mar (October 2024)
2024 Season

Team USA

In addition to our 2024 USA Bodysurfing contests, the top 10 ranked men and 5 women will represent Team USA in the inaugural IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals this summer in Oahu.

Team USA

We're a Non-Profit

USA BodySurfing was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in 2022 to operate contests in co-location with USA Surfing events. USA BodySurfing will implement several of the guidelines used by surfing contests, including 4-person heats, priority system, and professional judges accredited by the ISA. Team standings and competitor rankings will be established and maintained for each contest.

The long term aspiration is to elevate bodysurfing to become a viable consideration for Olympic participation. USA BodySurfing will operate in compliance with standards established by the International BodySurfing Association.

USA Surfing is the ISA-recognized “National Governing Body for Surfing” in the United States. Surfing was included in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Greg Cruse, CEO of USA Surfing, is enthusiastic about the prospects for USA BodySurfing. “We have seen the progression of bodysurfing in recent years and impressed with the support of the bodysurfing community,” states Cruse in a news release. “We are happy to partner with USA BodySurfing to help promote this original form of surfing.”

The Team

Vince Askey (CEO)

  • Founder of USA BodySurfing
  • Co-founder of the International BodySurfing Association (2018) and IBSA Vite President of North America
  • USA Director of Sports Promotions International (1984- 2105)
  • A founder of the Australian Baseball League (1988)
✉️ Email Vince

Scotti Shafer (COO)

  • #1 ranked female bodysurfer in
    North America
  • Undergraduate and graduate degree from Stanford University
  • All-American collegiate water polo player and assistant coach at Stanford University
  • 15+ years of operational leadership experience

✉️ Email Scotti

Randy Gilkerson (Event Director)

  • Spearheaded the strategic alliance between USA Surfing and USA BodySurfing
  • Event Director for all USA
    Surfing events, some WSL, and some ISA events
  • Director of the Western
    Surfing Association

The operational costs for USA BodySurfing will be covered by individual donors, business sponsors, and entry fee income. All contributions are tax deductible. Please support USA BodySurfing by making your donation.