North Shore News Congratulations to the North Shore Community Land Trust who were presented with a certificate of recognition from the State Capital last month. The Certificate formally recognized the contributions
that North Shore Community Land Trust staff, board members, volunteers and supporters have made in the community over the years.
In part, the certificate reads: “Using funds from private donors and matching funds from state and federal agencies, North Shore Community Land Trust successfully saves valuable tracts of land from development, makes them available for public benefit, and drives community planning and restoration projects. … The Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii hereby honors and commends North Shore Community Land Trust for their tireless efforts and dedication to protecting these valuable lands by securing them for the benefit of generations yet to come.” Big congrats to the outgoing Executive Director Doug Cole who has worked for so long to protect our precious open spaces on the North Shore!
ISA WELCOMES NEW COUNTRIES TO INTERNATIONAL SURFING
The International Surfing Association (ISA) has welcomed the Oman Surfing Association and the Mongolian Surfing Federation as new Member Nations, bringing the International Federation’s total membership to 106 nations across all five continents. The addition of Oman and Mongolia highlights the ISA’s continued strategy to grow the sport of Surfing in all its disciplines across non-traditional surfing regions – and particularly in Asia ahead of the sport’s historic debut at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Earlier this month, Surfing was confirmed on the sports program for the 2020 Asian Beach Games, in Sanya, China, further evidence of the success of this growth strategy. The Oman Surfing Association has made big steps in the development of Surfing in the country, holding its first ever surf contest in August 2018. The association has established goals to further grow the sport, including gaining recognition from the ministry of sport, creating a membership program for Omani surfers, promoting the country as a surfing destination, and addressing environmental issues surrounding the country’s coastline. While Mongolia does not have access to the sea, ISA membership will create a platform to cater to disciplines that can be practiced on flat water, such as StandUp Paddle, or indoors with wave pool technology. With recognition from the Mongolian National Olympic Committee and ISA membership approval, the Mongolian Surfing Federation aims to now organize indoor surfing competitions, set up a network of surfing clubs throughout the country, collaborate with other ISA
Member Nations in Asia, encourage instructors to obtain ISA instructor certification, and promote the
sport on a national level through a media campaign.