Liberia is gearing up to host its first international surf games under the Liberia Surfing Association (LSA) in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County. The event will take place from May 23 to 28, 2024 under the theme “Surf to Rise.”
Speaking Thursday, April 18, 2024, Organizing Committee Member, Madam Robena Vincent said the African Surf Confederation is the International Surfing Association’s (ISA) recognized surfing confederation for the development of the sport on the continent, of which Liberia is a recognized member.
According to her the LSA is also recognized by Liberia Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Youth Sports since its formalization in 2018.
“Liberia Surfing Association have supported sporting competition and capacity building and engaged with Government officials to move the needle,” she said.
She said this event is pivotal towards the development of surfing and seeks to feature 60 world-class athletes from 12 countries, staffers of the African Surf Confederation, the International Surf Association estimating nearly 100 international visitors from the surf industry.
The event will solidify the market value for Liberia as a bonafide surf destination.
According to her, Robertsport has always been lauded as one of the top 10 point breaks in the world, and the country would not have been selected if it didn’t have the world class point breaks waves.
She this means the “world of surfing eyes” are now on Liberia and further cements Liberia’s significance as a top surf destination in the world.
The global surf tourism market is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6% from $9.5 billion in 2022 to 17.1 billion in 2032.
“What this means for Liberia is that we are now officially rated as a surf industry player, and in order to fully benefit from this multi-billion dollars, key actions such as this tour become critical events,” Madam Vincent said.
She applauded President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for giving them full support for the event as a major boost to surf tourism as part of his national agenda.
Madam Vincent called all Liberians to come on board by showing up in numbers, donating and sponsoring, and ensuring Liberia hosts a dynamic event which will include cultural performances, Surf competitions, Musical Artists, Liberian food, Tours of Robertsport, among others.
“We want to ensure that we continue to drive Community Based Tourism; therefore it is critical we work hand in hand with the county , this will also build their capacity in planning large scale events”, she said .
