The BVI National Surfing Association was established in 2024 and has since become members of the International Surfing Association and the BVI Olympic Committee. Photo: BVI NSA

The inaugural BVI National Surfing Association Championships was held on December 21, 2024, at Apple Bay. Photo: BVI NSA

Top men surfers from the BVI National Surfing Association Championships held in December 2024. Photo: BVI NSA

Top 4 women surfers at the inaugural BVI National Surfing Association Championships 2024. Photo: BVI NSA

Established just last year, 2024, the NSA’s mission is to develop the sport of surfing in the Virgin Islands (VI). 

In a recent statement to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), the NSA, through its Secretary Mr Thomas C. Chapman shared that plans include sending a VI Surf Team to the 2025 World Surfing Games and the 2025 World Junior Surf Championships to be held later this year. 

The non-profit organisation aims to create opportunities for local surfers and those interested in pursuing a career in the sport. 

A successful 2024

In 2024, the NSA was accepted as a member of the International Surfing Association (ISA), the world governing body for surfing. 

The NSA also became a member of the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) at its Annual General Meeting in December 2024. 

“This opens up exciting prospects for local surfers, including the possibility of sending a team to the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles,” the NSA said in its statement. 

On December 21, 2024, the NSA held the 'BVI National Surfing Association Championships 2024’ at Apple Bay, marking a “historic milestone for the Territory’s surfing community”. 

In addition to being the first competition of its kind in the VI, it provided a unique opportunity to qualify for the BVI National Surf Team.

The competition showcased the VI’s rising surfing talent and was judged by three accredited ISA judges based in Puerto Rico, alongside a newly qualified VI surf judge. 

Competition Results

The results from the inaugural BVI National Surfing Association Championships are as follows: 

Men’s Closed (National Rankings for VI Nationals only)

• 1st – Rush Broderick
• 2nd – Oli Henderson
• 3rd – Danny Henderson
• 4th – Zebedee Bamford

Women’s Open

• 1st – Grace Brosnan
• 2nd – Ariella Oliver
• 3rd – Carol Schoonhoven
• 4th – Victoria Rowlette

Men’s Open 

• 1st – Rush Broderick
• 2nd – Wes Markin
• 3rd – Liam Brosnan
• 4th – Zebedee Bamford

Following the December 2024 Championships, the VI Surf Team for 2025 was selected from the top 4 finishers in the Men’s Closed Division and are Rush Broderick, Oli Henderson, Danny Henderson, and Zebedee Bamford. 

The surf association is now focusing on raising funds to send the 2025 surf team to the 2025 World Surfing Games and the 2025 World Junior Surf Championships. 

“The NSA is excited for what the future holds for surfing in the British Virgin Islands, and with the talent on display at this year’s championships, the territory is poised for even greater success in the years to come,” Mr Chapman added in the statement.