BVI Surfers Showcase Talent at Isa World
The British Virgin Islands national surf team, featuring Rush Broderick, Zebedee Bamford, and Teshawn Jones, made a significant impact at the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador. Despite fierce competition, the team's participation highlighted the growing talent in the territory's surfing scene.
The British Virgin Islands national surf team, comprised of Rush Broderick, Zebedee Bamford, and Teshawn Jones, recently represented the territory with distinction at the 2025 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games held from September 5 to 14. This marked the team's second appearance at the prestigious event, following their international debut at the 2024 ISA World Surfing Games in Puerto Rico.
Competing in the Men’s Open Division, the trio faced stiff competition from some of the world's best surfers. Bamford advanced to Heat 2 in Repechage 1 of Podium 2 but was narrowly eliminated in the final moments when an opponent caught a last-second wave to secure the necessary points to advance.
Jones showed promise by moving from Heat 5 to Repechage 2, where he placed fourth in Heat 3. Broderick, the reigning BVI National Surfing Champion, also advanced to Repechage 2 after a strong showing in the initial heats, finishing second behind Italy in Heat 24 before being edged out in Heat 23.
As of Day 5 of the competition, the BVI team had accrued 1,905 points, placing them 41st in the Men’s competition and 45th overall among 61 participating nations and 297 competitors. This performance, while not leading to podium finishes, showcased the BVI's growing presence and competitiveness on the international surfing stage.
The team's participation was supported by a dedicated delegation, including coaches Trevor Jones of the BVI and Antoine Allain of El Salvador, team manager Ben Bamford, and media and team development officer Alex Dick-Read. Their efforts underscore the territory's commitment to nurturing and promoting its athletes on the global stage.
This year's event in El Salvador, the 12th ISA World Championship hosted by the country and the third World Surfing Games, provided a valuable platform for the BVI surfers to gain international experience and exposure. With Broderick's qualification for the 2025 World Junior Surfing Championships in Peru later this year, the BVI's surfing prospects appear bright, promising further achievements and recognition for the territory's athletes on the world surfing circuit.
Primary source: JTV