Queens County surfer earns international scholarship

The member of Canada’s junior team has been awarded $1,200, which he plans to use to help fund his trip to the ISA World Junior Championships in Hossegor-Capbreton-Seignosse, France May 24-to-June 1.

This is Isaac’s second trip to the world championships and the third time he has qualified for Team Canada.

He said, “It’s a big one; the biggest one so far. I wasn’t expecting it.”

Only 20 athletes from 16 countries received the honour and are now officially designated ISA surfing ambassadors.

An ISA press release states, “They are also inspirational human beings, great surfers and students that want to succeed in the surfing world but at the same time, taking care of their studies.”

Isaac explained his grades at school were an important component of the competition. He also wrote an essay about what he wishes to achieve as a surfer and signed a declaration stating he would remain in school.

He said his surfing goals are, in summation, “To stay on the Canadian team until I’m too old and just place well in the world juniors. I want to get better.”

Academically, the Grade 10 student wants to become a radiologist after graduating high school.

He said the scholarship helps greatly as each member of Team Canada must raise at least $2,500 to go to the world championship.

Queens County is now well known in the Canadian surfing world. Also heading to the international competition from Queens County are Connor Marsh and Taylor Connolly.