2023 | VIANA DO CASTELO, PORTUGAL

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The 2023 Annual Meeting of the World Surf Cities Network (WSCN) took place between September 27th and 30th in the city of Viana do Castelo (Portugal), organized by the Surf Club of Viana and the Municipality of Viana do Castelo.

The sessions took place at the Pousada de Santa Luzia and the High Performance Surf Center (CAR Surf), bringing together representatives from member cities, universities, federations and surf organizations from four continents.

The meeting marked a decisive moment in the evolution of the WSCN, with the approval of the new statutes, the entry of new cities, and the consolidation of the international governance structure.

Network Expansion

During the official ceremony, the WSCN Awards 2023 were presented, recognizing the cities and individuals who have made the most significant contributions to the development of surfing and sustainability.

City of the Year: Viana do Castelo
Sustainability: Ericeira
Inclusion: Cisco Araña (Santos, Brazil)
Personality of the Year: João Zamith (Viana do Castelo)

Associated Events

The Annual Meeting coincided with several international initiatives integrated into the city's program:

Blue Surf Festival (September 28 – October 1)
European Week of Sport 2023;
Viana do Castelo – European City of Sport 2023;
Conference “Best Practices in Surfing” (brought together representatives and experts from WSCN member cities).

Conclusions and Legacy

The 2023 Annual Meeting was recognized as a historic milestone for the network, consolidating its institutional structure and cooperation between cities from four continents.

The meeting reinforced WSCN's vision as a global platform for innovation, inclusion, and sustainability related to surfing.

The closing ceremony included the unveiling of a sculpture by Luís Branco at the CAR Surf, symbolizing the union of surf cities, and a posthumous tribute to Pedro Martins de Lima, a pioneer of surfing in Portugal. Meeting Data