2010 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship

Santa Catalina, Panama: August 27 - September 5

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UPDATE OF INFORMATION TO TEAMS (en español)

 Host Organizer: Surf Box
Sanctioned by the International Surfing Association

In true surfer spirit, the Panama ISA World Masters Surfing Championship has found the perfect location with ideal waves for ISA Masters Surfers.  This event update will help you to be prepared for the remote, cozy and isolated scene of Santa Catalina.

All of the information listed below is VERY IMPORTANT to review for this event. 

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

OFFICIAL INVITATION

Click here to review the Official Invitation sent to Teams.

EVENT SCHEDULE  

*Schedule is subject to change.  Contact the ISA to schedule your registration appointment.

TEAM SIZE

Team confirmation, payment, seeded competitor lists and all documentation must be finalized with the ISA by close of registration on 27 August 2010 to participate in the 2010 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship.  This event has a limit on the number of athletes permitted, so the ISA urges teams to register and finalize payment as soon as possible.  Competitors will be accepted on a first come first serve basis, register today to confirm your registration.

Maximum Team size is as follows:

• 2 Masters (Over 35)
• 2 Grand Masters (Over 40)
• 2 Kahunas (Over 45)
• 1 Grand Kahuna (Over 50)
• 1 Womens Master (Over 35)
• Alternates, Team Officials and Team Supporters at the discretion of team management

Ages are taken from January 1st in the year of participation.  A Master surfer must be 35 years and older on January 1, 2010 to compete in this year's event.

REGISTRATION FEES

The current rate for registration is USD$175 per registrant.  This rate is only available for all registration payments and documents received by the ISA prior to 19 August 2010.

• Teams will pay USD$175 per registrant if fees are received by end of day on 19 August 2010.
• Teams will pay USD$200 per registrant if fees are received between 20 and 26 August 2010.
• Teams will pay USD$200 per registrant plus a USD$25 late fee (USD$225 total) if fees are received onsite at event on the final day of registration, 27 August 2010.

Registration closes promptly at 6:00pm on Friday, 27 August.

The ISA will only accept USD$ during Team Registration and throughout the duration of the contest.  Please bring correct payment in USD$. No credit cards or checks for payments made at the contest.

Items to note: 

• Registration fees will be charged to each team member, manager, coach, translator, medical staff, media, as well as supporters and additional parties .
• All registrants must sign an Indemnity Form provided by the ISA.
• A surfer competing in more than one division is required to pay a Registration Fee for each division entered.
• Alternates must be identified and paid for prior to close of registration to be eligible for participation in the contest.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Registration will take place during the day on the 26th and 27th of August. Please review the ISA's registration requirements for all necessary forms and items that must be submitted.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country Representation
A competitor may only represent a country if he/she holds a passport or certified documents of citizenship declaring eligibility for a passport of that country. 

Passports & Visas
It is the responsibility of the athlete to review the necessary Visa Requirements for Panama.  Many countries have different regulations, and we urge you to check with your travel agent or your Foreign Affairs Department for requirements.

Packing List
In addition to the ISA Suggested Packing List, we are encouraging teams to bring the following items to the event's remote location:

-  Team Uniform to be worn during Opening Ceremony (respectfully requested by the local organizer)
-  Insect repellant
-  Footwear to climb over reef break
-  Flashlights
-  Umbrella and/or rain jacket (poncho)
-  Electrical Currency Converter.  Outlets are the same as the USA.  Electrical exchange is 240volt.

TEAM INSURANCE

The ISA strongly recommends that each team procures travel insurance for all of their participants.

The Event is providing a medical insurance that covers all medical matters, including sporting injuries that happen in Panama for Panama citizens, residents and temporary visitors. This will cover all participants traveling for the WMSC 2010 while in Panama. This coverage does not extend to medical care sought outside of the country. In an effort to protect your teams, the ISA recommends you consider securing personal travel insurance to cover any possible medical attention that may be needed upon returning to your home countries, or alternatively, be prepared to remain in Panama to receive proper treatment in full.

OPENING CEREMONY

By request of the Panama Tourism Department and our Host Organizers, teams are highly encouraged to participate in the Opening Ceremony with a Team Uniform.  A formal uniform or simple, matching shirt is acceptable.  Please respect this request by attending the ceremony prepared .

AIR TRAVEL

COPA Airlines has provided the Host Organizer with Discount Codes for travel of event participants for airfare and surf boards .  Please note reservations must be made by telephone to the COPA Call Center in order to use the code provided.  Click here for the details.

LODGING

Santa Catalina's quaint atmosphere provides limited accommodation options, and the Host Organizer has confirmed that lodging is now on reserve for teams. 

TEAMS MUST ARRANGE THEIR LODGING PRIOR TO FRIDAY, 30 JULY IN ORDER TO VERIFY AVAILABILITY IN THE TOWN OF SANTA CATALINA! As of 1 August, accommodations will no longer be reserved for teams and may be booked by the public.  Santa Catalina is a remote destination.  The next closest accommodation options are  approximately 1 – 2 hours drive away. 

The full list with contact details can be found HERE.  The Host encourages teams to coordinate accommodations directly with the vendor.

If teams need further assistance, please contact:
Mariangelica Lasso (Surf Box): mobile (507) 6614-9870, office: 396-4559/60/61/62
E-mail: mlasso@whitegroup.biz
Edificio Bolivar, Local #4 Planta Baja.
Calle 52 Oeste y Ave. Federico Boyd, Bella Vista. Ciudad de Panamá

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

To/From Airport:
The distance between the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City and Santa Catalina is about 5 hours by car or bus.  The host is coordinating options, free of charge, for teams travelling by bus to Santa Catalina. 

In order to request the provided bus transportation, teams must EMAIL THE FOLLOWING DETAILS TO panamaworldmasters@gmail.com BY 30 JULY:

-  Team Country
-  Quantity of Persons
-  Arrival Date and Time
-  Arrival Airline
-  Arrival Flight Number
-  Departure Date and Time
-  Departure Airline
-  Departure Flight Number

Rental Car:
Budget Rental Car has provided the Host Organizer with Discount options for of event participants.  Click here for the details.

Transportation to/from the airport is minimal.  The Host Organizer recommends teams utilize the provided bus transportation or rent vehicles.  Taxis or shuttle services are not preferred options.

Santa Catalina To/From Contest Site:
The distance between the town of Santa Catalina and the Contest Site is a mere 1-3 minute walk depending on the lodging chosen.   Due to the close proximity, shuttle transportation will not be available on competition days.

MEALS

The town of Santa Catalina is small and therefore some of the restaurants will most likely fill up quickly with visitors and teams from the event.  The nearest city of Santiago is about 2 hours away, and therefore teams need to prepare for meal options.  Service at the local restaurants may not be extremely fast with the large volume of people, so we urge you to be prepared.

Teams may also choose to purchase food in the larger cities of Panama City or Santiago prior to making their way to Santa Catalina.  Be sure to check with your selected lodging if a fully equipped kitchen is available.

PAYMENT DETAILS

IMPORTANT - A nation will not be allowed to compete if it has any outstanding dues payable to the ISA.

For Credit Card payments, pay through the ISA Store on the ISA website - "ISA Event Registration Fee".

For Onsite payment, the ISA will only accept US Dollars.

For Wire transfers, please contact the ISA for details.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN PANAMA!

• ISA Calendar
• ISA Event Press Releases
• ISA Event Resources

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