Breaking: In move certain to exacerbate already tense geopolitical situation, Ukraine becomes 109th nation to join International Surfing Association!

The world is watching.

In a move that stunned politicians and journalists around the world, the International Surfing Association waded into the hottest geopolitical stew, yesterday, by announcing that Ukraine would be the 109th nation to join.

As Russia amasses its forces at the country’s eastern border, preparing for invasion, the ISA praised Ukraine’s many rivers and lakes which “provide ample opportunity to practice surfing and its various disciplines.”

The President of Ukraine Surfing Federation responded, “We are so happy to become a part of the ISA family. This is another important step on our way to developing surfing in Ukraine, not only as a cultural movement of like-minded people who found themselves in unity with the ocean, but also as an Olympic sport with a deep-rooted history. I am glad that now Ukrainian athletes who train both on our native waves of the Black Sea coast and outside Ukraine have the opportunity to participate in international competitions and proudly represent their country. I am sure, this step will give our athletes motivation to improve their skills and attract more young audiences to our sport and culture.”

While the ISA’s new tagline is “A Better World Through Surfing,” it is unlikely that Russia will be pleased. The current mess began when Ukraine tried to deepen ties with the European Union in 2013. I was in Kyiv weeks after the protests and wandered around the charred Maidan Square. Anti-Russian sentiment extremely high. Many checkpoints. Much mistrust.

The ISA will certainly be viewed as another “tangling alliance” pulling Ukraine past Europe all the way to La Jolla.

The situation will continue to be monitored and news reported as it develops.