No Borders Surf Crew at the ISA World Surfing Games 2025 in El Salvador
Manuel PaulitschIntroduction
ISA World Surfing Games 2025. El Salvador. Three athletes, one crew, one goal: to gain experience, build structures, and grow as a team. This event is an important part of our journey—not the end, but an important step.
Our riders
Manuel Paulitsch (left) - "Our team mom – already experienced in El Salvador and always ready to give advice."
Marlene Hüthmair (center) "Marlene surfs because she loves it – and that's exactly what she brings to the team."
Maria Lechleitner (right) “Discipline, structure and tactics – Maria doesn’t shy away from training to prepare herself perfectly.”
The journey & first impressions
After a long flight via Gran Canaria, Portugal, and Madrid to El Salvador, the classic routine begins: waiting for the skis. We spent two hours worrying about whether everything would arrive – then, by luck, they were there. Logistics taken care of.
We arrived about a week before the contest to check out the spots and do some practice sessions. During that first week, the atmosphere was still relaxed, the surfing community at ease. First impressions of the spot, first waves—just what you need to get into the mood.
The first team meeting was at the airport: Manuel and Marlene met there in person, and Maria joined them two days later. Together, we went on our first sessions at the spots. The conditions were similar to those we'd encounter later during the competition, though sometimes a bit warmer – perfect for preparation.
Besides the waves, there was another challenge: tropical heat, 30-degree water, and high humidity. The body had to acclimatize. The first two or three sessions felt almost like a bit of a shock before being able to perform despite the heat. The food and the surroundings were also new—all part of the learning process.
The closer the competition got, the more intense the action became. In the last two days before the contest, all 61 nations were present. The level of competition in the water was impressive.
Competition experiences
The heats at the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games are short, intense, and sometimes unpredictable. Two waves determine how many points you get, so you need to have a good strategy to make the most of your time in the water. Before the heats, there were always short discussions where we analyzed the lineup situation together and discussed how to approach that heat. Those who were in the heat had the entire team on the beach behind them with the flag.
After each heat, we met again, analyzed what went well, what didn't, and, of course, learned from each other. It's not just about the waves, but also about the processes surrounding them. Especially at international events, you notice how much logistics and organization go into it.
For some of us, it was our first international contest experience. And you notice the difference when someone already has more routine and thus a certain calmness, allowing them to focus more on the job. Athletes who regularly participate in contests get used to the pressure and nerves and can handle them more easily. So, it's very important to put yourself in these situations as often as possible. Every heat (especially at the beginning) is a little adrenaline rush, every wave a lesson.
At the end of the day, it's the team spirit that counts: being there together, celebrating together, learning together.
Highlights & special moments
One of the highlights of the ISA World Surfing Games is always the interaction. You meet teams and athletes you already know, while also getting to know new faces from all over the world. From Fiji to Poland, from South Africa to Hungary, every nation is represented. The vibe is unique.
We had many sessions with familiar crews, especially with the teams from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. At some point, the lineup almost felt like a Central European meet-up. Between heats, training sessions, and shared surf sessions, there's always time for a good chat, a coffee, or a shared dinner.
Besides the competition, we explored the country a bit, surfed new places, and ate together. These moments are just as important. No cameras, no pressure, just good waves, good food, and good people.
Photos & Multimedia
“No Borders Surf Crew – ISA World Surfing Games 2025, La Bocana, El Salvador.”
“Calm down before we start.”
“Precise, concentrated, focused – as always.”
"Smile after the surf"
“Between heats: strategy, support, recover.”
“Good food, good conversation, good crew.”
“The Best Team Support at the World Surfing Games 2025.”
Thanks & Sponsors
A huge thank you to everyone who supported us—whether through organizing, sponsoring, or simply by motivating us from home. Thanks to all our partners, the No Borders Surf Crew community, and everyone who has our backs so we can stay on the board.
A special thank you goes to our sponsors:
Closing words
Our participation in the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games was more than just a competition. It was another step toward the future—for us as a team, for the No Borders Surf Crew, and for everyone who believes surfing has no boundaries.
If you want to support us, get a shirt, follow us on Instagram, or tell others about our mission. Every bit of support helps us continue to build the Austrian surf team.
Stay tuned, stay stoked – No Borders Surf Crew.