Call for Applications: Surf Canada Board of Directors (Interim 2026)
Surf Canada is now accepting applications for interim positions on its Board of Directors. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of surfing in Canada during an important period of national growth for the sport.
Surf Canada is the nationally recognized governing body for surfing in Canada, affiliated with the International Surfing Association (ISA) and the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC). Our mission is to provide a surfer-run competitive platform for Canadian athletes, foster a positive image of competitive surfing in Canada, and provide the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging, developing, advancing, and administering the sport while producing champions.
Application Deadline
March 2, 2026
About the Opportunity
Serving on the Surf Canada Board is a meaningful leadership opportunity to help shape the future of surfing in Canada. As a federally recognized National Sport Organization, Surf Canada is committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism across its programs, leadership, and governance structures while fostering a safe and inclusive sport environment.
The organization currently operates with a Board of five Directors and is seeking up to four additional qualified individuals to serve in interim roles until the Annual General Meeting in September 2026. Following this period, successful appointees may stand for election for a full term in accordance with Surf Canada’s bylaws.
These are volunteer governance positions. Directors receive no remuneration but may be reimbursed for approved and reasonable expenses in line with Surf Canada policy. At this time, Surf Canada has a particular need to fill the Officer roles of Treasurer and Secretary. Applicants should indicate their interest in serving in one of these roles if elected by the Board.
Key Responsibilities
Board members are expected to act in the best interests of Surf Canada and its membership, provide strategic oversight and stewardship of the organization, ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and governance obligations, support Safe Sport and UCCMS awareness, implementation, and oversight, apply equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) principles in decision-making, participate actively in board meetings, committees, and strategic initiatives, and champion Surf Canada at national and international levels.
Skills and Experience Sought
Surf Canada is seeking candidates with governance experience and expertise in areas such as governance and policy development within sport, not-for-profit, or national sport organizations, Safe Sport literacy and athlete-centred decision-making, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) leadership, knowledge of the Canadian sport system and high-performance pathways, and understanding of data protection, digital risk, privacy, and responsible information management.
Professional experience in corporate legal or corporate risk, government relations including federal funding environments, issues management and communications, human resources leadership, and accounting, finance, or audit experience, particularly relevant for the Treasurer role, is highly valued.
Additional perspectives that strengthen the Board include leadership experience in sport, business, or community contexts, change management and organizational culture development, analytical skills to support organizational growth, and familiarity with surfing culture and industry. Candidates are not expected to have experience in all areas. Surf Canada aims to build a diverse, balanced, and competency-based governance team.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, be legally eligible to serve as a director of a not-for-profit organization in Canada, not be bankrupt or otherwise prohibited from serving as a director, and be willing to complete onboarding and ongoing governance education.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a current curriculum vitae or resume and a brief letter of interest of no more than one page outlining their motivation for serving on the Surf Canada Board, their relevant skills and experience, and their interest in serving as Treasurer, or Secretary if applicable.
Submission Email: administration@csasurfcanada.org
Subject Line: Surf Canada Board Application – [Your Full Name]
All application materials must be received no later than March 2, 2026.
For full eligibility details, role expectations, and official application instructions, please refer to the complete Call for Applications document.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the Surf Canada Board of Directors. Interim Directors will be appointed based on skills, experience, and alignment with governance needs.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Surf Canada is committed to building a Board that reflects diversity of thought, background, identity, and experience. Individuals from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Help Shape the Future of Surfing in Canada
This is an exciting opportunity to support the national growth of surfing, strengthen governance at a pivotal time, and contribute to a positive, inclusive environment for athletes and participants across the country. Qualified candidates who are passionate about sport leadership and governance are encouraged to apply before the March 2, 2026 deadline.
