ISA Judging & Officiating Official Presenter
Name: Gaetano "Nino" Lauro
Nationality: Peruvian
E-mail address: ninolauroperu@gmail.com
Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?
Peru - Latin America
How many years have you been surfing and judging?
I have been surfing for the last 39 years and judging for the last 20 years.
Why the decision to become a Judge?
I had like two starts; the first one was approximately in 1979 because my university in Peru needed volunteers to work as judges in an internal event. I did not have a clue of what judging was. The second one was approximately in 1990 when I went back to Italy. I was one of the “oldest” surfers in Italy and the local association asked me to help as a judge in the local contests. I started and afterwards I went to the ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES in France in 1992 as the Italian Team Judge. While there, I took my first judging course, I loved the feeling of the event and the work itself and I never stopped. Approximately 9 years ago, after working for 14 years in the automotive industry and 12 years in the clothing surfing industry, I lost my job and at 46 it is very difficult to find another position. I talked with a specialized advisor and he told me to look at the abilities that are very specific to my knowledge. I realized that the world is full of lawyers, accountants’ engineers, but there are not really many surfing judges around the world. I became a full time professional judge and this allowed me to afford my family expenses during the last 8 years. I think that having acquired the judging skills years before was a gift of God.
What are your goals in respects to judging?
I have been devoted during the last 16 years preparing new judges and officials in Peru and all around Latin America. I am very proud to have motivated officials and federations to give the importance that this job deserves in countries such as Panama, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala among others. This job makes me feel good and useful, and furthermore, the fact of being surrounded by people in the open nature of many wild beaches all around the world keeps me alive. My goal is to continue making and promoting judging as many years as I can.
What are your favorite surf breaks?
Right now, my favorite breaks are Lobitos and Puerto Viejo in Peru and Malibu in Panama. For many years were Punta Rocas, Peñascal and Cabo Blanco in Peru.
Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?
I like reading and watching movies in the company of my wife and daughters.
Any other comments that might help promote the ISA Judging and Development Programs?
Being a surfing official does not make you popular among people, but can help kids of all conditions to find their way in life as good men. If you like challenges such as riding big waves or making strong vertical maneuvers, maybe you can find a whole life in this challenging activity.
