Official Course Organizers & Presenters

Profile Q&A:

Profile Q&A:

Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?Australia and Australasia

How many years have you been surfing and judging?Surfing for 35 years and Judging for at least 25 years.

Why the decision to become a Judge?Judging was a natural choice for me, it was a way for me to give back and stay involved with the sport and lifestyle that is such a big part of my life. Being a judge involves a high level of passion and commitment and a belief, that reflects the true values of being a good person – honesty, integrity and tolerance.

What are your goals in respects to judging?15 years ago I realised that there were no development programs of any quality, anywhere. I wanted to create a global judging development program and a network which would reflect the quality and credibility of what is truly needed in judging and at every surfing contest in every country. I know that I cannot do this alone and being involved with the ISA and with the global network of like minded friends and judges we will all achieve this goal together.

What are your favorite surf breaks?Palm Beach, Currumbin Alley Point and Angourie Point.

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?I love playing golf with my mates, cooking and hanging out with friends and family.

Any other comments that might help promote the ISA Judging and Development Programs?Get involved! Our sport needs teachers and mentors in every aspect, take some responsibility and leave a legacy for the benefit of the future of surfing in your country.

Profile Q&A:

Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?The Caribbean region: Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados.

How many years have you been surfing and judging?38 years surfing & 23 years judging.

Why the decision to become a Judge?For the love of the sport.

What are your goals in respects to judging?To continue to educate by presenting the ISA Judging & Officiating Courses.

What are your favorite surf breaks?Soup Bowl, Barbados.

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?My work is my other hobby. I am a boat captain, and I sail a luxury catamaran along the west coast of Barbados.

Any other comments that might help promote the ISA Judging and Development Programs?I love what the ISA is doing and will continue to work with them towards a better surfing future.

Profile Q&A:

Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?Brazil and other Portuguese speaking Countries.

How many years have you been surfing and judging?Surfing for 40 years and Judging for 28 years.

Why the decision to become a Judge?I decided to become a surfing judge even before I started competing (two times amateur state champion), as I used to spend most of my time at the beach just watching the surf and commenting to my friends about the performance of the other surfers. Of course, in order to become a Judge of any sport you have to have a sense of justice and honesty among other qualities. When I realized I already possessed the basic principles to help the sport I love grow, I decided to immerse myself into one of the hardest professions of any sport, to be a judge, and a good one.

What are your goals in respects to judging?I have many goals, one of which is to help surfing judges all over the world to be recognized by their governments as professionals and thus reaping the benefits of this. The other is to participate in the Olympic Games representing my sport. That’s why I fully support the work that’s been done by the ISA; my biggest goal is to see it happen, and I would like to promote this all around the world. I know too that it cannot be done individually, and paraphrasing Glen Elliot (ISA Judging and Officiating Coordinator), being involved with the ISA and their global network of like minded people will help us to achieve this goal faster.

What are your favorite surf breaks?Praia da Joaquina (BRA), Wilderness (PR), Puerto Viejo (PE)

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?Like any other Brazilian, I play soccer, but traveling and meeting people is my real hobby and passion. I love this almost as much as hanging out with the family.

Any other comments that might help promote the ISA Judging and Development Programs?The common element of every successful sport has been to develop a strong and organized judging program. Now it’s time for Surfing to take its place on the global sporting stage. The ISA works to ensure that surfers can stand next to the most respected organized sports in the world. Be a part of it!!!

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Profile Q&A:

Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?Costa Rica and Central América

How many years have you been surfing and judging?Surfing for 17 years and Judging for at least 8 years.

Why the decision to become a Judge?I know that to develop high surfing levels in my country, much depends on the level of professionalism, ethics, honesty and experience of the judges. I love to be one of those responsible for the high level of surfing in my country and I love to see the surfers who deserve to win, because they surf the best and get the trophy.

What are your goals in respects to judging?Get the maximum level of knowledge and experience to be one of the top head judges and travel around the world doing this. And help the most I can the surf community to grow professionally, in my home Costa Rica and Central America, in all aspects.

What are your favorite surf breaks?Playa Hermosa-Jaco and Playa Negra-Guanacaste.

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?Share the Bible, Outrigger Canoe, Fishing, Soccer…I love to love my family and friends.

Any other comments that might help promote the ISA Judging and Development Programs?This is a great program for everybody involved in the modern surfing world, it gives an academic and scientific approach to surfing maneuvers and other important details and rules of our sport. Besides forming and certifying judges and officials, it is one of the most important investments for those who want to develop the best level and knowledge in competitive surfing, Whether you are a beach marshal, a judge, a competitor, a coach, parent, a sponsor… Want to learn? Come and join us for a course! ??Pura Vida!!!

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Profile Q&A:

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Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?Europe / Great Britain

How many years have you been surfing and judging?40+ years surfing and 7 years judging.

Why the decision to become a Judge?I began my professional career as a PE teacher and I have been involved in ‘judging’ sports for many years. I started with the floor and vault disciplines in gymnastics for both men and women which lasted for 10 years. My passion for surfing has continued from the time I caught my first wave at the age of eight and remains a major part of my family lifestyle. A desire to remain involved with the sport at the top level led me to the judging chair.

What are your goals in respects to judging??I wish to be involved with an organization that continues to raise the standards of officiating in the UK and enable all judges to develop their skills and progress from local club contests to national pro/am events. I wish to be involved in the development of competitive surfing at the progressive edge of the sport as limits are pushed and boundaries demolished.

What are your favorite surf breaks?Some of the Moroccan Point Breaks, Bali, Indonesia and Saunton, North Devon,UK.

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?Rugby Football, travelling, music and walking my dogs.

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Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?MEXICO

How many years have you been surfing and judging?30 años de surfear 17 años de juecear 30 years surfing 17 years judging

Why the decision to become a Judge?A principios de los años 90´s organizamos el primer torneo de surf en cancun necesitabamos. JUECES asi que investigamos, nos informamos, preparamos y empezamos a juecear. In the early 90's we organized the first surfing contest in cancun we needed judges for that porpuses, so we investigated, we learn, prepare and started working in that matter.

What are your goals in respects to judging?Aportar los conocimientos y ejecutar el criterio de jueceo al pie de la letra para mejorar el surfing competitivo mexicano, hacer de esto una profecion, disfrutar todas las finales de todos los torneos de surf en todo MEXICO con los colegas, amigos y hermanos. Provide knowledge and execute the judging criteria by the book to improve Mexican competitive surfing, making this a proffesion and enjoy all the finals of all tournaments in MEXICO surounded with colleagues, friends and brothers.

What are your favorite surf breaks?Playa delfines (el mirador) cancun mexico

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?Lectura que aporte conocimiento interior

Any other comments that might help promote the ISA Judging and Development Programs?ISA tiene que ofrecer un procedimiento para que en un futuro los jueces y oficiales certificados puedan practicar y juecear en los eventos de isa esto seria muy motivante y daria reconocimiento al esfuerzo e interes por ser mejores jueces y oficiales de surf. buenas olas hermanos aloha ISA must provide a procedure for futur, were certifide judges and officials could to practice in ISA events. This would be very motivating and would give recognition to the effort and interest of mexican judges in order to have better judges and officers in surfing. good waves aloha brothers

Profile Q&A:

Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?New Zealand

How many years have you been surfing and judging?28 years surfing, 19 years judging.

Why the decision to become a Judge?Originally qualified whilst competing on the ASP WLT to learn the criteria, now I want to use my experience to ensure we get the right result and the best surfer of the day wins the event.

What are your goals in respects to judging?To become a respected judge on the world circuit.

What are your favorite surf breaks?Telos Islands, Indonesia.

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?Snowboarding, fishing, squash, travel and beer tasting.

Any other comments that might help promote the ISA Judging and Development Programs?Lee worked as a Trainer/Assessor for the British Surfing Association delivering coaching accreditation courses before moving to New Zealand in 2006. He ran a very successful one to one coaching business in the UK and has written an instructional book on longboard surfing –“A Shortcut to Longboarding.” He now passes on his vast experience through his work as the Development Manager for Surfing NZ. Lee has been surfing for 28 years and has numerous titles to his name including 9 British National Longboard titles. Although equally comfortable riding both short and longboards he concentrated on competing on the ASP World Longboard Tour (WLT) for the last 12 years, finishing 9th at the Oxbow World Longboard Champs in Raglan in 2004. He has now hung up his contest singlet and concentrates on the officiating side of the sport. Lee is the head Judge for the majority of events in NZ including the popular Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour. He has also judged the ISA World Games at Piha, NZ in 2010 as well as a number of ASP events including the 2009 World Longboarding Championships in the Maldives, the 2010 Pro Junior in Tahiti and the 2010 Women’s World Tour event in Tarankai.

Profile Q&A:

Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?Panama, Republic of Panama

How many years have you been surfing and judging?I have been surfing for 27 years and judging and officiating for the last 17 years.

Why the decision to become a Judge?As a Law student first then as a Lawyer I've always been linked to the rules and procedure that govern the different aspects of our lives, so you could say it was natural. But, on the other hand, despite of my passion for surfing, I had never truly dedicated the time needed to stand out in the competitive area, so I thought that in the technical area as judge it would be the best way of being kept involved with the sport, and it was.

What are your goals in respects to judging?Our goal is to learn everything about the best technics in international judging and officiating and being a multiplier factor to all of our Panamanian brothers and sister in surf (kids, competitors, managers, parents, authorities, etc.)

What are your favorite surf breaks?Venao Beach, (I grow my surfing skills there) and Teta Point, both in Panama.

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?Informal circles of discussion (politics, laws, sports, philosophy, doctrine, etc.), and hanging out with my family and friends.

Any other comments that might help promote the ISA Judging and Development Programs?WORK TOGETHER AS A FUNCTIONAL FAMILY! That’s the key factor. If you can project harmony to the others, you will manage to stimulate and fill them with enthusiasm to be part of it.

Profile Q&A:

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.

Profile Q&A:

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 41 years, judging for the last 23 years, Head Judging for the last 17 years.

Why the decision to become a Judge?I started in Italy. I went there to work and I was one of the oldest surfers there. They asked me to judge a contest, after I run a course at an ISA World Event and I never stopped.

What are your goals in respects to judging?Continue preparing new judges, Head Judges and Contest Directors in Latin America for many years more.

What are your favorite surf breaks?At the moment Lobitos and Puerto Viejo. For many years before Punta Rocas.

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?Reading

Any other comments that might help promote the ISA Judging and Development Programs?Judging surfing contest is always a challenge and you neves knows wnen could be a very useful job for you.

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Profile Q&A:

Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?South Africa

How many years have you been surfing and judging?I started surfing in 1971. I also competed in several National surfing champs. I became involved with judging in 1975, but became very committed since 1997.

Why the decision to become a Judge?I HAVE A LOVE FOR SURFING AND AM VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT JUDGING. I AM GIVING BACK TO THE SPORT THAT HAS GIVEN ME SO MUCH OVER THE YEARS. I ENJOY WORKING WITH THE JUDGING PANEL, MEETING AND MAKING NEW FRIENDS. I WAS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF ASRO (ASSOCIATION OF SURF RIDING OFFICIALS) 1997 – 2007, THIS WAS AN ORGANISATION THAT ALL JUDGING OFFICIALS BELONGED TO. HERE WE DEVELOPED AND TRAINED ASPIRING JUDGES AND HIRED OUT THE JUDGING PANEL FOR SURFING EVENTS.

What are your goals in respects to judging?To identify and develop judges who show a passion and commitment to judging. To make our sport of surfing to be world class.

What are your favorite surf breaks?NAHOON REEF & SEAL POINT.

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?FISHING AND SHELL COLLECTING

Any other comments that might help promote the ISA Judging and Development Programs?All ISA Members should insist that all surfing judges are ISA accredited. Every Member should buy into this Program, this will contribute to our sport being world class.

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Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?Thailand, Maldives, Sri Lanka

How many years have you been surfing and judging?I have been surfing 50 years and been involved in Surf Administration since 1971

Why the decision to become a Judge?I am a level one and two surf coach

What are your goals in respects to judging?I would like to bring high level expertise to surfers around the world.

What are your favorite surf breaks?The Mentawais

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?For me it's surf only.

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Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?UK

How many years have you been surfing and judging?I’ve been surfing since 1976 and judging since 1988.

Why the decision to become a Judge?To develop the sport.

What are your goals in respects to judging?To ensure the athletes get the right scores.

What are your favorite surf breaks?Thurso, Anchor and Coombesgate

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?Cooking and fishing.

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Country and/or region where you present the ISA Judging Course?United States

How many years have you been surfing and judging?Surfing for 32 years and Judging for 18 years.

Why the decision to become a Judge?Evolution from being a competitor, wanting better judging for the competitors, guaranteed paycheck at the end of the event, and desire to travel.

What are your goals in respects to judging?Continue to evolve with the sport, give my best to the competitors and judges.

What are your favorite surf breaks?Jeffrey’s Bay, Red Bluff, and home in Oceanside and Saquarema.

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?No.

Any other comments that might help promote the ISA Judging and Development Programs?Fluent in English and Portuguese, Permanent Resident of Brazil, Retired after 14 years with ASP WCT/WQS

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