Experienced surfer, coach and judge Diego Naranjo will be the head judge for the first stop of the ALAS Pro Tour 2022.

Diego Naranjo, from Jacoba, tells us more about what he expects for this event and the responsibility it entails. He also gives us an initial idea of ​​what the judges will be looking for during the competition and other details to consider for judging this first ALAS stop.

As a Costa Rican and a surf lover, what do you think of this ALAS Pro Tour event?

ALAS events are always important because they help Latin American surfers gain experience as they look to develop a professional career, and ALAS is a great platform to take those first steps, allowing surfers to compete before venturing into WSL events. In addition, there are good cash prizes, and it's a great platform to showcase sponsors, providing significant exposure for each Latin American country for these reasons.

What does it mean to you to be the head judge of an ALAS event?

Being a judge at an event like ALAS motivates me a lot, and what I'm aiming for is that surfers who are just starting out as professionals, as well as those already at that level, can develop within an event where impartiality is applied and the judging is reflected in the best surfing. Above all, I want to start raising awareness and teaching local judges that what they should be focusing on are colors, regardless of who the surfer is or where they're from. And of course, I'm committed to fully applying all the judging rules to ensure the event is as transparent as possible.

What will the judges be looking for?

What we'll be looking for is what the rules state: surfers who execute their radical maneuvers at the critical points of the wave with power, strength, speed, and fluidity will get the best score. However, it will also depend on the wave conditions and each surfer's adaptation to the quality of waves present at the event. And there will be an impartial panel of judges who will see colors, not names.

How much responsibility does it mean to be a judge at a Latin American event?

Being a judge or head judge is a huge responsibility, and whether it's a small or large event, it must be approached with the utmost professionalism. We know that in most events, regardless of size, controversy is inevitable, and therefore, having the most professional panel of judges possible is of utmost importance. This is what gives events greater prestige, and that's what we aim for: to be seen as an event where fair and transparent judging has taken place.

How long have you been a judge and who graduated you from? What is your experience in this field?

Actually, I never envisioned a career as a judge. However, as a coach—which has been my second career after being a professional athlete—I took a judging course around 2005 with the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), now the World Surf League (WSL). Back then, when the Quiksilver Pro was held at Terrazas del Pacífico, I worked there. I've also worked most of the ACOS circuit, the Pro Junior and the Youth circuits, so I have considerable experience in that area. Furthermore, as a coach, I need to stay updated on various topics related to judging, and it's my responsibility to provide athletes with the most current information possible. For this event, I believe the best possible panel of judges should be assembled, and I feel I'm as qualified as possible to deliver an excellent performance.

Diego knows the ALAS Pro Tour very well, a circuit he raced for at least ten years, where for eight years he was within the top 5 close to the Latin American title, however due to different circumstances he did not achieve it, but the Costa Rican knows fully the desire of each surfer to seek the title and promises that in the Costa Rica ALAS Pro Tour impartiality, transparency and professionalism will be high points in the judging.

Written by: Enrique Hernández