The permanence of the only Latin American vice president of the International Surfing Association, Karín Sierralta, will be put to the discretion of the organization's member federations on December 10.

Sierralta, who has been vice-president since 2008, faces several times world champion and long-time member of the CT, Sally Fitzgibbons, South African Johnny Bakker and Senegalese Oumar Seye.

Below, in an interview, he reviews the current situation, what has happened to him within the ISA in recent years, what is happening and what will happen, among many other things.

 

See this post on Instagram

A post shared by ISA (@isasurfing)

With what spirit do you face these new elections?
In the same spirit as always, I never wanted to be in politics because I feel more like an executive than a politician. I never campaigned for any position. It was the leaders who always asked me to take charge and that is what I did all my life.

So, I'm calm for whatever comes, because life is like surfing, there will always be a better wave behind, and if the "wave" that comes is the right one, I will gladly surf it.

What do you think is your greatest strength as Vice President of the ISA?
Making things happen, having collaborated with the inclusion of Latin American countries to produce ISA World Cups; the result is there for all to see; I myself organized seven World Cups in Peru and four in Nicaragua.

As leader of PASA, a position to which I was also nominated without being asked, we achieved, together with the ISA, the inclusion of surfing in the Pan American Games, one step before the Olympic Games, and above all the inclusion of longboarding and SUP.

Today I am working to include bodyboarding in Lima 2027.

I think my strength is that people trust me.

How would it impact you if you were not re-elected?
Personally, I would have more time for my family, personal projects and of course for my surfing. I remain as president of PASA until 2027, where we have several challenges as a continental association.

Politically, it would be a shame for our region.

What would you focus on in the next four years if you are re-elected?
I will always continue to support the search for more events, in making judging more objective with the use of technology and artificial intelligence.

Fernando Aguerre is clear about what the priority is, he happily listens to advice regarding the technical issues that we must continue to improve, the conversations we always have are long and there is much to improve on those issues.

The ISA must continue to grow by continents and I am supporting other continents to “imitate” the work that is being done in America with PASA, so that Olympic events include surfing and its qualification for the Olympic Games.

On the one hand, it's good that there are opponents because there are more people interested in the sport, but on the other hand, they can remove you from your position. What do you think about this?
It's a good sign, democracy is always good, healthy competition and listening to other opinions helps everyone to improve. More people willing to work on a pro bono basis is a good sign.

I always say “people come and go, institutions remain”, nobody is perfect, listening enriches everyone and there is always much to improve.

We all know Sally, but not the rest, do you know them?
Obviously Sally is known as an athlete, not as a leader. I have known Bakker for years as a leader from South Africa and organizer of WSL events in his country and Oumar from Senegal and I have also shared waves, but nothing more.

Anything else you want to add?
I would just like to thank all the leaders of the federations who have supported me over the years. My philosophy has always been to listen to everyone and make sure their voice is heard in all areas.

To Fernando Aguerre for trusting me and listening to my advice and my crazy ideas, like when we put 10 judges in line. I could write a book about all the good things that have happened at the ISA in recent years, one day I will.

Fernando and I discussed a lot and laughed a lot, but we are where we are thanks to his great leadership. The ISA is starting to take off and many still haven't realized what's coming... Thank you all very much!