Cover photo: CBS-David

Brazilian star Mateus Herdy was critical of the judges of the Brazilian circuit of the Brazilian surfing confederation that he is currently competing in at Praia Mole, Florianópolis.

Herdy emerged from the water after his Round 2 repechage heat and began by praising CBS's work, clarifying that he was speaking with the utmost respect. He criticized the judges' inability to differentiate between aerials; "the judges have no idea what it takes to perform an aerial like that," he declared, referring to a 7,83 for a full rotation he landed at the start of his heat. He felt that in that water, the score should have been outstanding, and it didn't even reach excellent.

The Brazilian offered his assistance to the judges and said he was sure there were other surfers ready to explain to the judges which aerial maneuvers were better and more difficult to perform.

CT Joao Chumbinho saw it, recorded it, posted it on social media, and congratulated him. Herdy then took a screenshot and wrote in his stories: “With all due respect to the judges and the head judge, I'm not here to complain or generate hatred. I know surfing is subjective, but today I felt that line was crossed a bit. I speak respectfully, but honestly: I felt wronged, and I know I wasn't the only one.”

“Some maneuvers are difficult to understand out of the water, and that needs to evolve. I offer my help—and I think other surfers would be willing as well—to adapt the scoring system to the evolution of surfing. In the end, we all want the same thing: for this sport to grow,” he concluded.

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