Former professional surfer and former member of the ASP (now WSL) Top 16, Flavio “Teco” Padaratz was elected today president of the Brazilian Surfing Confederation (CBS), local website waves.com.br reported.

Padaratz had initially seen his candidacy observed by a court but was later allowed to stand against Adalvo Argolo, the now ex-president, and Marcelo Barros.

Padaratz's victory was resounding with 14 votes in his favour against zero for his opponents.

Brazilian surfing had been at a standstill for over a year, due to various challenges against Adalvo Argolo that at times prevented him from developing his position and therefore from developing the country's surfing management programs.

In a message accessed by DUKE, Argolo said goodbye to some South American colleagues and said: “I say goodbye to all of you with a fraternal hug and I inform you that I am no longer at CBS but I continue surfing as always. A big hug to all.”

Argolo was president of CBS for 12 years, he had been the successor of Juca de Barros from Paraná.