The Woz Has A New Head Judge

Today, the Woz announced the appointment of Luiz “Luli” Fernando Steffen Pereira as the Director of Officiating and Head Judge, succeeding Pritamo Ahrendt. Luli will serve as head judge for all tours (CT, CS and QS) and as the unofficial effigy/punching bag/scapegoat for disgruntled surfers and surf fans. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Luli Pereira into the role of Director of Officiating and Head Judge,” said Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL Chief of Sport. 

Pereira has served as a Judge on the Championship Tour (CT) panel for the last 18 years, including serving as the Women’s Head Judge since 2020. Pereira also served as a judge in surfing’s Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. 

Once upon a time he did a Q’uey stint on the South America Qualifying Series. He holds a law degree from the Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and is fluent in three languages. 

In his WSL bio, he states he was the first judge to surf the Amazon tidal wave Pororoca and Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch and praises Tom Curren’s ‘perfect surfing style’.

Word on the street is that Pritamo Andrent stepped down to spend less time on the globe trot, and more time with his young family in Suffolk Park, Byron Bay. 

Pritamo served as the Director of Judging and men’s Head Judge for the CT since 2018 and prior to this role, served as Co-Head Judge for eight years. 

Last season saw a few controversial judging calls, the most notable being at the Surf Ranch. Following the event, two Brazilian World Champions aired their grievances on social media, leading to one Australian surfer receiving death threats. 

Then there was John’s 10 9.93 which seemed stingy for a Houdini act, the Connor O vs JJF heat in J Bay, the El Salv final where Fil’s scores seemed… stretchy. 

All the best, Luli!