Luiz “Luli” Fernando Steffen Pereira, the WSL’s new Director of Officiating and Head Judge. Photo: WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) has announced that Luiz “Luli” Fernando Steffen Pereira will be the new Director of Officiating and Head Judge. With the new appointment will come a change in the role of the Head Judge in the WSL, though the specific nature of that change is unclear.
Pereira has served as a Judge on the Championship Tour (CT) panel since 2005, and as Women’s Head Judge since 2020. He also judged for the surfing event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Before that, he was a professional surfer on the South America Qualifying Series. Pereira hails from Balneario Camboriu, Brazil.
Pereira succeeds Pritamo Ahrendt, who served as Director of Judging and men’s Head Judge for the CT, starting in 2018. Before that, he was Co-Head Judge for eight years. Most recently, he also oversaw the judging brouhaha that erupted during the 2023 Surf Ranch Pro, where complaints from athletes prompted a response from now-ousted WSL CEO Erik Logan. He is stepping away from the role “to pursue other opportunities,” per the WSL press release.
According to the WSL, the change in personnel will also signal a change in “the structure and scope of the Head Judge position.” However, as of yet, all we know is that the title has changed from “Director of Judging” to “Director of Officiating,” with no further elaboration provided.
“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. “Luli’s comprehensive understanding of competitive surfing, coupled with his deep commitment to excellence in judging and officiating, makes him the ideal person to lead this team. I am excited to partner with Luli and look forward to the great work that lies ahead.”
“I’d like to express my admiration for Pritamo’s leadership as Head Judge and for his extraordinary impact on the sport,” said Pereira. “I am honored to have been selected for this new role and I am looking forward to building on the legacy of excellence in judging and officiating.”
