Román Díez, a name that’s making waves in the surfing world, has come a long way since he traded his skateboard for a surfboard at the age of 14. Born in Vigo in 1978, Díez took to the waves at Patos beach in Nigrán, Pontevedra, and never looked back. With two decades of experience under his belt as the head of the Galician Federation, he’s now taken the reins of the Spanish Federation, with a mission to bring about “regeneration and change.”
So, what drew Díez to surfing in the first place? “It was a natural step for some of us,” he explains. “At that time, surfing and skateboarding shared the same stores, and I was curious about the surf material. I realized that surfing offers a great variety of situations and produces less physical damage than skateboarding.” This curiosity sparked a passion that would stay with him for life.
Díez’s journey to the presidency of the Spanish Surf Federation was a long and winding one. His involvement in the federative area began in 2009 with the Galician Surf Federation, where he was appointed president in 2014. During his tenure, he carried out an analysis of the needs of the national surf scene, which ultimately led to his project of regeneration and change in the Spanish Surf Federation.
Now, as president, Díez has set his sights on three key objectives: economic, sports, and institutional. “We’re in a delicate economic situation that we need to reverse,” he admits. “In sports, we have athletes who are performing exceptionally well, and we need to build on that success.” The institutional aspect is also crucial, as Díez seeks to establish a more transparent and responsible financial management system.
When asked about the federation’s finances, Díez is candid. “We’re reviewing and adjusting our accounts to ensure stability. There are areas that require attention, but we’re taking the necessary measures to guarantee transparent and responsible management.” The goal is to reverse the current delicate situation and create a more sustainable financial framework.
Díez’s priorities are clear: focus on the sports aspect, support athletes, and guarantee their participation in international competitions. The Olympic surf is a key area of focus, with Díez stressing the need to prioritize its development. “We must be cautious and focus on the fundamental objective, which is sports,” he emphasizes.
As for the economic situation, Díez acknowledges that it’s a challenge. “The federation is committed to supporting our surfers, and we’re evaluating economic conditions and exploring financing alternatives to ensure participation in international competitions.” The Olympic surf is a top priority, and Díez is determined to guarantee the necessary support for athletes in this discipline.
But what about the surfers themselves? What do they want from the federation? “They demand commitment and transparency,” Díez replies. “They want to be heard, taken into account, and have their expectations fulfilled.” It’s a tall order, but Díez is determined to deliver.
The success of having three Olympics in Paris is a significant milestone for Spanish surfing. “It’s a historical achievement to have three out of four possible athletes classified for the games,” Díez beams. “We’ve attended to the needs of athletes, reducing the number of competitions so they can participate without interfering with international appointments.” This, in turn, has increased competitiveness and raised the overall level of Spanish surfing.
Surfing is a complex sport, with a calendar full of national and international events. Díez acknowledges the challenge of managing this heterogeneity. “We’ve reduced the number of tests in our calendar to avoid interfering with important international events,” he explains. “This makes our leagues more quality and relevant.”
The issue of judges’ conditions also arose during the last Spanish championship, which was suspended due to a strike. Díez acknowledges the situation and explains that the judges are now organized in their own ‘College of Judges,’ allowing for more fluid dialogue with competition direction and leaders.
As for the characteristic of surfing being both a leisure activity and a sport, Díez is clear. “The federation must invest the greatest number of resources in sports,” he emphasizes. “That doesn’t mean we can’t contribute to the leisure/tourism level, but our primary focus is sports.”
So, how does Díez plan to get children interested in surfing as a sport? “The new project integrates work programs with the National Sports Technification Plan,” he explains. “This allows regional federations to identify future talents and guide them in their sports development.” It’s a comprehensive approach that involves families, athletes, and agents at every stage.
Is there a quarry in Spanish surf? Díez is optimistic. “We have a generation that’s giving us successes at the individual and team levels,” he says. “We’re a world power in recent years.”
The question of whether non-professional surfers can live more easily than high-level surfers is a complex one. Díez acknowledges that there’s a Slope outside competition that allows many surfers to live from social networks, telling their experiences within the water. However, professional competition surfers have many expenses, and public aid and sponsorships may not be enough to guarantee a professional career.
As Díez looks to the future, he’s aware of the challenges ahead. “We need to make surfing more accessible and visible,” he says. “We must enhance the visibility of our competitions, highlight our athletes, and show how surfing can be a lifestyle, not just an extreme feat.” It’s a lofty goal, but with Díez at the helm, Spanish surfing is likely to ride the waves of success for years to come.
In his spare time, Díez hopes to revive his hobby of making tables in his workshop. It’s a welcome respite from the demands of his role, and a reminder that even the busiest of presidents needs a creative outlet.
The surfing world is eagerly watching Díez’s progress, and with his passion, dedication, and clear vision, it’s likely that he’ll make a lasting impact on the sport. As he navigates the complexities of the surfing world, one thing is certain – Román Díez is a name that will be synonymous with Spanish surfing for years to come.
A New Era for Spanish Surfing
As Díez settles into his new role, he’s aware of the importance of bringing surfing to a broader audience. “Surf is much more than great waves and spectacular maneuvers,” he says. “It’s a discipline with multiple aspects that cover from initiation to high performance, with stories of effort, overcoming, and culture that have not been sufficiently told.”
The international scene is also on Díez’s radar, with the possibility of the Basque Country being recognized by the International Federation. While this is a complex issue, Díez is focused on working within the current legal framework to guarantee the best conditions for Spanish surfers.
As the surfing world continues to evolve, one thing is certain – Román Díez is the right person to lead the charge. With his experience, passion, and vision, Spanish surfing is poised for a bright future, one that will be marked by success, growth, and a deeper understanding of the sport and its culture.