Surfing is postponed for at least a day at the Paris Olympic Games, so I thought I’d use this opportunity to write about a San Diego resident who is absolutely STOKED, for he is almost singlehandedly responsible for surfing being included in the Olympics.

I am referring to none other than La Jolla resident Fernando Aguerre who devoted many years in his quest to make surfing an Olympic sport, a dream he achieved when surfing was included for the first time in the 2020 Olympics held in Japan.

What a back story Fernando Aguerre has: Hailing from Argentina, his love for surfing was ignited at a young age. When he was 12 years old, back in Argentina, he and his younger brother, Santiago, turned their garage into a ding repair shop, fixing their friends’ surfboards.

In 1984, Aguerre left Argentina and landed in San Diego – and get this, just a year later he and his brother cofounded the surf brand Reef sandals with an investment of $4,000. According to the UT, they sold it in 2005 for more than $100 million.

The Olympic Dream

Aguerre’s vision was to elevate surfing to the global stage. It didn’t hurt that, starting in 1994, he became president of the International Surfing Association (ISA), a position he still holds today. Over the years, this allowed him to spearhead an unwavering campaign to convince the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include surfing in the Olympic Games.

His journey was arduous and included decades of lobbying: making presentations, building relationships, and showcasing surfing’s appeal to the Olympic movement.

There were many hurdles he had to overcome. Surfing was often seen as a counterculture activity, and many doubted its suitability for the Olympics. Aguerre had to change perceptions and prove surfing’s competitive and global appeal.

Ira Opper, a Solana Beach-based surf filmmaker, told the UT: “When someone says no to Fernando, he looks at them like, ‘You don’t really understand what I’m telling you.’” Aguerre is “doing it for the love of the sport. He believes it needs a global stage like the Olympics, both for the athletes as well as the entire industry.”

Building a strong foundation was key: The ISA, under Aguerre’s leadership, worked tirelessly to establish a robust international surfing circuit, demonstrating the sport’s maturity and global reach.

Surfing’s Olympic Debut

Aguerre’s persistence paid off when surfing was officially included in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. It was a historic moment, marking a new chapter for the sport and inspiring countless surfers worldwide.

Aguerre’s legacy: A champion for surfing

His dedication to the sport is unparalleled, and his vision has transformed surfing into a globally recognized and respected discipline. Aguerre’s story is an inspiration to athletes and dreamers alike, demonstrating the power of perseverance and belief. His passion, vision, and tireless efforts have solidified his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of surfing.

In an interview with the UT, he downplayed his legacy: “I’m not going to be Ghandi,” he said. “I’m not going to be Buddha. I’m not going to be Jesus. But between that and the devil, there is quite a spread.”

Fernando Aguerre is another reason why, though Huntington Beach and San Clemente may think they’re Surf City USA, San Diego may deserve that title.