Cosoleto And Diniz Crowned SUP Surfing World Champions

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Brazil’s Luiz Diniz claimed an unprecedented third gold medal in Men’s SUP Surfing, while Argentina’s Lucia Cosoleto claimed her first in the Women’s division on an exciting day at the 2022 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championships in Puerto Rico.

Diniz saved his best for last, impressing the judges with the strength and variety of his maneuvers. Diniz peaked with the only heat total in the excellent range of the entire event, 16.00, made up of single wave scores of 8.67 and 6.33. “I am so happy to be back competing at the ISA, I live my dreams with my friends here,” Diniz said. “The Pan Am Games was my mission. I completed this here. This title is for Brazil.”

Diniz beat out strong competition from defending champion Benoit Carpentier (FRA) in silver, as well as 2016 gold medalist, Zane Schweitzer (USA) in bronze and newcomer Taka Inoue (JPN), copper.

Luiz Diniz, images courtesy ISA.

Cosoleto was clearly the in-form surfer of the day in the Women’s division, posting the highest heat total of the event (15.00) in Main Round 3, before collecting the highest single wave score of the event in Main Round 4 (8.57). Arriving two weeks before the event to practice paid off as her precise read of the break at La Ocho saw the Argentinian racking up strong turns in places others were struggling.

The ocean stayed silent for much of the Women’s Final. Kaede Inoue (JPN) found the best ride, a 7.00 to claim silver, while Aline Adisaka (BRA - bronze) and Isabella Gomez (COL - copper) struggled to find much above a 4.00 despite great performances earlier in the day. Cosoleto, however, kept her consistency to claim the gold medal and the title of World Champion.

“I’m so happy. I can’t believe it now. I love this place, all these people, it’s so good,” Cosoleto said. “I’m really motivated to keep training and surfing with all the Argentine team and to represent my country.”

Kaede Inoue, image courtesy ISA.

The Results

Men's SUP Surfing

Gold - Luiz Diniz (BRA)
Silver - Benoit Carpentier (FRA)
Bronze - Zane Schweitzer (USA)
Copper - Taka Inoue (JPN)

Women's SUP Surfing

Gold - Lucia Cosoleto (ARG)
Silver - Kaede Inoue (JPN)
Bronze - Aline Adisaka (BRA)
Copper - Isabella Gomez (COL)

Medals for Japan’s brother-sister duo Taka and Kaede Inoue

The Inoue family arrived in Puerto Rico with high hopes, as son Taka (21 years old) and daughters Kaede (17 years old) and Sakura (14 years old) were all competing in the SUP Surfing discipline. Those hopes were well-placed with the two older siblings both winning medals, Taka the copper in the Men’s surfing and Kaede the silver in the Women’s surfing. “I’m so happy to be on the podium with my brother, we’re both so happy!” said Kaede.

Taka Inoue (left), Taka and Kaede (right); images courtesy ISA.

Pan American Games Santiago 2023 Qualifiers in SUP Surfing Confirmed

Four men and four women from the Americas qualified for SUP Surfing today for the prestigious Pan American Games taking place in Santiago, Chile in 2023.

• Men: Luiz Diniz (BRA), Zane Schweitzer (USA), Felipe Rodríguez (MEX), Tamil Martino (PER)
• Women: Lucia Cosoleto (ARG), Aline Adisaka (BRA), Isabella Gomez (COL), Candice Appleby (USA)

Lima 2019 Pan American Games silver medalist Tamil Martino (PER) looks to go one better in Santiago 2023. Tamil Martino may have lost out earlier than hoped in Puerto Rico, but the Peruvian was still ecstatic to confirm his slot for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. “I’m so excited to qualify to the Pan American Games,” Martino said. “It will be the second time I compete in the event. Stoked for that! I want to put a better position than 2019 in second place. I want to go to the gold medal. Arriba Peru!”

Looking forward to the next phase of the championships, ISA President Fernando Aguerre said: “Tomorrow we will switch gears and head into the distance races, which will be so amazing to watch. The incredible scenery of beautiful Puerto Rico will be on full display.”

Stay Tuned

Keep up to date on the championship and find photos and results via the ISA live webcast and Instagram.

For more SUP news, click HERE.