11 March 2009, La Jolla, CA -- The International Surfing Association is proud to announce the appointment of its long time Vice President, Alan Atkins, as the Technical Director for the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship to be held in Salinas, Ecuador from March 28 until April 5.

The Technical Director position has been created to meet the ever growing technical and administrative demands within this ISA flagbearer event. Atkins will be overseeing technical issues in the most important and biggest surfing event for Juniors in the world. The Technical Director will now lead the contest management team of Contest Director and Head Judges. Introduction of this new position is consistent with the ISA's policy of working to provide a structure to support the professional independence of Judges when adjudicating at ISA events and delivering the best event to our sponsors and member national governing surfing bodies.

Now the hierarchy of operations in an ISA event will be the following: President, Technical Director, Contest Director, Head Judges and Team Managers/Coaches.

Australian Alan Atkins, 60, has an impressive outstanding background in the management of Surfing Organizations and Surfing Events. Atkins surfing credits include CEO of Surfing Australia from 1983 to 2004; National Team Manager for Surfing Australia from 1986 to 2004; Contest Director of the longest running pro surfing event, The Bells Beach Easter Classic (now Rip Curl Pro) from 1980 to 1984; and currently serves as Contest Director for the Noosa Festival of Surfing since 2007.

He became part of the ISA as Secretary General in 1990and an Executive Board Member in 1994. He maintains his position as Vice President today, elected and re-elected for five terms by the National Governing Bodies of the ISA.

Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, Alan was appointed the Technical ISA Delegate for the inaugural Bali Asian Beach Games in November 2008. This marked the first time surfing was part of such an Olympic competition.

For the 2009 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, Alan is working hard for everything to be in its place. Alan's key management staff working to deliver this event will include Contest Director Marcos Bukao (BRA), Head Judges, Glen Elliot (AUS), Cyril Nell (ZAF) and Jord o Bailo (BRA) plus 14 judges selected by the ISA from applications and nominations around the world.

Once again, the ISA will continue the innovative format of a panel of 8 judges during the final stages of the event.

The best junior surfing in the world will take place in the waves of the Playa de La FAE, in Salinas, Ecuador from March 28 until April 5th. Be sure to check the live action on www.isaworldjuniors.com.