In the recent elections for the PWA (Professional Windsurfers Association) Board of Directors, Jimmy Diaz stepped down after 20 years in office. In his place, Nico Prien was elected as the new president of the riders' organisation. "Nico already has years of competition experience at professional level, has extensive industry experience and owns one of the most successful channels for windsurfing athletes in the sport. He therefore has all the qualifications to lead the PWA's important work within the sport," reads a statement from the PWA.
Nico himself says about his new position: "I am honoured to take on this role within the PWA, an organisation I have admired since my youth," writes Nico. "I've trained to be among the best one day and I'm looking forward to the chance to give something back to my favourite sport." At the same time, he wants to continue competing actively in the slalom field, having achieved a very strong eighth place in the 2023 annual rankings. "I'm looking forward to the journey ahead and to working with the PWA board to contribute to and lead positive change."
"Bright future" for the PWA
"I look forward to a bright future for the Tour under his leadership," Tour Manager Rich Page said of the new President, speaking of a "new, dynamic chapter" in the history of the PWA. "Having worked with Nico over the last few years as a rider and particularly in the media, I am confident that he can help us continue to drive the sport forward and build on the foundations Jimmy has laid."
Jimmy Diaz was also elected to office as an active driver in 2004. "This alone is a full-time job," he says looking back. "Being President of the PWA and being responsible for the needs of the riders, the industry and the development of the professional side of windsurfing at the same time was quite exhausting at times." But the work is worth it, as Jimmy emphasises: "One of my proudest personal moments in this context was standing on the podium in my role as President, alongside the two guys I consider to be the best racers of all time, Björn [Dunkerbeck] and Antoine [Albeau]."
According to the press release, Jimmy will continue to be active in the sport and run the Cagla Kubat Windsurf Academy together with his wife. He will also continue to develop the PWA Youth Slalom World Cup Tour, which he launched with the Alacati Windfest Youth World Cup event, now in its third year.
