The Argentinian expects the technology, which will make it possible to produce performance-standard waves anywhere and therefore allow surfing competitions to be held on inland lakes, to offer a chance to move the sport forward.    

"With the new wave technology that is about to transform surfing, we are presented with a wonderful opportunity to take the sport to new territories," said Aguerre after being re-elected as ISA President for an eighth term.

"People who have never even been to the ocean will have the opportunity to surf on consistent, high performance waves.

"This development really is a game changer for surfing and combined with the sport's global, youthful appeal, it can drive us towards the goal of Olympic inclusion."

The ISA's Annual and Biennial General Meetings also saw the appointment of Barbara Kendall, New Zealand's windsurfing Olympic gold medalist and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, and Casper Steinfath, two-time ISA StandUp Paddle (SUP) racing world champion, as vice-presidents.

Kendall and Steinfath join Aguerre and the two other vice-presidents, Karin Sierralta from Peru and Layne Beachley from Australia, on the ISA Executive Committee.

Karin Sierralta (left), ISA vice-president, Fernando Aguerre (centre, left), ISA President, Barbara Kendall (centre, right), ISA vice-president, and Casper Steinfath (right), ISA vice-president, are all part of the ISA Executive Committee ©ISA

"Electing Barbara Kendall to vice-president means that the ISA has gained a very experienced Olympic voice," said Aguerre.

"It also means the ISA continues in its commitment to gender equality in surfing, ensuring that the make-up of the governing body's Executive Committee is a minimum of 40 per cent female.

"Casper Steinfath is respected by his peers in the surfing and SUP racing community around the world, not just because of his surfing abilities, but also because he is somebody we can count on.

"He has a diverse background, speaks five languages and he will be a great ambassador for the ISA.

"Athletes are central to how the world of sport, including the IOC, operates and it's great that we now have a young, active athlete in the Executive Committee to spread the message of surfing.

"Surfing speaks directly to young people.

"The unique culture and youthful values are the embodiment of our sport and we must harness this youthful energy and use it as a driving force behind our ambitions."

Kendall, who represented her country at five Olympic Games, reiterated Aguerre's belief that surfing has the potential to become an Olympic sport.

"Surfing and the ocean have always been a huge part of my life and I am thrilled to be able to give something back to the sport in this way," she said.

"The ISA is at a very exciting stage of its development and I'm delighted to be able to contribute to this important journey.

"With its young fans and global appeal, surfing can continue to grow and realise its ambition of joining the Olympic sports programme."

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