Director of Water Safety

International Surfing Association (ISA)

On December 3, 1998, Shawn Alladio was appointed by the International Surfing Association (ISA), the International Federation for Surfing recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), to the position of Water Safety Committee (WSC), Director.  Under Shawn Alladio's direction the WSC has the mission to develop water safety guidelines and rules to be adopted by the ISA and it's member nations around the world, as described by Fernando Aguerre, President of the ISA.  The ISA is represented in over 48 member nations worldwide, promoting surfing on a global scale.

"Running water will run faster if you remove an obstruction here and there.  You need not do much more."  Yoga Swami (1872-1964)

International Surfing Association

The ISA is an international body of affiliates supporting surfing worldwide.  The association is also recognized by the International Olympic Committee. One of the goals of the ISA is to have surfing recognized as a competitive sport in future Olympic programs.  The ISA is committed to the global movement of enjoying the ocean through bodysurfing, body boarding, as well as surfing and promotional events in various countries.

ISA/Reef@Todos Big Wave ChallengeThe ISA sanctioned the prestigious Big Wave Challenge with Reef's (popular shoe company) sponsorship in February of 1998.  This event saw the K2 Big Wave Challenge winner,Taylor Knox of Carlsbad, California earn the $50,000.00 prize for surfing the largest wave of the season, judged to be a 52' monster. Overall winner Carlos Burle from Brazil was rescued twice by Shawn during horrendous wipeouts on huge waves.  The K38 crew who worked Todos Santos, an island 12 miles offshore of Ensenada were: Shawn, Terry Collis, Larry Giles, and Craig Miller.  The 3 day event saw multiple big wave wipe outs, hold downs and broken boards.  The weather and water conditions were extreme and epic, and 4 Yamaha Waveventures were used as the workhorses, managing the water safety and ferrying equipment and personnel to and from the island.  Check out the Reef@Todos surf video...

In 1999, the same team once again converged on the ISA/Reef Big Wave Challenge at Isla de Todos Santos (All Saints).  This time the same team was in place with the addition of Dan Moore from Hawaii, Ken Bradshaw's tow-in partner.  The water conditions were not as extreme, but the surfing was high profile, as the top athletes in the world converged upon the infamous break. 

The wind was severe and there were some pretty heavy exposure elements to deal with.  Lots of seasickness and cold.  Many of the surfers are from parts of the world where warm water is the norm.  The cold waters of Mexico, in the low 50's took their toll along with the wind chill.  Brock Little and Taylor Knox were early stand outs with some really impressive maneuvers.  Vetea David was really hungry for a win pulling into wave after wave.  The virtual unknowns from South Africa took the overall Team Win, while Paul Patterson ripped into the individual first place finish.

Sometimes the conditions become a part of the event itself, and Todos is certainly the 'extreme' event of paddle-in surfing.  There are no real beaches or easy access routes to view the event.  The winds are always prevalent and the currents are strong and cold.  It's almost a one hour boat ride to and from the island depending upon the swell conditions, so you really have to be prepared and mentally ready.  Todos really pushes you to the very limit.  If something goes wrong, it's a long way from shore...

Vetea 'Poto' David

I met Vetea at the 1999 ISA/Reef@Todos Big Wave Challenge in Ensenada, Mexico this past February.  I had people prior to the event say that Poto and I should meet.  He was doing Water Safety Patrol in Tahiti for the surf contests like I was and that he was a really nice person; we should 'talk shop.' 

The night before we launched for the contest the Tahitian Surfing Federation which consisted of 5 guys total was on their way to dinner. We were in the parking lot late at night getting organized.  I looked up and here was a 'tough' looking group of island boys...  My first impression was, 'Whoa these boys look intense and cold".  I kept working and they kept staring.  30 minutes pass by, I hear words flying, hands waving, excitement from their group, and I don't understand the language (French)...  I wonder what is going on...  I try not to look their way, keeping focused on my job..

Then the toughest of the bunch steps forward and says in a very polite and kind voice:  "please excuse me, I am from Tahiti and I do the same thing you do, but I haven't seen all this type of equipment before.  I know you are very busy, but could I speak with you for a few minutes to ask you some questions?"  (say this with an accent)

I looked up and saw how sincere he was and how long he stood and watched, questioning what we were doing with his Tahitian crew watching. I replied:  "A man so tough as you, who has so many questions to ask should not be asking for a few minutes, why don't you get tough and ask for an hour or more!"

His face broke out in a beautiful smile and he replied laughing:  "OK, then we meet for breakfast and lunch to talk about training and equipment."  I liked him instantly.  We talked, and we talked some more and we made plans, and Vetea stuck to them.  We spent a few days together with his team putting together a plan.

He returned to America in March and April and took a National Safe Boating Council Instructor Course, as a certified K38 Water Safety Instructor and a PWC Rescue Boat course hosted by Pillar Point Harbor Department up at Half Moon Bay (Mavericks' territory).

He invited me to Tahiti during the Gotcha Pro Surf Contest and we dialed in his gear.  Yamaha Motors Corporation and K38 donated an XL1200 Waveventures and all the necessary equipment for the creation of the Tahitian Water Safety Patrol.  Unfortunately, it all arrived after the contest...  oh well.

Vetea is a unique person.  He competed in the event placing 5th overall and managed the on-water safety.  That takes a lot of determination and energy.  I was greatly impressed with his concerns about water management and his dedication to excel.  I really look forward to the future and working closer with Vetea on the water.  He is a incredible spirit and a valuable friend.