Last weekend in Tamarindo, Costa Rica the third leg of the Costa Rica National Surf Circuit 2008 – 2009 took place. This national surf circuit consists of surfers from all over Costa Rica and holds mulitple contests in Costa Rican surf spots like Jaco, Playa Hermosa, Witch’s Rock, Ollies Point, Playa Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Pavones. Each year the Costa Rican surf locations change for this event but the remaining legs will take place at Nosara, Teresa, and then Hermosa. The eventuality of competing in this circuit is to win the national title plus hopefully win a spot on the National Team which will host the 2009 Billabong World Surfing Games Costa Rica later this year in August. This is a biggest professional surf event yet for Tico’s who will get a chance to meet international sponsors and grab the spotlight on their own turf.
There is a lot riding on the WSG 2009 in Costa Rica since it is the International Surfing Association(ISA) first event and the first sponsored event by Billabong in the ISA which has primarily sponsored ASP events. It is so important that ISA’s managing director for this event, Stephanie Keith is already here watching how Costa Rica handles itself in its organization of surf events. It is reported that so far she is impressed with the the CNS ability to be organized and promote its event.
From left, Diego Naranjo, Nataly Bernold, Jason Torres, Jair Perez, and Gilbert Brown
Results of the third leg called the Witch’s Rock Surf Tournament or Torneo Witch’s Rock by Tico’s were not unexpected. Jason Torres from Jaco, Costa Rica finished first and it was his second first place of a total of six events in the men’s Open category. The remaining legs will take place in Playa Nosara, Santa Teresa, and then the finals in Playa Hermosa. All of these surf spots are favorites of surf vacationers and professionals from around the world who visit Costa Rica each year.
Also, finishing in first place was Nataly Bernold from Jaco who beat six time champ Lisbeth Vindas, wife of champion surfer Diego Naranjo, who finished in second place.