Braun Wins National Surf Circuit Event in Nosara
Written by Claire
4th National Surf Circuit Dominated by the Underdogs
Some new names shone through the intense level of competition that characterizes Costa Rican surfing at the fourth date of the National Surf Circuit in Playa Guiones, Nosara this weekend. Matías Braun, a Montezuma native, made his debut at 1st place in the Open category at the 4-star Banco Nacional Tournament after a consistent, aggressive performance.
Braun beat out the top competitors Gilbert Brown (3rd) and Carlos Muñez (2nd), both of whom put on an impressive show. This helped him to jump several positions among the nation’s top surfers, which should secure his passage to Panama to represent Costa Rica for the second time in the Central American Championship this March.
Part of Braun’s success was amplified by the noticeable absence of Diego Naranjo, as well as the mediocre performances of Jason Torres and Jairo Perez who generally find themselves on the winner’s stand.
Muñoz came in with a second place finish in his first time competing in the Open category in Costa Rica, at the ripe age of 14.
On the woman’s side, Lisbeth Vindas redefined her monopoly on first place when she once again topped out the nation’s next best female surfer, Nataly Bernold. Both of them were served an extra challenge when Laura Pecoraro from Pavones confirmed her participation in the final three dates of the National Circuit. Pecoraro came in 4th below Debbie Zec.
In the Junior category, another new face Anderson Tascón took the lead from 1st place regular Jairo Perez, who has also seen 1st place finishes in the Open Category.
The wave conditions in Nosara this weekend were the best yet in the 2007- 2008 Circuit with constant swells up to 5 feet high. There was a record of over 300 competitors signed up to compete in the tournament.
Even more contestants are expected for the next tournament, which will take place on March 15 and 16 in Playa del Carmen de Mal Pais on the Nicoya Peninsula. This will be the surfers’ last chance to rack up points to be considered for the national selection that will defend Costa Rica’s title as champions of the Isthmus in the Central American Championship 2008, which will take place in Panama.
Photo courtesy of Shifi Surf Shots.
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Filed under: Surf on February 25th, 2008
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