Whilst much of Costa Rica was focusing on the aftermath of last Thursday’s earthquake over the weekend, attentions were turned elsewhere in Tamarindo where the 3rd event of the National Surf Circuit 2008 – 2009 took place. The national competition takes competitors across Costa Rica to hot surf spots where they duck and dive amongst the waves in front of judges in hope of winning the National title.

At the latest 4-star event named the Witch’s rock tournament the stand out performance was from Jason Torres who claimed victory in the men’s Open category with some smooth tricks in less than favorable conditions. It was Torres’ second victory in the tournament so far that has already completed three of the six dates and sets him up well for a shot at the national title something that Torres has described as one of his great dreams. Torres managed to claim victory over second placed Federico Pilurzu, the most internationally renowned Costa Rican surfer. Before Torres can claim top spot he and his competitors must visit three more locations that steadily get harder as more points are allocated. Playa Nosara is the next port of call before a visit to Santa Teresa ahead of the final in Playa Hermosa.

The weekend event in Tamarindo also saw Nataly Bernold of Jaco win first place in the women’s event as she beat her mentor and six time Costa Rican Women’s surf champion Lisbeth Vindas who finished in second place. Meanwhile 12 year old Noe Mar Gonnagle of Pavonnes took top spot in the Junior male category after beating a number of older competitors.

Costa Rica is well known for its top surf spots and attracts surfers from across the world looking to catch a wave and this August is set to host the prestigious USA Billabong 2009 World Surfing games in Jaco. The managing director of ISA, Stephanie Keith watched the latest CNS tournament in Tamarindo in order to gain sense of how surf tournaments are run in Costa Rica and was said to be pleased and highlighted the fact that ‘Costa Rica was very organized’. This is the first event that Billabong will be sponsoring in the ISA and ‘in essence this is the premier of ISA’s biggest event ever’ stated Stephanie Keith.

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Filed under: Surf on January 12th, 2009