San Marcos University presents the news of the day.

Surfer has been living in quarantine in his hometown of Pavones for six weeks.

Surfing Costa Rica - Leilani McGonagle with trophies in Brazil.

National surfer Leilani McGonagle is with her family in the place where she was born, a quiet Pavones with the few commercial establishments it has closed.

McGonagle shared with Surfing Republica what his quarantine has been like and what he thinks about returning to surfing, and here we share the interview.

Surfing Costa Rica - Leilani McGonagle surfing.

How have you been coping with this crisis?

I'm at home with my family, studying and training physically.

Surfing Costa Rica - Leilani McGonagle surfing.

How long have you been in quarantine and where were you when all this started?

I've been in quarantine for six weeks now. I arrived from Australia just as the state of emergency began. The first three weeks went smoothly, firstly because I had a 14-day quarantine order, and secondly because it was Holy Week. These last three weeks have felt extreme, since Costa Rica has had its borders closed for two months and is quarantining returning citizens. I think it's time to allow more freedom, as long as it's for activities that can be done while maintaining social distancing.

What's it like to live through quarantine in Pavones?

It's quite peaceful; the town is quiet, and most businesses are still closed because we don't have any tourists coming in. But as a surfing and coastal community, we miss the sea.

Surfing Costa Rica - Leilani McGonagle at the Pan American Games.

What is your opinion regarding the return of surfing?

I believe surfing should be legal, while respecting social distancing. Many countries have kept beaches open for exercise, for example, Hawaii and Australia, where surfing is allowed and the number of cases is decreasing. Surfing is a very important source of mental health for many Costa Ricans.

What have you learned during this crisis and how have you used your free time?

During this time I have taken on more university classes, I also continue to train physically and try to stay positive, however, I feel a very big emptiness.

Surfing Costa Rica - Leilani McGonagle surfing before the pandemic.

What would your opinion be regarding the opening or not of beaches for surfing?

The best way I see is to follow the examples of countries that are already doing it and have had good results. I don't think we should open the beaches completely, but rather allow access to the sea, from home to the water and back. Social distancing is already naturally practiced in surfing, so it wouldn't be too difficult to implement. Another suggestion would be for people to start surfing at their local spot to avoid crowds from other beaches.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero