Jair Pérez, the man from Jacoba who competed against Kelly Slater
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Jair Pérez! The Costa Rican surfer shared opinions with multi-world champion Kelly Slater.
At the 2019 World Surfing Games in Miyazaki, Japan, Jair Pérez, a surfer from Jacoba, Costa Rica, faced off against American Kelly Slater, becoming the first Costa Rican to compete against the local surfer from Cocoa Beach .
Many Costa Rican surf lovers witnessed Pérez's great effort to triumph in the heat and advance to the next round, a situation he would achieve but in second position fighting one by one with Slater.
We were able to watch the national series through the broadcast of the World Cup and the excitement filled our hearts.
But what we didn't see was what happened after the heat, and that is that Jair also had the opportunity to share words and opinions with Kelly, and here we leave you a little of what they talked about.
What was it like surfing against Kelly Slater?
“ It was an unforgettable experience, one I will never forget. I grew up watching videos and I am a fan of Kelly, so for me it was an honor to be able to compete against him.” 
What did you think when you realized you had to surf against one of the most successful surfers in history?
“ I never thought anything negative, I knew that thousands of people around the world would have wanted that opportunity and I wanted to make the most of it.”
Did you have any interaction with the American before the heat?
“ No, we were only able to say hello and meet him through my coach Jim Hogan, who introduced us since they have been friends for a long time.” 
You have a particular photo with Slater where you're talking on the beach. Tell us what you talked about or what the topic of conversation was?
“ The topic of conversation was always about surfing and getting to know each other a little.”
Before this World Cup, had you had any interaction with Slater?
“ I had seen him several times and taken pictures with him several times but never any interaction, until after the heat.
Slater is a super humble person; he has a really cool sense of humor. I will always admire him, and in terms of sports, I want to have the discipline he has. That's why he's one of the best in the world and of all time. His charisma, humility, and kindness are something very few possess.
I hope to continue and have some nice moments as friends and maybe one day surf in the wave pool at Surf Ranch.”