Jaco Walk presents the news of the day.

The fourth national SUP RACE event concludes successfully.

Under conditions of intense heat but with a high quality of competitors, the fourth date of the national SUP RACE circuit was run in the lakes of Místico in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica.

With three categories in contention for both men and women, the fight for the top of the table in search of national titles would be at its peak.

In the men's 14.1-foot category , Marcel Oliveira was the winner, while Álvaro Solano took the honors in the 12.6-foot category. Mario Fernández was the winner in the recreational category.

"It was very tough, 6 kilometers in very high temperatures. It's an opportunity to change the scenery a bit and provide a clearer picture of our levels, since we all have the same calm water conditions, unlike the moving sea," Oliveira added.

In the women's division, the level of competition is very high, and in the 14.1-foot category, Valeria Salustri from Guanacaste emerged victorious. Meanwhile, in the 12.6-foot division, Michelle Fuentes took first place. Laura Segura claimed the recreational title.

"The conditions were super difficult with terrible humidity and sun. I'm satisfied with my results since I lowered my time and I'm very excited for the next competition. In my category I was the only woman and despite that I did well. It also motivates me because I'm competing against people faster than me," Salustri mentioned.

It is important to note that the circuit competes in the 12.6-foot measurement modality; however, the option of switching to only 14.1 feet is not ruled out because the statutes of the Professional Paddleboard Association (APP) and the International Surfing Association (ISA) consolidate this category as that of international competition.

The final national stop of the circuit will be held in the Guanacaste area, specifically in Las Catalinas, on Saturday, November 16th.

Written by: Enrique Hernández - Surfing Republica

Photos: Carlos Brenes and Black Gutierrez.