Surfer's Moms
Reef presents the news of the day.
The meaning of being a surfer's mom.
The mother is undoubtedly a very important pillar in a child's growth; they are the emotional and motivational support in the sports activities carried out by the children.
Today we commemorate that figure for being persevering, unparalleled, and the most loyal followers regardless of whether the final result is a victory or a defeat.
Nationally, there are several mothers of national athletes who are admirable, and the surfing community is no exception. For this reason, we decided to select three mothers of Costa Rican athletes to learn a little more about their feelings with the blessing of having a surfer son.
What's it like being the mom of a surfer son?
Marlys Mota (Mother of Aaron Ramirez, surfer from Jacob): It's having constant fear that something might happen to him, it's an extreme sport, trusting in what God wants, it's beautiful, it's a sport that I don't practice but I like it as much as if I did.
Esmeralda Bolivar (Mother of Axel Castro, Caribbean surfer): Being the mother of a surfer has changed my life, it gave it a 180° turn, everything revolves around surfing, it's exciting, it really makes me happy.
Carmen Herrera (Mother of Carlos Muñoz and Alberto Muñoz, surfers from Esterillos Oeste): It's incredible and at the same time too difficult because one thinks every day that one is not exempt from having an accident.
Marjurie Sandoval (Mother of Kenneth Peralta, surfer from Jacoba): Well, that's the best part, and I say best because it's great to celebrate his achievements and what he's capable of doing, to have people say, "You're Kenneth Peralta's mom, the boy who surfs," or to see him in the street and greet him like a champion, and to realize that my son is an athlete these days, that's not easy. That's one of the reasons that makes me feel proud of him always.
What sacrifices have you had to make in order to support your son?
Marlys Mota (Mother of Aaron Ramirez, surfer from Jacob): The sacrifices have been more economic, as a family we have stopped doing things to support him, but they cease to be sacrifices and are part of our daily life, it is nice and it is motivating and we do it with great pleasure because Aaron is disciplined.
Esmeralda Bolivar (Axel Castro's mother, Caribbean surfer): I really think it's not a sacrifice when you have a good reward and it's for a good cause, but if one of the things I have sacrificed is time, I am a mother of two other girls and many times I cannot dedicate as much time to them because I am with Axel, they understand and give him strength because they are also supporting their younger brother from home and always encourage him to win.
Carmen Herrera (Mother of Carlos Muñoz and Alberto Muñoz, surfers from Esterillos Oeste): I think the support is unconditional and has no sacrifice, I always do it with a lot of love.
Marjurie Sandoval (Mother of Kenneth Peralta, surfer from Jacoba): I think Many of us, in the economic aspect, have had to borrow money, ask for help from friends, and sacrifice what little we have in order to reach competitive points.
What's the hardest part about being the mom of a surfer competing?
Marlys Mota (mother of Aaron Ramirez, surfer from Jacoba): Control your nerves, your anger in some cases due to injustices, always maintain a good attitude. We are human and we have feelings, and we know that what we parents reflect on our children affects their athletic careers in some way.
Esmeralda Bolivar (Mother of Axel Castro, Caribbean surfer): I love competitions, I feel that the most difficult thing is when I am not there, I always want to be supporting and asking for one more wave.
Carmen Herrera (Mother of Carlos Muñoz and Alberto Muñoz, surfers from Esterillos Oeste): The difficult thing is convincing him that the competition is with himself and that he has everything to achieve it and just go for it.
Marjurie Sandoval (mother of Kenneth Peralta, a surfer from Jacoba): Competitions are difficult because when he has to compete, I don't eat all day because of nerves. And when he loses, I have to be strong and hold my head high, be the one who swallows hard and just listen to him or try to understand, or sometimes, in our case, silence is the best ally at that moment.
What would be a motivational message for mothers to encourage them to support their children in the things they love to do?
Marlys Mota (mother of Aaron Ramirez, a surfer from Jacoba): Words of encouragement should always be there, giving them love and security, trusting in God and in what He is doing in us and in them. And in their triumphs, I believe we must keep them grounded to provide them with a better upbringing.
Esmeralda Bolivar (Mother of Axel Castro, Caribbean surfer): I tell all mothers to support their children, to get involved, not to stop, and if they don't know how to do it, to investigate. There is a lot of information on social media now, and personally, it's something that has helped me.
Carmen Herrera (Mother of Carlos Muñoz and Alberto Muñoz, surfers from Esterillos Oeste): As a mother of two surfer sons and with the experience I have gained, I think that when supporting our children we must do it with love and discipline so that everything is very satisfying and a source of great pride.
Marjurie Sandoval (mother of Kenneth Peralta, a surfer from Jacoba): These past few days I saw a little friend crying because her mother punished her by taking her out of soccer practice, and I felt very sad because that's a big mistake. It was a punishment for the girl's behavior, and that's not the solution. My message is to support your children in what they love. Young people today have many bad influences, and we must prepare them spiritually and with love. Don't see it as an unnecessary expense; see it as a great investment. Parents know when something truly inspires their children, and that's where we need to be present. 
What does it mean to you to be the mother of a surfer son?
Marlys Mota (mother of Aaron Ramirez, a surfer from Jacoba): Being the mother of a competitive surfer son means being his number one fan, but more importantly, I'm always the mom who cheers him on, hugs him, cries with him, and is always there for him. Now that he's traveling, I miss him a lot. It also means loving his friends who are also competitors. It's like you end up supporting others who aren't your children, but you learn to love them as if they were.
Esmeralda Bolivar (mother of Axel Castro, Caribbean surfer): Being the mother of a surfer means responsibility, teamwork,
I wouldn't trade him for anything, I'm in love. I love watching him surf. And now it's not just Axel anymore, the baby is starting to surf too, so we're doing it again, but with more experience. There are no words, I truly love him, I'm so lucky.
Carmen Herrera (Mother of Carlos Muñoz and Alberto Muñoz, surfers from Esterillos Oeste): Being the mother of two surfer sons has brought me much joy and a sense of national pride.
Marjurie Sandoval (Mother of Kenneth Peralta, surfer from Jacoba): It means that all effort has rewards, it means that the sea has brought out a courage in me that I didn't know I had when my son is paddling and I know
That his strength is exhausted means having to scold him because he dirtied my sand bath and didn't clean it up, it means learning board sizes and never getting them right. Surfing taught us to love the sea, to decipher each wave, and to enjoy this beautiful gift from God.
