Yazdanny Castro and other athletes looked for ways to finance their trip to represent Costa Rica.

A feat that symbolizes the saying "Where there's a will, there's a way!", that's basically how we could describe the journey of a group of national bodyboard riders who will compete in the important Colorada Pro 2021 event in Oaxaca, Mexico.

The athletes who will be representing our country are hardworking, humble, and determined people who have found ways to generate their travel budget through their own efforts.

The riders who will be traveling are:

- Kenneth Rojas Sandí

- Jean Carlo Campos Varela

- Erick Mora Hidalgo

- Mariano Hernández Fernández

- Ricardo Corrales Jiménez

- Jorge López Rodríguez

- Yazdanny Castro Rivas

Hotel workers, bartenders, water rescuers, among other positions, but above all Bodyboard lovers, who due to life's circumstances and the lack of support to train professional athletes in this discipline in our country, had to find ways to earn a living.

This is the case of a talented boy from Manuel Antonio who is in his fifth year of high school, we are talking about Yazdanny Castro, who despite being a five-time national champion, two-time Central American champion, once a Latin American champion and representative in the national teams of our country, currently earns a living as head of aquatic rescue in Manuel Antonio Beach and also takes time out of his schedule to train whenever he can.

Yazdanny shared with us a little about how they managed to make this trip and mentioned her expectations for the event.

How did you find out about the tournament?

I found out about this competition through a friend I have in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.

How are you managing to afford the trip?

I'm funding the trip thanks to several local businesses, Accesorios Ak-Chete, a company from Pérez Zeledón that has been supporting me for a long time, and Science Bodyboard, which sent me a new board for the competition. People who work at Manuel Antonio beach have also organized to support me for the competition. And thanks to my own efforts as well.

Have you ever surfed this wave?

I had the opportunity to go to Mexico in 2017 for a surf trip and I was in Colorada a couple of times, however, I didn't have much luck, as Playa Colorada wasn't at its best, God willing, this time it was.

What are your expectations for the event?

My expectation for this competition is to give my best. I'm very motivated because many things have fallen into place to allow me to experience this. I just hope to God that this time I'll be able to celebrate and make everyone who has supported me proud, helping me to continue growing as an athlete and to represent Costa Rica.

The event will be taking place on May 15th and 16th in Playa Colorada, Oaxaca, Mexico, and Surfing Republica will be bringing you all the information about the national action.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero