“Piko” showing his power surfing at Jacó Beach in 1989.

We continue our section “Behind the Photo” and this time we bring you one of the few photos of the current shaper and surfer Alexander Ramírez better known in the surfing guild as “Piko”, originally from Puntarenas who moved to Playa Jacó because of his passion for surfing, he is one of the old school surfers and despite his great level of the time there have been few photos of this character surfing.

We're sharing this photograph taken by Sebastián Vega, who tells us about his experience behind the lens during that time and what it meant for him to capture this image that year. "Piko" also provides more details about that period in the history of surfing in Chile.

Interview with Sebastián Vega, creator of this photograph of Alexander “Piko” Ramírez.

Where was the photo taken and in what year?

The photo was taken in Jacó Beach, near the old "La Central" nightclub in 1989.

Surfing Costa Rica - “Piko” surfing at Jacó Beach.

Why is this photo special in your opinion?

“Piko” will always be one of the pioneers of surfing in this country, respected for his humility, power surfing, excellent boards and “shapes”.
The photo is special to me because it captures a bit of what was happening at that time. “Piko” was already a highly respected surfer at the mouth of the Barranca River, and watching him surf beach breaks like Playa Jacó was a sight to behold, performing maneuvers like these. “Piko” always pushed the boundaries, seeking a better cut or trying to pull off a higher floater. He always inspired us to keep trying better maneuvers. I also think it's special because there's very little photographic material from that era. Perhaps there aren't many photos, but they're all special because they captured those moments, allowing us to share them with new generations today.

How did you meet “Piko”?

I first met "Piko" in Boca Barranca in 1988. He never hesitated to give advice on how to surf better, and years later he became the "Mr. Shaper" he is today. As an interesting side note, the first design of the pre-Columbian toucan for Piko Surfboards came from a book of figures and logos that I gave to "Piko" and his partner, and also a great friend of mine, Alejandro Monge.

Surfing Costa Rica - Piko Surfboards Logo.

Was the photo taken for a press publication or was it just for fun?

The photo was taken for fun. It all started in 1988 when my father, also a photographer, gave me a Russian Zenit camera with a beautiful 300mm lens. When I first saw the zoom this lens could achieve, I started taking it on every surfing trip I could from San José. It also helped me get rides, and the added bonus was that if they gave me a lift, I could take some great photos of my friends. At 16, I could see that for us kids from San José without a car or a driver's license, there were only two options to go surfing: take the bus to Boca Barranca or get a ride to other spots with friends or family. I remember that day we surfed in the morning in Puntarenas at "La Boca" and along with other friends from San José, Alfredo Jiménez, Geancarlo Loría, Víctor "Pity" Nassar, Jorge Herrero and Óscar de La Barca we went with "Piko" to surf Playa Jacó in the afternoon and it was an excellent session and today we can see this memory.

What did Alexander say when he saw this photo?

This is where my memory fails me a little; I think I remember giving him a copy when "Piko" started living in Jacó in the mid-90s, but I also think there's a possibility he's never seen it, so it adds excitement to show it to the public again today 31 years later, and for me it's an honor to appear and collaborate with Surfing Republica, a specialized surf media outlet and website that I admire and have been a big fan of since day one, since I've been surfing since I was 15 years old.

Surfing Costa Rica - “Piko” surfing at Jacó Beach.

What was surfing like at the time the photo was taken?

Surfing at that time was a very niche sport, practiced almost everywhere in the country, but mostly by locals at their respective spots and beaches. Not many foreigners came, and those who did, seeing the beauty of the country and its waves, returned to stay and make it their home. From San José, Alajuela, Heredia, and a few from Cartago, a whole new generation of surfers emerged, heading down to the coast whenever possible. By then, surfing was slowly becoming a sport practiced throughout the country. I remember that getting surfboards was quite an ordeal; the best boards were almost always obtained from foreigners who brought them over and sold them before leaving the country. The market for used surfboards was huge. My first job was actually at a surf shop here in San Jose called “Tsunami” in Los Yoses with the legendary Fabeto Montejo and Miguel Bolaños. We had a wall where we put up photos of many national surfers. That was the first place where I started showing my photos since there were no magazines. The first national surf magazine called “Surf Guide” by Mario Sotela and Ángel Arce also appeared there, and I managed to get a couple of photos published there as well.

Which surfers were most popular during this period?

The most prominent surfers were the locals at their respective spots and several big-wave surfers from the Greater Metropolitan Area. There are so many pioneers, and I'd be afraid and ashamed to forget any names; the list is enough to create a family tree of surfing history in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican surfer of that era was always daring, influenced by surfers from all over the world who visited us, by videos and magazines, and by a unique style that began to grow into what we have today, with so many surfers proudly representing our country abroad. We are blessed with a country that has two coasts, where you can surf the reef at Salsa Brava one day and the next catch a great barrel at Playa Hermosa in Jacó—"Pura Vida" at its finest.

Interview with Alexander “Piko” Ramírez.

Had you seen this photograph before?

Yes, and it's also very special because it brings back very good and beautiful memories from the late eighties.

Surfing Costa Rica - “Piko” surfing at Jacó Beach.

What was it like to surf in Jacó back then?

The waves were great, there were very good quality surfers like Carlos Villalobos, Gustavo Castillo, José Ureña and several others who were very good in the competitive modality.

What do you think of the board and accessories you're using in the photo?

The board was like magic back then, it really had something special and I felt great surfing with it.

Do you remember exactly the day the photo was taken?

If I remember correctly, it was for an international event and a lot of people came, the waves were very good and it must be highlighted that there were some very good surfers.

Sebastian Vega and Alexander “Piko” Ramirez have maintained a beautiful friendship throughout all these years, each in their respective fields: one currently working as a director of photography for video clips, films, and commercials for film and television, and the other as a “shaper” and a passionate surfer.

Vega also shared this photo of himself with us, which shows that he is not only a lover of photography but also of surfing, which he has practiced since he was little.

Surfing Costa Rica - Sebastián Vega surfing some “spot” in Costa Rica.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero