Surf competitions are expected to return this year.

The Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (ICODER) announced that the competition protocols of the Costa Rican Surf Federation have already been approved.

The Federation's President, Randall Chaves, said: "With the authorization of competitions for the Costa Rican Surf Federation, we will act with the utmost responsibility given the current situation in the country."

"All announced measures will be respected, such as events without audiences and without crowds, implementing social distancing between competitors and their bubbles and complying with all requirements established by the country's Health and Safety authorities.

Sports Minister Hernán Solano emphasized that for a sport to be able to train or compete, four steps are required: “One, authorization from the Ministry of Health; two, an approved protocol; three, inclusion on the list of authorized sports and its scope; and four, most importantly, that the organization that will implement it can do so, because otherwise they risk even facing health-related closures. Let's remember that every time authorization is granted for a sport, it's not just an opportunity, it's a responsibility.”

The Federation will be conducting training sessions for competitors and staff on the new protocols, and in the coming days will announce the new dates and locations where the official sanctioned competitions will be held.

These competitions will follow the guidelines of the authorities for the safety of athletes, companions and the general public.

Official statement from the Costa Rican Surfing Federation.