Costa Ricans will be able to participate in these events thanks to their dual nationality.

The talented young surfer from Dominical Beach, Ethan Hollander, will be part of the Prime events of the National School Surfing Association (NSSA).

This fact is of utmost importance for the future of the Costa Rican and is historic, since never before has a Costa Rican-American surfer been part of these Prime events.

“I am very happy to be part of these events and to be part of a process that will lead me to be a better surfer. For me, all of this is a step towards achieving something bigger, and competing at this level will help me reach that dream. I thank my parents for always helping me in this process and my coach for helping me in every step to improve my surfing,” said Ethan Hollander.

This circuit is only open to American athletes, however, Ethan has dual citizenship and thus has the opportunity to be part of these events that bring together the best competitors from the NSSA, ESA and WSA circuits.

The Prime events are organized by the United States Federation called Surfing America, and athletes who manage to place in the top 10 of each category are invited to be part of the junior Olympic development program, thus giving them access to world-class sports infrastructure and, obviously, to train side-by-side with the best junior athletes in the United States, in addition to much more exposure to the biggest brands in the world.

“For me, as Ethan’s coach, this is an indication that the work we’ve been doing over the last five years is on the right track and that we’re achieving our goals, since this was one of the goals we set from the beginning. It’s a great testament to him as an athlete and to me as his coach, proving that by maintaining perseverance, discipline, and above all, aiming for the biggest goals, things can be accomplished. This is a first step, since from here they can become part of the U.S. Olympic process, and that’s huge for a Latino or a Central American,” said Diego Naranjo, Ethan’s coach.

The dates for this circuit will be held on the west coast of the United States and the first date will take place starting next weekend, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February in Huntington Beach.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero