Mar Chen will attempt something historic: paddling by hand on a prone board from Jacó Beach to Chira Island.

In what would be a historic event for a discipline originating in Hawaii and Indonesia, Costa Rican lifeguard Mar Chen will attempt to paddle by hand on a prone board from Jacó Beach to Chira Island.

A distance that would exceed the 80.28 kilometers that are in a straight line between the starting point and the arrival point, not counting the possible natural difficulties that could arise on the route such as currents, winds, adverse weather conditions, make this challenge a historic journey.

The feat has a very special aspect: the intention of Wagner Torres, director of the activity, and Mr. Mar Chen, who will be in charge of rowing, to contribute financially, as well as to educate and raise awareness about coastal conservation and tourism among the children of Chira Island and various sectors of Costa Rica.

The man from Santiago will row the entire course with his own hands and will depend entirely on his physical and mental capacity to complete the challenge. Mar Chen shared more information with us about his preparation and the expectations he and his event director have regarding the course; here is the interview.

What route will you be rowing?

The route will be from Jacó Beach to Chira Island, a distance of 56 nautical miles, about 90 kilometers in total. A study is being conducted with professionals to accurately estimate whether the distance achieved will be relevant to breaking a world record.



Where did the idea to do it come from?

The idea originated with me, Mar Chen, and when I told Wagner Torres, the tour director, about the initiative, he immediately embraced the project. He believes in me, as does Surfing Republica, who will be present during the feat .

What is the purpose of making the journey?

The idea is to promote this discipline and help children and young people on the coasts, as well as encourage coastal conservation and tourism.

How are you preparing for this feat?

For now, I'm preparing with morning training sessions on the beach. I'm also getting regular medical checkups to ensure I'm in the best possible condition, both in terms of health and peak performance. This is all thanks to sponsors who already believe in the project and support us in these areas. We're also working intensively on my mental preparation with a sports psychologist who helps me stay mentally sharp to achieve my goal. I've also adjusted my diet, working with a nutritionist who specializes in this area, to optimize my performance. I also do other activities like surfing, nippers, and prone diving to combine these disciplines and improve my overall fitness.

Tell us about the format in which you will complete the route and why it is so difficult?

The course could undoubtedly break a record, as no one has ever done that distance in the way I'll be doing it, which will be prone paddling but using only my arms, requiring a lot of mental effort and physical exertion. Regarding the record, I personally see it as both a record and a personal achievement.

Why go all the way to Isla de Chira? What's so special about it?

A few months ago, we visited Chira Island with a project called Surfers United for Costa Rica. During these visits, in addition to providing food supplies, we witnessed the poverty faced by the inhabitants of this island in Puntarenas. I personally believe that an important element in raising well-rounded young people is encouraging them to participate in sports and health, and teaching them to innovate in these areas. With a pro-board, they can practice many other sports, such as surfing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), thus helping them become better human beings every day.

Give us a message of encouragement for the people or brands that wish to help complete this feat of social good.

The purpose of the paddle is very important to me, as we aim to bring joy to children in a somewhat forgotten area. My message to companies, brands, and individuals is that if you don't participate in any water sports, you could try prone paddling, which will undoubtedly help improve your lifestyle. I focus this event on showing that there are positive things to do and that people can find something positive in difficult times.



The rowing event is scheduled for November 7th; however, the date may change in order to find the best conditions for this great feat. In the coming days, information will be provided regarding the account numbers that will be available for individuals, brands, or companies who wish to support the project and bring a smile to the children of the island and coastal areas.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero