Five of the best Costa Rican surfers tell us what their expectations and goals are for 2021.

After experiencing a confusing 2020 with few opportunities to compete, high-performance surfers from Costa Rica and around the world had to find ways to maintain a competitive rhythm suitable for the return of competitions; however, it has not been easy due to various difficulties that have arisen because of COVID-19.

In the final stretch of 2020, a slight air of hope emerged with various tournaments that took place both in Latin America and globally, and by the beginning of 2021, the motivation of the competitors was very high, excited to return to what they are most passionate about, competitions.

Unfortunately, the World Surf League (WSL), the Latin American Surfing Association (ALAS), the Costa Rican Surfing Federation, among other event organizers, are still unclear on how competitions might take place in 2021, and everything will depend on how restrictions evolve in different places or countries around the world.

In this article, five of the best exponents of Costa Rican surfing give us information about their goals and expectations for this year 2021.

Leilani McGonagle: “My goals for 2021 are to try to believe in myself and give myself the best chance to achieve my goals. I want to demonstrate solid surfing and continue improving and having fun. And in my studies, I want to keep working hard to get my degree in Public Relations.”
I think that in terms of expectations, the truth is that it's best not to have any, since it's a complex situation for everyone, from the athletes to the organizers, so we need to be patient and respectful of the situation.”

Carlos Muñoz: “My sporting goal is to qualify for the Olympics. I hope to maintain a good competitive rhythm, take advantage of my years of experience, and try to be better than last year. We know everything is strange because of COVID, but we have to maintain our level.”
To face this year, which is still undefined, I'm very motivated. I've been studying the Bible a lot, spending a lot of time with my family, and surfing different waves around Costa Rica. I think all of this is very important because when we're competing and we have a good mental state, things will turn out the same way. Also, the QS dates have changed a bit and will be more regional, so I'll focus on the region and try to continue getting good results and keep Costa Rica's name high.”

Malakai Martínez: “This year, 2021, I really plan to focus on having fun surfing and getting that fire that's sometimes so necessary when competing. I don't think I'll compete this year, the
"It's true, due to lack of money and difficulty traveling. Many things have changed, and I think the best thing is to wait and see how everything evolves."

Brisa Hennessy: “I think my biggest goal is to stay in the moment as much as possible and simplify my life. Within that, I want to continue focusing on improving my surfing and growing as a competitor. I also want to spread the love of surfing and the importance of healthy eating and cooking to those around me as much as I can.”
I believe the most important preparation I'm working on is my mindset. I'm doing everything I can to take advantage of all the changes, different opportunities, to be flexible and adapt as much as possible.

Jair Pérez: “My goal for 2021 is to continue training until the government allows national and international events to resume. I'm super excited and focused, and I continue to do everything with great dedication and discipline. I'm also working hard alongside my family on the coffee project in Costa Rica and the United States. It hasn't been easy, since COVID-19 has caused significant delays, but I know that in God's time everything will work out, and we remain very faithful and motivated to achieve our individual and family goals.”
As a national athlete and surfer, I understand these times very well and I know that anything can happen, that's why I remain motivated and trusting in God that everything will be alright. Obviously, I miss the competitions a lot, especially going to places to compete and everything that entails. The preparation continues, the focus continues. We'll see how far God lets us go.”

This time has been a great opportunity for everyone to recharge their batteries and strive for the best results when things gradually return to normal.

 

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero