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The President of the Surf Federation tells us about the current state of surfing in Costa Rica.

Surfing Costa Rica - Surfing practice.

Mr. Randall Chaves, President of the Costa Rican Surfing Federation, gives us his perspective and overview of the current state of surfing in our country.


What is the Federation's point of view regarding COVID-19 and the issue of the impossibility of surfing?

The inability to surf is an issue that wasn't limited to surfing but affected all sports, though the impact has been more detrimental to some than others. Fortunately, in Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health is allowing people to go for walks or bike rides individually, or even from home if they have the necessary equipment. I believe it's important to follow the safety and hygiene measures requested by the Ministry of Health, as the current case numbers are favorable, and if we all continue to work together, we'll get through this soon.

What relationship do you have with the Ministry of Health and other entities to obtain accurate information?

We follow the daily conferences, we also have the press releases sent by the Ministry of Health, and we also have a very good relationship with the Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (ICODER), through the Minister of Sports Hernán Solano, with whom we have a good communication channel where he conveys to us what the Ministry of Health says regarding the steps to follow as a Federation in order for us to reactivate our discipline.

Surfing Costa Rica - National Surfing Date.

In relation to these guidelines provided, what would be the outlook for the return of competitions?

Based on our communication with the Minister of Sports and what we've observed in the Minister of Health's press conferences, protocols must be issued for the resumption of each of the sports disciplines practiced in the country. Because of this, the Minister has instructed each of the Federations to create protocols to present to him, who will then forward them to the Ministry of Health so that, when deemed appropriate, each discipline can be reactivated. We believe our discipline is a bit more complex because it involves the beach and the sea, and currently, access to the sea is completely closed. Therefore, if they manage to reopen the beaches, we don't believe they should do so abruptly, but rather gradually. Otherwise, the virus could spread again, since undoubtedly everyone will want to go to the beach as soon as they reopen. So, this measure is being analyzed to determine how to reopen the beaches. We have seen how beaches are opening in other countries where they allow people to do their outdoor activities in these areas, but they do not allow them to stay on the sand, they only do their activities and return to their homes, always maintaining social distancing and all the hygiene and safety measures required by the protocols of each of the health authorities of these countries.


Do you think there will be a national champion in 2020?

That's the hope; our goal is to work on these protocols we mentioned for the reactivation of the National Circuit and, therefore, to finish our competitive year. The Board of Directors is analyzing several points regarding how we will resume the National Circuit when the Ministry of Health allows it, if it permits us. At the moment, the outlook is favorable, and we believe that if we develop a good protocol and present it to the authorities, and if the people of Costa Rica continue to adhere to the hygiene and safety measures they've recommended, we are confident we will achieve this.

On what would they base the classification for the selection process, considering a possible world games that would define the remaining Olympic qualification spots?

We had a pre-selection team that had already been working with our coach, and we had a training camp in El Salvador, where the world championship was originally scheduled for the end of May but was postponed until the end of the year. We believe it will be a bit easier now that we have the pre-selection team, and it will be simpler when the sport resumes. Returning to training will be easier because most of them are here in the country, and as soon as the Minister of Health and the authorities give us the go-ahead to restart the sport, we can train with them. Regarding Olympic qualification, we currently have Brisa Henessy qualified, and she has been able to continue surfing in Fiji, where she lives. The goal is to qualify both women and both men for the Olympics, God willing, if they happen.

Surfing Costa Rica - Surfing practice.

As a federative body, what message would you give to all surf lovers who wish to practice the discipline?

The message remains the same, and we must adhere to the measures issued by the Government through its authorities, urging everyone to stay home. We have the option of going out individually for walks, runs, bike rides, or exercising at home, but we must ensure that when we return to the sea, we can do so safely with the approval of the Ministry of Health and other authorities. As surfers, we must set an example; we must show solidarity with our country and our fellow citizens by obeying the authorities.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero