Ericka Berra: the Caribbean talent who is emerging as the future of Costa Rican women's surfing.

At just 13 years old, Ericka Berra already knows what it's like to win a national title, since last year in the female minigrommets category she won the championship by winning five out of the six dates played.

Berra is a girl from Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo de Limón and her talent has been demonstrated in the different tournaments at the national level, despite the little time she has in the competitive field.

Internationally, Ericka competed in two NSSA tournaments in the United States the previous year, where she achieved first place in one and reached the finals of the competition in the other.

Ericka dreams of representing the country in a world championship and last year she had the opportunity to be part of the pre-selection for the junior category, gaining knowledge and experience for future call-ups, so that when her opportunity comes she will be in the best possible condition.

In this article, this talented girl from the Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica tells us a little more about her goals and her short but remarkable sports career.

How did you get started in the world of surfing?

I started practicing skateboarding, at a skate park that was near my house and I had a lot of fun, but unfortunately it closed and that's when my dad suggested that we go surfing so we could also spend time together and I had a lot of fun and I got more and more involved in the world of surfing until today.

How long have you been competing, and where did the idea of ​​competing, rather than just surfing recreationally, come from?

I started competing in 2018, and I was 10 years old when I began. The idea of ​​competing and no longer just surfing recreationally came to me when I improved my skills and started putting more effort into it. Then one day the National Surf Circuit came to the Caribbean, and my friends encouraged me to participate. I wanted to give it a try. At first, my dad was hesitant because I had a little trouble catching waves on my own, but I trained hard and managed to compete, and it was a great experience for me.





What triumphs have you achieved in the National Surf Circuit?

Last year I managed to win five dates of the circuit and they led me to the national title in the minigrommets category, it was my second year of competition, but I felt very good competing and I managed to achieve many goals.

What do you think about one day being able to represent Costa Rica in World Cups?

It would be a dream come true, since one of my biggest goals is to represent Costa Rica in a world championship. Last year I was in the pre-selection and I learned many new things and I managed to work as a team and it motivated me a lot.

Who is your favorite female surfer, both nationally and internationally?

My favorite surfer in my country is Leilani McGonagle, because I feel she's a very dedicated girl who puts a lot of effort into what she does. Plus, I used to watch the videos she posted of herself surfing when I was 11 or 12 years old, and that motivated me a lot. Internationally, my favorite surfer is Caroline Marks, because I feel her backside surfing is very good. I also had the opportunity to meet her in California, and she was so nice. And among those closer to my age, Sakura Johnson really inspires me with her surfing skills.

What are your goals for next year?

My goals for next year are to continue competing in the National Surf Circuit to represent my country. I would also like to continue competing in NSSA tournaments to improve my surfing, innovate my maneuvers, and gain more technique and power.

Give us a motivational message that you would give to girls who are just starting out and want to shine at a national level.

The message I would give to the girls is that, first of all, surfing gives us a connection with nature, and the sea is a free place for everyone. They should also look for role models to keep them motivated, and if they have any doubts, it's best to consult people with knowledge, since surfing is all about pure life and they can offer a better perspective. In any sport, there will always be difficult moments, but everything passes, and you should never give up. The experiences are unforgettable, and you develop it into a passion.

Ericka leads a passionate life in both sports and studies, as she is an outstanding student with excellent grades and currently continues her lessons at the Cahuita College, where she receives online lessons due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, she eagerly awaits being able to return to in-person classes and share with her classmates.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero