Ethan Hollander: A South Pacific promise who shines nationally and internationally.

His great talent and determination, despite being only 12 years old, have led him to compete at a high level both nationally and internationally. Ethan is from Playa Dominical, the son of a Costa Rican mother and an American father. From a young age, he showed a love for the ocean and a great passion for the waves.

This year Ethan was still competing in the National Surf Circuit, where he is in first place in the Grommets category, third place in Boys and seventh place in Junior, however, due to the covid 19 pandemic, the continuation of the circuit is still uncertain.

In 2019, this boy from the Costa Rican South Pacific was simultaneously competing in the popular NSSA student races in the United States, where he achieved several first-place finishes.

Reference note: https://surfingrepublica.com/blogs/news/ethan-hollander-el-tico-que-mas-podiums-internacionales-obtuvo-en-el-2019

In this article, Ethan Hollander tells us a little more about his aspirations as an athlete and shares more details of his short but successful sports career.

How old are you and where are you from?

My name is Ethan Asher Hollander Leiva, I am 12 years old and I am from Playa Dominical.

How did you get started in the world of surfing?

I started surfing at my home beach, Dominical, where I surfed every day with my friends and competed in local tournaments from the age of six. I also learned a lot traveling with my family and friends on surf trips.

How old were you when you started surfing, and who introduced you to surfing?

Since I was 4 years old I have loved the sea and my parents were always at the beach because my dad surfed and they would take me too and push me with his board and since then I have loved surfing and the energy of being in the water inspires me to compete and improve my passion for this sport.


How long have you been competing, and where did the idea of ​​competing on the national circuit and then in the NSSA come from?

I've been competing in local tournaments in the Southern Zone since I was 6, and that's where the idea came from when I was 8 to start competing in the National Circuit to improve my surfing and also meet friends from all over the country. It was also there that I met my current coach, Diego Naranjo, with whom I've been training since I was 10, competing in the NSSA.

What titles or victories have you achieved in the National Surf Circuit and international events?

I've won one title on the National Circuit in the Mini Grommets category and have been runner-up twice in both Mini Grommets and Groms. I've won seven or eight events in total on the circuit in those categories. I've also won three events in the 2019-2020 NSSA Open in the Open Boys (under 12) category, and in the 2019-2020 NSSA Explorer, I've won six events in the under-12 and Open Boys (under 14) categories. In fact, I'm the one who has won the most events in the under-12 category. With these results, I have faith in God that I can win national championships, which is the best thing for my future as a professional surfer.

What are your plans to continue competing at the national and international level?

My plans are to continue training hard and continue competing in the National Circuit and the NSSA, Junior Pro, and thus eventually compete in the QS.

Who is your favorite surfer, both nationally and internationally?

At the national level Anthony Fillingim and at the international level John John Florence.

What are your goals for next year?

 

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero