Surfing Republica - What are the plans of the main figures in Costa Rican surfing for 2023?
Costa Rican surfers will fight for great results in 2023.
A new season will begin in the sport of surfing, and with it, a new opportunity for Costa Rican surfers to seek the results planned at the beginning of this year.
Some will do it in the national arena, others in the international arena, but regardless of the level, the goals and objectives sought will always be to improve upon the results obtained in previous years.
In this article we talk to some of the leading figures in Costa Rican surfing and show you some of their plans for 2023.
Brisa Hennessy: The Costa Rican surfer will compete in her fifth year on the Championship Tour (CT), a full year since 2019 (the CT was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic). Without a doubt, the Matapalo native has made headlines worldwide with her extraordinary performances in recent years.
Hennessy will try to secure another spot in the next Olympics via the CT qualifier. He will undoubtedly try to improve on his fifth-place finish on the Championship Tour. He will also be looking to help his country at the World Surfing Games.
Carlos Muñoz: “Cali” could have a chance at redemption in 2023, as he was awarded a replacement wildcard. This means he is the first in line to replace a CT surfer who, due to injury or other circumstances, is unable to compete in one or more Championship Tour events. Furthermore, Muñoz cannot neglect the QS and Challenger events, as these could grant him direct entry to the 2024 CT. The 2023 World Championships and other competitions in which Carlos may represent the national team will be of great importance.
Leilani McGonagle: “ For 2023, my plan is to take everything I've learned and give it my all. I have my sights set on qualifying for the Challenger Series through the regional QS series, then the CT, and finally the 2024 Olympic Games. Obviously, this requires a lot of effort and achieving small, personal goals along the way.”
I feel very positive after a break and being able to spend time at home with my family, following a very difficult 2022. I'm hungry for success and very excited for this year.
My goal is 100% to reach the Olympics, but the first step, for example, is to qualify for the Pan American Games and win them.”
Óscar Urbina: “My main plan for 2023 is to compete in as many World Surf League events as possible. This way, I can be knocking on doors in 2024 to reach the next level, which is where I'd like to be. I'd like to have the opportunity to try for a spot on the National Team and represent my country, fighting for that Olympic berth.”
I will also be doing some dates on the ALAS Pro Tour to stay focused and competitive. I want to improve my ranking for 2023 and achieve the top spot in Latin America.
"I feel mentally ready and full of energy for my 2023 goals."
Rubiana Brownell: “My plans for 2023 are: to surf more consistently both in competitions and in my free surf sessions. Qualify for the Challenger Series. Compete for and aim to win the ALAS Pro Tour. Take advantage of every moment and opportunity this year to continue pushing my surfing to the next level.”
Tomas King: “I have no expectations for 2023. I simply want to continue working hard and trust the process, and I know the results will keep coming. I've never worked so hard or been so focused, and I feel a change I've never felt before. Let's go all out in 2023.”
Darshan Antequera: “My plans and aspirations for 2023 are to improve my technical and competitive surfing skills. I want to become stronger physically and mentally so I can perform better in competitions. I also plan to compete in the entire regional QS and the ALAS Pro Tour. I feel more motivated than ever, with a high level of discipline and some changes I've made to my training. I'm ready for whatever comes. I want to work 100% hard and smart to make the National Team again and aim for Paris 2024.”