Surfing Republica - The children of the impossible once again celebrated their passion for surfing in style.
The Costa Rica 2022 Adaptive Surf League Open successfully concludes its third edition.
With the best exponents of Costa Rican para surfing, plus some international competitors who didn't miss the opportunity to come and compete in an international event in our country, this is how the third edition of the Para Surf League Open of Adapted Surfing Costa Rica 2022 took place, an event organized by the Costa Rican Adapted Surfing Sports Association (ADESURFA) with the main support of the Para Surf League of AmpSurf, the same organization that sponsors the ISA Parasurfing World Championship.
Costa Rica was privileged to receive this support and it confirms how well work has been done in the field of para surfing, where we have world champions.
“This third edition of the Adaptive Surfing Open culminated in great news, as Costa Rica will be part of the Para Surfing World Tour organized by the Para Surf League. This initiative aims to grow the sport and increase the number of athletes participating in this discipline, which is on track to become a Paralympic sport at Los Angeles 2028. The Adaptive Surfing Association is immensely grateful to the sponsors and collaborators of this event, as well as to the volunteers and staff who dedicated countless hours to its planning, organization, and execution. Special recognition goes to the athletes who courageously surfed challenging conditions this past Sunday in the semifinals and finals.”
“We invite you to stay tuned for the next Adaptive Surfing Open, which is scheduled for June 2023,” said Natalia Vindas, current president of the Adaptive Surfing Association.
The third edition of the Costa Rica 2022 Para Surf League Open Adaptive Surfing event featured two categories: Adaptive Open and Expression Session. Two additional activities, Tag Team and Blindfolded Challenge, were planned; however, the wave conditions changed considerably on Sunday, and their execution was affected by the danger they posed to the participants.
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In the Adapted Open category, Ismael Araya emerged victorious, becoming a two-time champion after his first-place win in the previous edition. Roy CalderĂłn displayed consistency and determination throughout the competition, securing second place. Third place went to Matthews Vanderhooth, and fourth to Jimena Ruiz; both competitors delivered admirable and commendable performances.
In the Expression Session category, Ismael Araya was once again the winner, having visited Playa JacĂł in top form and dominating in two categories. Roy CalderĂłn secured second place, demonstrating his impressive skill. Third, fourth, fifth, and sixth place went to Jimena Ruiz, Bladimir Vallejos, John Barrantes, and Matthews Vanderhooth, respectively.
The highest wave of the event (9.00 pts), as well as the highest combination (17.00 pts) was for Roy CalderĂłn.
“The event was a resounding success. We not only achieved our goals for holding the Adaptive Surfing Open, but we also managed to train and establish a volunteer system that implements a technical and safety protocol in every area of ​​the tournament required for Parasurfing competition. God blessed us with excellent weather, great wave conditions, and the best overall, inclusive, and fulfilling atmosphere for everyone who participated in this great event. We are grateful to the athletes and all the sponsors who made this a dream come true, and it's just the beginning,” said Gustavo Corrales, event director, founder, and vice president of the Adaptive Surfing Sports Association.
All the competitors demonstrated their high level of skill, and the emotions and great surfing were the order of the day in this new edition of the Para Surf League Open of Adapted Surfing Costa Rica 2022.