Tico Surfers Deliver Powerful Debut at Garabito Surf City Pro
Garabito Surf Pro Debuts in Playa Hermosa
The World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) has returned to the Pura Vida country of Costa Rica for the first Garabito Surf City Pro, a men’s and women’s QS 2,000-level event. Both national and international surfers brought their A game, completing the August 13 – 16 event on Sunday in Playa Hermosa. The powerful beach break hosted the WSL North American top competitors looking for points toward the Challenger Series qualifications for 2027. With this in mind, it was game on for Costa Rica’s most talented competitive surfers. Notably, the inaugural qualifier enjoyed chest to overhead classic Playa Hermosa waves. A largely local crowd turned out to lend enthusiastic support.
“Holding these types of events strengthens the country and positions Costa Rica as an undisputed leading destination in sports and sustainable tourism, generating a transcendental opportunity both economically and socially, especially for coastal communities,” said Carla Gallardo, President of ACOS.
World Surf League
Ten Costa Rican Surfers Stand Out on First Day of Competition
Ten Costa Rican surfers made it out of Round 96 of the Men’s first day of competition. Tico surfers included NoeMar McGonagle, father and son Jason and Jaziel Torres, Cedric McCracken, Malakai Martinez, Oscar Urbina, Maykol Torres Murillo, Darshan Antequerra, Sam Reidy and Jairo Perez.
National former WSL competitor Carlos Munoz joined the Round of 64 on Day 2 to showcase his finesse on the local waves with signature aerial maneuvers. Sam Reidy , the 2025 Costa Rican Men’s Open Champion and one of the local favorites has already racked up a few QS events. Reidy currently sitts in the number 24 spot on the North American QS series. Unfortunately, Sam was eliminated in the Round of 32 along with Maykol Torres.
In a buzzer beat wave, Darshan joined fellow Tico competitor Carlos Munoz in passing his Round of 32 heat. Both Carlos and Darshan would move on to the elite Round of 16 along with Jason Torres. However, all three were eliminated before the Quarter Finals. Carlos suffered an injury to his shoulder much to the fans’ disappointment. His presence was nonetheless captivating and enjoyed by all.
Ticas Leilani McGonagal and Rachel Aguero dominate Girls Competition Early
Leilani McGonagle can be described as Costa Rica’s sweetheart of surf. The goofy footed surfer from the famous beach town of Pavones is a veteran of the WSL QS. Leilani currently holds the 9th position ranking. She did not disappoint. Her backhand attack in Hermosa led to a 14.75 heat total in the Round of 16. Consequently, she moved on to the Women’s Quarterfinals, along with the 2026 Costa Rica National Women’s Champion, Rachel Aguero.
“I’ve been having so much fun just free-surfing around, seeing all my friends, and eating at home all the pintos,” said McGonagle. “I’m just happy to be here, and happy to get game day going. I’m really excited for more waves like that. It’s so good, I’m so happy for Rachel to make her heat as well. It’s amazing to see all the people come down and support us on the beach. It means a lot to us, and I’m really excited for Finals Day with some more waves on the way.”
Leilani McGonagle (World Surf League)
Notwithstanding, Rachel Aguero also turned in a spectacular performance to make it to Finals Day. Aguero beat multiple QS Event winners Zoe Benedetto and Alana Lopez in her heats, both from the U.S. All four girls would move on to the Quarterfinals, adding to the excitement of the local crowd coming out to support the Costa Rican surfers.
Both Aguero and McGonagle missed moving into the Semifinal heats by less than half a point. That has to hurt, especially with the local crowd cheering them on. However, you can be sure to see more of their talent and abilities on display in future events both on and off home turf.
Mikela Castro and Kian Jiron lead Costa Ricans Under 14 Boys and Girls
After the Mens and Women’s Finals, the best of the groms enjoyed powerful surf to the end the Garabito Surf City Pro with both girls’ and boys’ sub 14 finals. The tide was coming in quite nicely offering up well shaped inside waves.
Mikela Castro, a young surfer from Limon who at 12 years can be said to be following in Leilani’s footsteps earned a spot in the Round of 20 of the Women’s Main Event. The young Tica finished the 2026 National Surfing Circuit as Champion of the Female Grommets, Girls and Junior Girls categories, as well as runner up to Rachel Aguero in the Open Women’s category. In the Girls Sub 14 Final, Castro lead the charge to easily win the heat. To be sure, Mikela scored in the excellent range on her two best waves. Additionally, Runner up Kalena Bryant turned in a notable performance.
For the boys, it was Kian Jiron to lead the Sub 14 Final who also achieved scores in the excellent range. Indeed, Jiron capitalized on long rides. Impressively, the youngest surfer of the entire event Ian Eduardo Brito at ten years old showed amazing talent. Ian thanked God, his family and Coach Mike Castro for their support and guidance. Brito finished fourth in the Sub 14 Boys Final, not far behind the competition.
The Garabito Surf City Pro QS 2,000 at Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica was broadcasted on WorldSurfLeague.com from August 13th – 16th. The event marked the return of the WSL Qualifying Series to Costa Rica after eight years and you can expect more to come.
Thank you to Grupo ACOS for their hard work in “getting the job done.” Banco Lafise CR, Garabito Ciudad Deportiva, and Essential Costa Rica joined the association as proud sponsors of the first Garabito Surf City Pro.
The next WSL QS event will be the Super Girl Pro Surf Festival, al 4000 point event. You can catch the action online at the World Surf League website.
Source: World Surf League
