Professional Adaptive Surf Advances to World Class Level in Costa Rica

When two or more dynamic people with the same vision collaborate, the results can be outstanding. Goals can be reached that some may have thought impossible or too difficult. This past week three organizations came together to accomplish two world class professional adaptive surfing events on the Pacific Central Coast of Costa Rica. Dana Cummings of Amp Surf and founder of the Para Surf League, and Charles Webb, founder of Stoke for Life, partnered with Adaptive Surf Costa Rica.

As a result, over 60 adaptive surfers from nineteen countries were attracted to the land of Pura Vida to fulfill a dream. The Back2Back Contests ran from June 16 t0 18th and 20th through the 23rd respectively. The second contest in Boca Barranca is part of the Adaptive Surfing Professional Tour circuit which includes contests in Hawaii and California.

Para Surf League Adaptive Surf Contest

The first contest of the Back2Back was held in Jaco in front of the Hotel Balcon del Mar. Competition for the Para Surf League Adaptive Surf contest started on the 17th. The finals and Award ceremony were completed the next day with good surf conditions. Surfers experienced overhead waves with lots of powers, currents and some closeouts. Many of the international competitors commented on the Pura Vida of the people. Dariel Melendez, winner of the first contest for Stand 3 Above Knee, says:

We compete against the judges in the water, not each other. The best part of the contest is getting to know the other surfers outside of the ocean. Sharing culture and the love of the sport.

Costa Rica Open Pro of Adaptive Surfing Boca Barranca

Boca Barranca is a world class surf break with the second longest left in Costa Rica. Vice President of Adaptive Surf Costa Rica Gustavo Corrales has had a vision for many years for professional adaptive surfers to have the opportunity to compete at a world class break. Often adaptive surf contests are held at less powerful surf breaks in order to accommodate the equipment and accessibility needs of adaptive surfers. Charles Webb, founder of Stoke for Life and the Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals had the same vision.

By joining forces, the two men set new standards for future Adaptive Surf contests on the Professional Tour. The elite wave and central location of Boca Barranca enabled international surfers an opportunity never before realized. Surfers from Europe, Israel, Central and South America and as far as Japan shared the stoke of long rides lasting more than a minute in a beautiful setting.

Bringing Awareness to the Rehabilitative Benefits of Surf

Amp Surf, Surf Adaptado Costa Rica, and Stoke for Life all function as non-profit organizations with similar missions. The three forces strive to bring awareness to the healing power of surf through clinics and education. Consequently, they also promote beach accessibility for all people and the freedom of adaptive sports without limitations. Charles Webb says:

The first thing I would tell an Adaptive Surfer sitting at home right now is “Go surf.” Let the ocean heal you. Then, if you decide you want to compete and become a professional surfer, get in touch with us at Stoke for Life. We will help you every step of the way.

Shout out to Sponsors and Volunteers

Vice President Gustavo Corrales emceed the Award ceremonies and profusely thanked the sponsors and volunteers. Without their unwavering support, the Back2Back contests could not have been run successfully. Coach Maikel Venegas, who also is the Director of Volunteers, confirmed that sixty-five people volunteered between the two contests, with fourteen students from the University of Costa Rica helping at the first event last week in Jaco.

The different roles on the beach include Water Marshalls, Shore Runners, Surfer caddies, and Beach Marshalls. Water Marshall Oscar Navarro affectively saved two tourists from drowning during the first contest. Moreover, the roles of the Water Marshalls and Shore Runners include constant movement between the shore and the contest area, pushing surfers in adaptive beach wheelchairs.

There were a slew of sponsors for the Back2Back Contests, like Surf Synergy which provided one of the Jetskis and main sponsor Saba CentroAmerica, which contributed financially and gift bags. A huge thank you to Charles Webb and Stoke for Life foundation for providing the prize money for the Finalists.

Finally, thank you to the Federation of Surf Costa Rica judges, who worked both events. It is no easy task to judge waves, especially at Boca Barranca where the low tide breaks at a substantially far distance from the shore.

What’s the Next Step for Adaptive Surf

If you would like to get involved as a sponsor, or volunteer for future events,  contact Natalia through Surf Adaptado Costa Rica . For events in the U.S. contact Dana Cummings of Amp Surf. Additionally, to learn how to become an Adaptive Surf Instructor check out the International Surfing Association’s information page.  

In case you aren’t sure of the Adaptive Surfing contest classifications, you can find them here. If you want to see the AASP schedule, or look up contest results, check out the Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals website (AASP).

Next stop on the AASP Tour will be Oceanside, California from September 6 – 10, 2023. You’ll be sure to see many familiar faces if you go. This tour is only gaining momentum and popularity. Join the movement, in any way you can; I guarantee you will enjoy the ride.

PURA VIDA!

All photos by author except where noted. Thank you to everyone who participated in one or both events. It was such a pleasure to meet so many of you. Best wishes and may our paths cross again.