Jair Perez. Photo by Alfredo Barquero. Source: FEDESURF CR

In the pro surf circuit of Costa Rica over the last few years, a few names keep coming up time after time: Carlos Munoz, the McGonagles, Luis Vindas, etc. This year, however, a name seldom heard before is being talked about as one of the strongest contenders to win the coveted National Circuit: Jair Perez.

Although Jair Perez is just 21 years old, his performance in the last few heats of the circuit has impressed judges. He is from Puntarenas and knows the breaks where the final heats will take place quite well. He recently spoke to Rodolfo Rodriguez Lopez of the Al Dia sports daily about what he expects:

“Over the last few days, I have been training four consecutive hours or more. I know I am in first place, but this does not mean I am the champ yet. This is going to be one of the closest finals in the last few years.”

Perez is the local favorite. He knows the Playa Hermosa break in front of the Backyard Hotel quite well; the waves are expected to contribute to the final heats with 2.5 meters overhead glass sets. Perez is not completely in the clear yet, he has four other pro surfers from Costa Rica tugging at his ankle leash: Noe Mar McGonagle, Luis Vindas, Gilbert Brown and Ramón Taliani. Of his opponents, Perez explained:

“We know each other so well that none of us has a clear advantage over the other.”

McGonagle, whose surfing trajectory has been covered by The Costa Rica Star in the past, will arrive at Playa Hermosa looking to dominate the surf and make up for the missed opportunity during 2012’s National Circuit. McGonagle was the leader of the pack last year when he succumbed to pressure. He told Al Dia that he feels more confident this time around:

“It feels better when you are not leading. I have improved a lot this year and that will help me to not feel so nervous.”

McGonagle could take the Open and Junior titles. His sister Leilani, from Pavones, is among the favorites to take the Women’s Open title along with Lisbeth Vindas from Jaco Beach, and perhaps Emily Gussoni. In the longboard category, Anthony Flores and Cristian Santamaria are expected to duel. The heats will begin at 7:00 am on Friday.

The event is sponsored by Reef, and it is expected to feature a lot of crowd-pleasing aerials by the finalists.