World Surf League (WSL) North America announced the return of the Essential Costa Rica Surf Pro Men’s and Women’s Qualifying Series (QS) 1,500-level event to be held at Jaco, Garabito, Puntarenas October 4 – 7.

“It’s been two years since the WSL was on Costa Rican shores and, with the help of Manrique Mata, Warren Baez, and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). This event provides North America QS Stop No. 11 for the men and Stop No. 6 for the women, giving competitors a shot at more points toward the international rankings — as well as the coveted North America Regional QS Title”, states the press release. “Mata, Event Producer, and his team have been working tirelessly to bring pro surfing back to one of the world’s surf-rich countries once more”.

“It’s very important for Costa Rica to have this event because we are a surfing nation, and some of our athletes have been amateur champions,” Mata said. “As promoter and producer of the event, it is amazing to see our goal achieved because two years ago we had an amateur international event and now we will have this WSL event — not only for men but also for women.”

“It is a vital event because many of the local surfers are very good, but some of them have financial problems and do not have the means to travel outside Costa Rica,” Mata added. “So, we bring the events here to their country and the WSL QS 1500 is their dream coming as a reality, they have the opportunity of being seen internationally, and who knows, maybe someday they can be on the Olympics representing Costa Rica as well.”

Currently the highest ranked Costa Ricans on their respective QS tours are Noe Mar and Leilani McGonagle. Noe Mar sits at No. 47 on the QS rankings, while Leilani is at No. 16 on the rankings after her first major QS victory earlier this year at the Barbados Surf Pro QS 3,000.

“We’re really happy to see the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) through the Country Brand “ESSENTIAL COSTA RICA”, step up again and give these competitors a platform in their own backyard,” said Brian Robbins, North America Tour Manager. PRESS RELEASE Source: WSL