In the surfing world when someone says the name Carlos Muñoz it does not generally ring any bells. Beyond Central America Carlos was never a household name, but as with any great feat in life that can change in seconds and in Carlos’s case that changed in about five seconds. In athletics most moments of brilliance span an entire quarter or period, but in surfing this can occur in a flash. Carlos scored the Volcom Pipeline Pro’s first perfect ten (the highest score possible) heat against some of the world’s most elite Pipeline specialists. He took off on a long Backdoor right and nabbed one of the longest barrels of the day. After exiting the barrel loud hoots and hollers could be heard echoing from the Volcom house, Carlos’s main sponsor.

Carlos has only been tackling Pipe’s giant barrels for three years, but this year he has shown great improvement and that can be clearly seen in his booming confidence at the world’s most deadly wave. Carlos’s perfect barrel will arguably be considered Carlos’s springboard into what looks to be a long and promising surf career. This could also be considered one of the greatest accomplishments for any Costa Rican surfer on the world stage. Carlos eventually lost out in the quarters and finished equal ninth, which is highly commendable considering the vast talent pool of Pipe specialist in the contest. Muñoz has now shown the rest of the surfing world that Costa Rica does have the ability to produce world class athletes that are more than capable of competing in what many consider to be the most challenging and defining wave in the world. As a past high school student in Costa Rica and a as surfer, to watch Carlos perform at such a high level was truly inspirational. I recall myself watching his round three heat where he would go on to defeat Pipe phenomenon and champion John John Florence in utter disbelief. He surfed with poise and grace well beyond his years.

As the contest loomed on Carlos began to garner quite a fan base, even though he was an underdog. It became obvious that even the contest commentators wanted Carlos’s Cinderella story to come true. Dave Wassell a fellow Volcom team rider, lifeguard and commentator comically stated “I want to go up to Carlos and just give him a big man hug.” It became apparent that Muñoz’s positive attitude and his likeable demeanor began to rub off on other contestants, commentators and surf fans alike. This sentiment was of course what we all know as “pura vida.” Carlos did not go on to win the contest, but in my eyes he won the hearts of many surf fans around the world and this can be just as valuable as a first place finish. It will great to see how Carlos’s surf career blossoms throughout the year, and I am sure I will not be the only person following his progress. Congratulations Carlos you have certainly solidified your position amongst the world’s surfing elite.

Here is an old video of Carlos doing his thing in the waves…