For the first time in the history of aquatic sports in Costa Rica, the gorgeous beaches of Guanacaste will host their very own surfing circuit. According to national newspaper La Nacion and Primero en Noticias, an online news daily based in Santa Cruz, the Costa Rica Surf Federation aims to drive even more tourism to Guanacaste through surfing and to give local athletes an opportunity to shine.

The action will begin at Playa Tamarindo on November 16^th and 17^th. The Guanacaste Surf Creatures Circuit will run from 2013 to 2014, and it will also make stops at Playa Avellanas, Marbella and Playa Negra. The seven tournament phases will wrap up on May 11^th, 2014.

This provincial circuit was envisioned by the Costa Rica Surf for Youth Foundation. Spokeswoman Andrea Diaz explained to La Nacion that:

“We want to turn Guanacaste into a surfing mecca, but we want to especially focus on a vision of social responsibility, whereby surfing will be introduced to young boys and girls who do not have the financial resources to participate.”

For this reason, the amateur registration for young surfers will only cost 1,000 colones (about $2) as long as they are enrolled in school. Circuit registration for all other will be 10,000 colones (about $20). Open registration will be in the following categories:

• Junior Mae and Female (under 18)
• Boys and Girls (under 15)
• Groms and Mini Girls (under 12)
• Dolphins (children who require assistance)

Master and Longboard categories may open up as the circuit gets underway.

Although Guanacaste is home to many world-class breaks, the competitive aspect of surfing has been conspicuously absent. In recent years, however, the beaches of Guanacaste have managed to attract international interest and increased economic development to the province.

The status of surfing as a multi-billion dollar global industry will certainly motivate community leaders and local business people to attract even more circuits and tournaments.