The first day of the World Junior Surfing Championship in Playa Venao got off to a good start with solid heats by the best junior surfers in the world, but when Day 2 came around, the competition level went up a few notches.

As Pavones native Noe Mar McGonagle paddled out for his heat, those who are familiar with his aggressive style of surfing knew that they would be in for a treat.  Noe Mar did not disappoint; in fact, he surpassed expectations on the last set of his heat.  His final maneuver was a soaring backside 360 aerial with no grab and stomp landing.  That feat earned the young surfer the best score of the tournament thus far, and a ticket to the next round.

Speaking to Carlos Enrique Brenes of the Costa Rican Surf Federation (FEDESURF), Noe Mar admitted that he was nervous going into the heat. He wiped out a couple of times, and he was concerned about Griffin Colapinto, a talented American surfer on his heat.  The 15-year old Tico surfer also commented on his unique aerial trick: “I think that innovative surfing is what’s pleasing the judges now.  The backside aerial was the only thing I had to show on my last wave, but my score was based on a mix of tricks.”

Noe Mar’s modesty was not shared by the surfing coaches of the Australian team, who instructed their surfers to pay close attention to what the young Tico is doing.  Online publication Surfer Today also mentioned McGonagle’s performance.

Costa Rica’s Surf Team Performance

Aside from McGonagle, Manuel Mesen and Leonardo Calvo will advance to the next heats.  Coach Geeancarlo Loria admitted to FEDESURF that fresh members of the team like Jason Mora, Arisha Griotti and Tamara Futch showed nervousness and inexperience, and they are now headed for a sudden death round to prevent disqualification.