After a two month process of evaluating the performance of a group of Costa Rican surfers, trainer Jim Hogan chose the 12 young athletes that will be traveling to Japán to represent the country in the ISA World Junior Championship 2017.

The competition will take place in Hyuga, Japan from September 23 through October 1. Costa Rica is currently ranked sixth in the world in this championship, so the team’s objective is to try to go up in the top 10. There are more than 35 countries participating in the event.

“This has been a tough decision. Luckily there is a lot of talent in Costa Rica, but among this talent, it is difficult to choose and come up with the final list. This team is incredible and I want to start working as soon as possible to bring them to the next level”, said Hogan.

The team will be traveling September 19 along with Hogan and the physical trainer and nutritionist Mario Rios.

Hogan plans to continue the training sessions with all athletes including those that weren’t picked for this event to enrich the training experience and to have more prospects that will eventually be ready to replace one of the main cards in case required, especially those in the U18 and U16 categories and considering the 2018 tournaments.

Some of the names in the list are already well-known in the sport and have represented the country in international competitions, such is the case of Leilani McGonagle, Aldo Chirinos, Malakai Martínez, Oscar Urbina, Coral Wiggins and Zulay Martínez.

Male Sub 18
André Chacón (Jaco)
Francisco Coronado (Brasilito)
Joseph Méndez (Jaco)
Aldo Chirinos (Playa Negra)

Female Sub 18
Leilani McGonagle (Pavones)
Zulay Martínez (Tamarindo)

Boys Sub 16
Malakai Martinez (Tamarindo)
Oscar Urbina (Puerto Viejo)
Sebastián Mora (Santa Teresa)
Gabriel Córdoba (Puerto Viejo)

Girls Sub 16
Coral Wiggins (Avellanas)
Eva Woodland (Florida)