Second Latin American Surfing Championship in Nicaragua

Cinthia Membreño | Jul 27, 2011

Surfers from 15 Latin American countries will visit Nicaragua, from August 26 to 28, in occasion of the Second Latin Pro Surfing Championship. This year, the tournament will take place in Maderas Beach (Rivas) and, unlike the previous edition, it will be a six star event with US$20,000 worth on prizes.

Lucy Valenti, member of the organizing committee, explained during a press conference given yesterday, July 26, that the championship has the support of the Latin American Association of Professional Surfers (ALAS), institution founded on 2001 and constituted by four federations that work for the improvement and development of surfing as a sport.

Mario Salinas, president of the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR), stated that Nicaragua has great potential to develop sports tourism, specially with international events like the Latin American tournament. "Nicaragua has the privilege of being suitable for surfing throughout the year, unlike other countries, where it is possible to practice it only during certain seasons," he stated.

Valenti also assured that tourism related to surfing represents an opportunity to increase the number of visitors in the Nicaraguan coasts. In addition, she stated that all the national competitors will be sponsored by companies that will pay the registration fees (Open: US$150, Damas, Junior and Longboard: US$80).

Another relevant announcement was that organizers requested that Nicaragua becomes the headquarters of the World Surfing Championship in 2012. It is hoped that Karin Sierralta, vice president of the International Surfing Association (ISA), comes to the country joined by Stacie Perry, ISA's project developer, so that they can evaluate Latin Pro's organizing conditions and then inform if Nicaragua is ready to host the event.

The Latin Pro 2011 will be divided in four categories: Open, Women, Junior and Longboard. Men and women of all ages can participate in it, except for Juniors (up to 20 years old). Registrations and memberships can be paid on ALAS' website (alaslatintour.com) or at Gray Line Nicaragua (phone: 2277 2097 / e-mail: info@graylinenicaragua.com). The competition will be held from 7:00 am to 3:00 am on the three days.