Terrazas del Pacífico in Playa Hermosa witnessed one dream final in the Open Category. Four of the major surfers fought for a longed-for prize.

During the final, Gilbert Brown, the new champion, competed against his closest rival, Luis Vindas to seize the title. Vindas could not beat the incredible waves and radical style of the Limon-born surfer, who has lived in Jaco for the past eight years. Diego Naranjo and Jairo Pérez competed in that event, too.

The final had all the elements for the perfect scenery to please the audience crowding the beach. The multitude supported its favorites and witnessed how the surfers rode each wave.

Luis Vindas was winning the final heat against the #1 – ranked Brown, when he surfed into the rocks and broke his board. Someone brought him out a substitute surfboard and he kept on surfing great, as did Brown, yet, the pressure got to Vindas when he interfered against Gilbert, forcing the judges to take away one of his high scoring waves.

Now former champion, Diego Naranjo took the first place. However, the numbers had already appointed a new national champion – Gilbert Brown

Once in the podium, Gilbert stated how difficult it was for him to win this crown.

The other categories were also full of emotion and strength

In the Women Category, Lisbeth Vindas recovered her throne during the final against former national champion Nataly Bernold. Argentineans Agustina Pellizzarri and Laura Pecorano went to the finals as well.

Junior Carlos Muñoz from Esterillos won his first national title and became the youngest surfer to win such prize (at 15 years old). He also achieved the title corresponding to the Boys Category (sub 16).

Source: The Jaco News