THE VIEW and Video- 2009 ISA World Surfing Games

Master Photographer, Agustin Muñoz from Argentina (www.NitsugaPhotography.com), loaned me this shot he took on the last day of the contest. I was unable to get down to the Hermosa Mirador for this shot and he graciously let me borrow it for my blog to show everyone. It is a wild shot. Almost surreal when you have this image in mind and walk on the beach today,,,, it's vacant,,, not a soul in sight.
PURA VIDA and thank you so much Agustin for giving me the highlights of the events as it progressed during the week. Check out more of Agustin's photography at http://www.agustinmunoz.com.
Now, everyone have a big, big sigh... they're gone and we have our beach back!!

Check out this reeeeally cool video by Ezequiel Avaro and Agustin Muñoz for Surfos Magazine -

More Videos by Ezequiel Avaro here: www.youtube.com/ezequielavaro

The Day After - 2009 ISA World Surfing Games

The party's over.
Before the crack of dawn on the day after, the music was turned back on for a 'one song' wake-up call. The vibrating bass pounding through the still night, waking those left over from the party the night before. Here are some shots of the beach and "the zone" around where I live. Peace has returned and I can hear the birds again.

Ho'omalamalama Pono
"Bring light, love and care to every effort, situation and intention in life"

I got that off BreeWee's blog, it helped me get through this past week and keep a generous heart in all the chaos.

Thanks for comin' Ya'll. It was great and everyone was so nice to each other.

I have lots more photos of the last day I will post soon.

Gridlock to World Surfing Games - Hermosa Costa Rica

My friend, Carol, braved the traffic early Saturday to come out to Hermosa and do a little shopping at the Planeta Aventura they have set up at the surf event. She took these shots trying to get back to Jaco a little before noon. It was over an hour drive. My electrician stopped by to get me out of a jam (the wire on my car alarm came out and totally shut down my car) and he called back, still on the road, to report people walking from Jaco. An incredible sight. This was the pilgrimage to surf land. They cancelled the "Walk for Jesus" pilgrimage to Cartago this year due to swine flu. That didn't stop these people. It was estimated over 25,000 people were here.

THE FINALE!!!!! 2009 ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES

About 5 a.m. this morning, I could hear the crowds of people coming. It started getting really packed about 7:30 on the beach. Considering the waves of people I have seen headed towards the beach, it must be "full up" by now,,,, and with the tide coming in, the coastline of spectators will have to steady retreat (compacting the crowd). It's a sight to behold and with it comes so many little stories, I don't know where to begin. It has been a hell of a week and now, it's peaking. The clouds are moving in and the games are in full heat to determine the winner. DRUM ROLL!!!
I hope, pray, it doesn't rain. All hell will break loose then with people trying to leave and most are pretty drunk already. I have NEVER seen this many people in this area for any event, EVER!


USA got the GOLD.
FINAL Team Results:

GOLD - United States – 14910 points

SILVER - France – 13280 points

BRONZE - Australia - 10996 points

COPPER - Hawaii – 10856 points 



Day Three - Girl's Day Out

A few photos from today. Two heats, different ends of the beach, same time, starting at 8am, all day...
I stuck with the women today. Sorry about the resolution, I downsized for speed in loading to Slide.

World Surf Games - Costa Rica

Gilbert Brown from COSTA RICA came away today with some pretty high scores... over 9!
Can't find any info on the web.
This photo was taken early yesterday, first day of the tournament... before he went out.
The first shot I took, he was looking a little 'intense', then he flashed a winning smile for the camera.
GO GIL!!!

For those that aren't here, a little slide show of the first day of the surf competitions.

Let the Games BEGIN!!!!!!

Freddy Camacho - 'Salsiboy' bringing in OUR FLAG.

5:30 this morning,,, hardly a soul in sight on Hermosa Beach. By 9 a.m., hardly room to walk. I can not believe all the people!! What a sight! The cars are parked any and everywhere there is a spot off the main road and they are packing in the beach. Truly the biggest event we have EVER HAD!!
Of course, I have to feature my Costa Rica favorite - GILBERT!
BEST OF WAVES TO ALL OF YOU!! You're all great surfers!!
This is continuing the whooooooooole week!

Parade of World Surf Teams

It's finally here, The World Surfing Games!!
All the teams have arrived and the competition starts tomorrow. There was a parade today to celebrate the teams from all over the world. It's a big deal here. A REAL big deal. I've been watching them prepare the grounds for the event for weeks and it's the biggest production I have EVER seen around here!

Here's a link to the parade in Jaco today and all the teams on my Flickr photo site or watch the slideshow below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ticamachatourscostarica/sets/72157621909254196/