Costa Rica Surfing – Six young Ticos are preparing for the Adapted Surfing World Championship, from November 20th to December 4th, which will take place in the United States.
On the waves, they are unstoppable.
Disabilities and diseases don’t stop the courage and determination that led these people to perfect their surfing maneuvers and take part in this national team that will compete in La Joya, California.
Last year, the team was incomplete but still managed to place eighth. They hope to do better this year but need to raise $45,000 to get the athletes and companions to the event.
Henry Martinez lost his sight at 2 years old. He surfs with an assistant who holds the board as he does the maneuvers. The assistant tells him if the wave is coming to the left or the right. The other athletes are just as impressive.
Mattews Vanderlooth Luna overcomes progressive chronic polyneuropathy, Juan Manuel Camacho an assault that left a bullet in his spine, Axel Zúñiga a fall that left him without mobility in his right arm, Ismael Araya a traffic accident that affected his legs, and Natalia Vindas a car accident that left her in a wheelchair.
