The Men’s and Women’s Qualifying Series Essential Costa Rica Pro Open 3000 will take place October 5-9 in Esterillos Este beach, Parrita, Puntarenas.  This WSL (World Surfing League) event is being promoted in Costa Rica by former surf champion Diego Naranjo co-founder of the company Orange Wave.

The date falls right before the start of the QS Brazilian end-of-the-year leg (October 18-25) and the Hawaiian Triple Crown (Nov 12- Dec 20), and therefore will give surfers the chance to get additional points.

Points and Cash Prizes on the line: Men’s and Women’s first place will add 3000 points while second place 2250 points;  when it comes to cash prizes $130,000.00 will be awarded, $100,000 in the Men’s competition and $30,000.00 for the Women’s competition.

At the end of the season the Top 10 surfers in the ranking will be participating in the Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour.

Costa Rica expects the participation of local talents Carlos “Cali” Muñoz, Lisbeth Vindas, Noe Mar McGonagle and his sister Leilani McGonagle.  International talent includes: Jean da Silva from Brazil and Ezequiel Lau from the U.S.A

This event has the support of Costa Rica’s Tourism Board and it has been declared of National Interest by the Presidency; the organization is expected to be of very high level as it will attract a large number of domestic and international tourism.

The Essential Costa Rica Pro Open  presents a great opportunity not just for Costa Rican surfers but also for the country itself to showcase its potential as destination capable of organizing and hosting these international events.