Geovanny Vega Espinoza from Guanacaste won his second consecutive title after dominating in the 4.5 and 9 kilometer stand-up paddle (SUP) board races in Tamarindo Beach. Some of the best SUP action in Costa Rica takes place during the SurfTech 2014 Stand-Up Paddle National Circuit, and the most exciting races typically take place in Guanacaste, which is on its way to becoming a top world destination for SUP athletes and enthusiasts.

Saturday, February 22^nd was the first time for Tamarindo Beach as a host spot of the SurfTech Stand-Up Paddle National Circuit of Costa Rica. The Tamarindo community has been very supportive of the sport, and the locals here strive to welcome riders from all over the world. There are no SUP Nazis at Tamarindo Beach, only SUP lovers.

The circuit started back in January at Punta Leona in the Garabito Canton of Puntarenas. Geovanny Vega made Guanacaste proud by putting on a masterful performance and bringing home a solid victory. By the time the circuit made it to Tamarindo Beach, Vega felt even more comfortable; after all, he knows the beach and ocean breaks of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast quite well.

Tamarindo Beach has ideal conditions for SUP at all levels, particularly when it comes to competitions. For the 9 kilometer race, for example, competitors must first negotiate the beach break before rowing towards the island off the beach. To go around this spot, racers must first deal with the strong wind conditions that shape the sets Tamarindo Beach is known for.

In the end, Vega finished the 9 km race with a time of 1:12:35. He also won the 4 km race. He is getting ready for the SurfTech World Championships, which will take place in Nicaragua.

To learn more about SUP in Guanacaste and other places in Costa Rica, please read the previous articles published by the Costa Rica Star on this exciting sport.

Source: Federacion de Surf de Costa Rica.