In Tico parlance, zafarrancho is the preferred word to describe a disorderly situation in which excitement, confusion and frustration rule the sentiments of a mob. Such was the scene at the Arenas Skate & Surf shop located in the heart of Downtown San Jose. Three-time X Games medalist Ryan Sheckler and his Plan B (not to be confused with the reggaeton duo that performed with Don Omar at Palmares) teammates were on hand to autograph decks and other skateboard paraphernalia over the weekend when the zafarrancho ensued.

 As a testament to the strong skater culture that has been developing in Costa Rica over the last few years, hundreds of skateboard enthusiasts turned up at Arenas, crowding the store and spilling out into Avenida Central. According to Diario Extra, some young skaters had camped out since before sunset, eager to get a closer look or an autograph from their idols.

The great turnout was expected. After all, the charismatic and talented Sheckler is also an MTV star, and his Plan B teammates PJ Lada, Collin McCay, Torey Pudwill, and Paul Rodriguez are currently some of the most photographed stars of the skateboarding world. The scene at Arenas descended into a zafarrancho due to an alleged misunderstanding: only those in attendance who had tickets to Plan B’s demo at Arenas later that day, or who had previously purchased a Plan B deck, could get an autograph from the pro skaters.

The problem was exacerbated by the fact that some in attendance attempted to cut in line to get an autograph, only to be turned away by Arenas once it was clear that they could not produce the required tickets or merchandise. A store representative affirmed that the cost of a Plan B deck, about $60, is out of reach for many of those in attendance at the autograph session. Many Tico skaters end up purchasing second-hand skateboards instead, although intense competition in the realm of skateboarding gear provides several alternatives such as Manual, European-made maple decks recently featured in El Cubo magazine, which cost about $46.

Disappointment gave way to irritation, pushing and shoving among the young Plan B fans. Fuerza Publica was eventually called in to defuse the situation and restore order. Diario Extra pointed out that Arenas’ posters and social media marketing for the event clearly explained that a purchase was required to get an autograph. Plan B stayed in the store as long as they could due to their scheduled demo later that day at Arenas Skate Park.

Sheckler and his teammates have been enjoying their stay in Costa Rica after their demo made national news on Repretel. Thanks to his MTV exposure, Sheckler is now enjoying heart-throb status among teenage girls around the world. He surfed corners at Jaco Beach yesterday and shared the action with his million-plus Facebook followers.