Adaptive surf in Costa Rica is a discipline that aims to inspire and demonstrate that surfing is made for everyone. It is known as a modality within the sport of Surf, being a separate category that has its own championships, exponents and history.
In 2015, the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship was held for the first time in California, setting a great precedent in this discipline. Adaptive surf has different modalities and categories that seek to give opportunities to all people with different physical abilities.
Adaptive Surf Association in Costa Rica
Surfing isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. Some adaptive surf athletes played sports before their lives changed and had to adapt to their new reality. This discipline is full of inspiring stories!
Being able to continue practicing this sport is a process of adaptation that is accompanied by the sea and the waves. It is a new opportunity to learn and enjoy life on the water and not abandon dreams and passions.
In Costa Rica, the Asociación de Surf Adaptado en Costa Rica seeks to lead adaptive surf in sports, recreational and therapeutic way. Working on building platforms that prepare high-performance athletes and training instructors who can support athletes.
They also seek to make this discipline visible and give support to the general public and companies that want to sponsor and support our athletes who are putting the name of the country on high.
Juan Manuel Camacho
When we talk about Adaptive Surf in Costa Rica the name of Juan Manuel Camacho is key. Having since childhood a great passion for sport and movement Juan Manuel was already emerging as an athlete. He studied physical education at University of Costa Rica and with a great vocation to teach he dedicated himself to giving surf lessons.
In 2005 his path through this discipline would take a turn. His inspiring story begins when for an attempted assault, a bullet left him in a wheelchair and much of his recovery was in a swimming pool. There he understood that his passion for water and sports had not changed and that should not change.
The best advice I have been given is from my grandmother María Luisa who told me that you have to live the moment to the fullest, whether it is good or bad.
Juan Manuel won the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro 2007. In 2015 he was the first para-athlete to compete in the United States, which positioned him as the third best athlete in the world in the category he represents, winning bronze at Pismo Beach ISA World Para Surfing Championship 2021.
Thanks to years of effort he is recognized as the main exponent of adapted surfing in Costa Rica, inspiring many people pursue and achieve their dreams.