Here on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, surfing is a part of culture. It’s a way of life, almost like a religion. And this Saturday church was in session. The overcast skies and cross-shore breeze was a welcomed occurrence for the hundreds of parishioners of the Church of Surf who were sitting on the beach in front of Morgan’s Cove in Jacó on the 16th day of June.

The crowds gathered amidst sponsorship tents such as Reef, Banana Boat and Cushefootwear to watch FSC 2012 Olympus National Circuit. The 2012 FSC (Surf Federation of Costa Rica) National Circuit is fifteen days of surf competition spread out over seven months –February to August – and taking place at six of Costa Rica’s most renowned surfing beaches. The most competent surfers from all over the country come to compete against each-other for one weekend each month at surf beaches like Samara, Dominical, Playa Hermosa, and Santa Teresa.

The surfers battle it out to be crowned Costa Rican National Champion of their respective division. Though there is a lot of media on the circuit and most of the surfers gain exposure and new opportunities, the National Champions gain notice on a world-wide scale. Those that are highly ranked in the FSC may gain entrance into other international competitions with world-ranked surfers and sponsorship opportunities that were once just a dream.

The Surf Gods were kind enough to send fair surfing conditions to Jacó Beach for the 1^st day of the two day event. Saturday’s waves were chest to head-high and decently open. Many of the competitors were getting five or more slashing turns before the wave would close-out to end the ride.

The not so slight South West wind isn’t ideal for conditions in Playa Jacó, but was welcomed by those sitting on the beach at midday. Still, some of Costa Rica’s biggest names in surfing are present in Jacó and were carving, slashing and ripping it up. Among the many giving a thrashing to Jacó’s waves and also moving on to the ½ finals today, Sunday June 17^th were:  Nataly Bernold, Lisbeth Vindas, Evie Johnston, Gilbert Brown, Diego Naranjo, Jair Perés and Noe Mar McGonagle.

Today the top surfers who advanced on Saturday will go head-to-head in the ½ finals and finals to try and win the Jacó Beach event and score points towards the over-all championship. After a July competition in Santa Teresa, the National Circuit concludes with a three day event in Playa Hermosa, Jaco August 24^th, 25^th, and 27^th for the Championship.

Tune in to www.surfingcr.net for a full list of competitors, positions, divisions and rankings for the FSC 2012 Olympus Cirquito Nacional.

To be continued tomorrow with details and outcomes of today’s event….