MarTÍn Passeri Four-Time Argentinean Surf Champion

Source: Surfpress
Press release dated April 17, 2008

The Playa Grande native is the first four-time champion in Argentinean surf history
The afternoon of April 15th was not a usual day for Martin Passeri, the Playa Grande native surfer who, with more negative than favorable factors against him, was crowned Argentinean surf champion for the fourth time in his career. He obtained the title during the first day of the Quiksilver Pro Argentina competition, last stop of the Argentinean Surf Association (ASA) tour, carried out with good waves at La Paloma (Mar del Plata – Buenos Aires Province). The goofy footer (Playa Grande – Mar del Plata) needed to get in first during his second round heat to guarantee the title.

This story did not start happily. In the first days of April, in a training session, Passeri’s right knee said enough. The diagnosis was not very encouraging: grade 2 sprain and partial injury of the medial internal ligament. Rest and rehabilitation work with José “Magician” Tolosa were some of the missions “Pollo” Passeri had to endure to come back to action.

AT THE LAST HOUR BUT SAFELY

In a really tight definition, the Playa Grande goofy changed the course of a very difficult heat when he only had 3 minutes to do it and had Diego Pagliadini as winner. Conscious of the little time he had to reverse the situation and with Luis Pérez Orsi deserving a second place, Passeri sharpened his backside and seized the last cubic meter of water to practice a wisely elected right maneuver.

The initial cutback served “Pollo” to acquire speed and put him on track for two conclusive off-the-tops in the two most critical sessions of the wave. After several seconds of suspense, Passeri’s action was awarded by the judges and Jorge Dellachiesa, official event announcer, announced Passeri’s first place and then started the countdown to his fourth title.

“I am really happy, had a very special battle of my own against my right leg that brought some doubt whether I would be able to take part in this incredible Quik Pro. That last wave became beautiful to embrace it fully, I had to risk it and I did it… Luckily I did not mistake the maneuver and now I can enjoy. I want to thank the unconditional support of my wife and daughter that were extra important in these moments. Without them I wouldn’t have reached the title. Now all I have to do is enjoy this and try to get my strength back because the Quik Pro goes on. I take the opportunity to congratulate everyone at Quiksilver Argentina that once again demonstrated that an event with live broadcasting and international quality is possible in our country”, declared Martin Passeri during this live broadcasting that was in charge of Royal Blue and could be seen at www.quiksilver.com.ar

With this new title, Martin Passeri ensured a place in the Argentinean team that will travel to Portugal for the ISA World Surfing Games that will take place in October.

The next days for Passeri will be extremely important for his physiotherapy so he’ll be able to face without problems the final stretch of the Quiksilver Pro Argentina that awaits the next swell.

Martin Passeri is sponsored by: Reef, Reef Lens & Byrne Surfboards.
Contributors: Future Fins, Manuel Tienda León, Sport Nutrition.

About International Surfing Association
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing, bodyboarding and surfriding. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world championships since 1964 and the Junior World Championships since 1980. 

ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of over 50 countries on six continents. Its headquarters are located in San Diego, California. It is presided by Fernando Aguerre, first elected in 1994 in Rio, and re-elected six times since.  The ISA's four Vice Presidents are Alan Atkins (Australia), Robin de Kock (South Africa), Maile Aguerre (Hawaii) and Mike Gerard (USA).

BACK TO HOME