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Source: Carlos Brenes – Costa Rica Surf Federation It’s all over. In the presence of a large and enthusiastic crowd in Playa Hermosa all set to watch the last stop of the Costa Rican National Surf Tour, Gilbert Brown finally managed to establish himself as the National Champion when he overcame the extreme pressure that Luis Vindas offered in the last stage of this competition. The Open Final happened to be the most transcendental heat of the 2007-2008 season and the main roles were played by Diego Naranjo, Jairo Pérez, Gilbert Brown and Luis Vindas on a good quality swell. Luis Vindas began solidly taking his great experience and air technique to the waves, especially the first one, where he managed to spread out at the very top of the wave’s lip in front of it, grabbed the board with his two hands and landed perfectly. That was the best wave of the finals. Nevertheless, Brown managed to serve two lefts with great proficiency with a long set of off-the-lips, safe and mainly concrete maneuvers. Luis Vindas, lacking a second wave, did not have time to displace the Limonense-born surfer. Although Diego Naranjo carried the first place in this grand finale, mathematically Gilbert and Luis reached the final heat with the best overall results and whoever won would be crowned champion. It was an emotional moment for the 2007 National Champion having to win the heat but handing in his crown. “Now I can say I am a champion. This crown was the most difficult to obtain, and at times it looked as if was going to escape me thanks to the pressure given by Luis during these last dates, and taking it until the last 20 minutes of the circuit’s final was incredible. The factor was dealing with the pressure”, said Brown with the title in his hands. “I have always said that Luis Vindas is the best Costa Rican surfer, I have always admired him, and beating him was a great honor”, he added. With this new national title, Brown is now two times national champ, together with Álvaro Solano. Lisbeth Vindas was Ladies Champion As happened before to Diego Naranjo, Nataly Bernold handed over her crown while winning the day. “I’m very happy to be crowned again. Nataly and Laura are surfing incredibly and thanks to the good year I had, I could deal with the obstacles with good results”, said Vindas. “What is happening to me is a new phase in my life”, she added. In this way, the history of intermittent surf titles by the Naranjo-Vindas couple continues. In their surfing careers they have never won a title together. This time, it was Lisbeth’s year. Youngest Junior Ever Carlos Muñoz de Esterillos achieved his prime objective. Today, as well as obtaining the Junior championship, he did it in an indisputable manner, way over the rest, with the points he had accumulated in the last stages. Fifteen-year-old Muñoz, apart from being the youngest Under-18 champion in the country’s history, secured a perfect 4-year consecutive cycle. In 2005 he was Under-12 champion, in 2006 Under-14, in 2007 Under-16 and now Under-18. Evening Party The night surfing competition began after 8:30 p.m. and this activity called a lot of attention. The Billabong team, integrated by Luis Vindas as captain, Diego Naranjo, Anthony Flores, Orlando Solís and Lisbeth Vindas secured the first place over the remaining four team. Music did not stop playing and the champions were acclaimed during the prize ceremonies as the season best. And last but not least, Jetsie Hernández was elected Miss Organic and Natural Surf. Results of the 2007–2008 season are: Ladies Junior Boys (Sub 16) Junior Girls Mini Grommet Girls Longboard Masters Beginners Bodyboard Bodyboard femenino Noon Air Show
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 Gilbert Brown   Carlos Muñoz Jairo Perez  Lisbeth Vindas |
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