By Roberto González- Argentinean Surf Association- www.asasurf.org.ar

THE ASA PRESENT IN THE CEREMONY OF ‘CENARD’
The ASA and the Argentine Surf Team attended the send-off ceremony held for the selection of Argentine participants in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. At the ceremony, two members of the Junior team, Pablo Cosoleto and Lucía Cosoleto, were fortunate enough to be cordially greeted by the President of the Nation, Cristina Fernandez.
She listened attentively and was intrigued by the actual situation of surf in our country. Among other things, Lucía mentioned the junior team’s participation in the world contest in France. In response, the President congratulated the entire team, its trainers and the directors of the Association; she commented that this type of gesture is something to be proud of.

Finalizing the conversation, Pablo invited the President to surf at our beaches of MDQ. She responded that they could count on her to start this beautiful sport as soon as her multiple activities permitted her to do so.

Subsequently, Pablo and Lucia were greeted by Dr. Carlos Salvador Bilardo, the Secretary of Sports of the Province of Buenos Aires. Both athletes mentioned to him briefly the current state of the seedbed of Argentine surf and the importance of the participation of argentine surfers in international events. Dr. Bilardo promised that he would become involved in the surf activities of Argentina and asked that he be kept informed on the topic. He committed himself to collaborating on the formation and projection of new athletes.
Pics: ASA Media

PEDRO FRANCISTEGUI MAKES PODIUM IN BRAZIL
On the first weekend of August the first stage of the tour of the (A.S.J) was battled in Florianopolis. Two young Argentines represented our surf team in the MIRIM Category: Alexis Lallia and Pedro Francistegui, both members of the Argentine Junior Team.

During the entire event, the excellence of the athletes on this beach could be appreciated. The Open category boasted names such as Guillerme Ferreira. On Saturday the championship kicked off with one meter waves in which the first rounds of the Open and Master categories took place.

On Sunday morning, with a strong south wind, one meter waves and bigger sets rolling in, the first heats of the following categories were disputed: Women, Beginners, Amateur and Junior.

On Sunday afternoon the semi-finals and finals were held for all of the categories. In these heats ‘la celeste y blanca’, Argentina, was awarded due to Pedro Francistegui who comfortably passed from the first round to the semi-finals, assuring himself a spot in the grand final. But as if this achievement wasn’t enough for Pedro, he did not waver for a moment- knowing how to choose the waves, how to always position himself perfectly in the peak despite unfavorable conditions put forth by the ocean and overcoming pressure from the waves as much as his rivals- he achieved a well-deserved 2nd place.

We thank the (A.S.J) for allowing our athletes to participate in this contest and for being such a respected and serious association. Foto: L. Barsocchini

DIEGO CONTI IN THE BIG BUEY
Arica definitely turned into the world capital of surf. Many will remember that in 2007 a stop on the World tour took place in this city.
On this occasion, with waves more than five meters high, the Argentine surfer Diego Conti demonstrated that he is prepared for events in the international arena. He remained in a great position even though he suffered some cramps and managed to land fourth place behind Diego Medina of Chile.
First place went to the local Reinaldo Ibarra and second went to Evaristo Kiko from Brazil.

The 2008 Arica Triple Crown of Surf is the most important surfing event in Chile. During the winter, this event brings together the best names in world surfing from all over the South Pacific region to confront the most demanding waves of South America.
For this reason, the participating surfers had to prove their technique with radical maneuvers and demonstrate strong ability and control in the demanding tubes of one of the most respected waves worldwide- the Big Buey wave. Foto: M. Antunez

Results:
1st – Reinaldo Ibarra – Chile
2nd – Evaristo Kiko – Brazil
3rd – Diego Medina – Chile
4th – Diego Conti – Argentina

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).

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