Source: Guatemalan National Surfing Association – www.asosurfguatemala.org

The second edition of the official “National Surfing Tour Champions’ Dinner” took place on January 29th; organized by ASOSURF - Guatemalan National Surfing Association.  On that occasion, the thirty best surfers in the ten divisions of the National Surfing Tour were honored.

This year the event was carried out in a hotel located in the Historical District of the capital city, Guatemala.  Parents of all the athletes were also invited in order to celebrate their success together.  All surfers received an award, but the night’s surprise was when cash was delivered to the surfers in the Open category, which is the one that reigns in the National Tour, held all year round and divided in five events.

Cristian Mendez, the new National Surfing Tour Champion, received a check for 1,500 quetzals; Daniel Lopez, second and former champion of the Open category, received 800 quetzals; lastly, the five-time national champion and third in 2009, Abner Rivera, received a prize of 500 quetzals.

“These cash awards are a great way to motivate athletes to continue forward and giving them a support that is useful to their personal and sporting growth”, commented Álvaro Cruz, ASOSURF President.

Other activities during the Champions’ Dinner were the presentation of the plans ASOSURF has for 2010.  Mr. Oscar Garcia, ASOSURF Secretary, talked about the future international competitions, such as the 2010 Billabong ISA World Surfing Games and how the athletes are preparing to participate.

The list of honored athletes is as follows:
Junior Under 12 Surfing category: 1. Jose Antony Diaz - Champerico Beach. 2. Luis Orosco - La Empaliza Beach. 3. Miguel Angel Pimentel – Champerico Beach..

Junior Under 16 Surfing category: 1. Mario Vega  2. Brandon Cruz  3. Melen Sandoval.

Junior Under 18 Surfing category:  1. Gefre Lima  2. Moisés Blanco  3. Amos Rivera.

Junior Bodyboard category: 1. Lester Iván López  2. Bryan Lester Arriaga  3. Leónidas Méndez

Women Bodyboard: 1. Alejandra Gil  2. Brenda Zúñiga  3. Viviana Muralles

Bodyboard Open: 1. Henry Ambrosio  2. Marvin Lopez   3. Ivan Prado

Master Surfing Category: 1. Mario Estevez;  2. Pedro Pablo Vergara.

Longboard:  1. Henry Ortega  2. Pedro Pablo Vergara  3. Abner Rivera

Open Women Surfing: 1. Cindy Lone   2. Alejandra Marroquin  3. Alejandra Gil.

Surf Open Category:  1. Cristian Mendez  2. Daniel Lopez   3. Abner Rivera