Young Peruvian surf stars already reaping success for the country | ARE

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New blood

Like most children born in Lima, Sofía began surfing beach circuits when she was eight years old. At that age, he was invited to be part of Alto Peru, a community project promoting sports to children and adolescents in the foothills of Moro Solar. That experience gave her the motivation to dedicate herself to surfing not just as a hobby, but as a professional activity. Her dream is to travel the world to compete in elite circuits like Sofia Mulanovich or Stephanie Gilmore. “My goal is to become a world champion”The young surfer sits on the rocks and tells us.

Going on a good path. In 2023, Sofia Ortida established herself as the Breakthrough Surfer of the Year after completing a remarkable season with three wins in three different categories (Under 14, Under 16 and Open) on the national circuit. This made him the youngest Peruvian surfer to achieve this symbol. “Being at sea is a combination of fun and adrenaline”Commenting on the junior champion crowned in the under-14 division of the South American Youth Surf Championship a few months ago in Mar del Plata. “I hope to continue surfing for the rest of my life. For now, I can't imagine doing anything else.”He fulfills.

Bastian Arevalo García Miró was a notable winner at Mar del Plata last year. The talented surfer excelled in the under-14 category. “Competing in a country that's not yours gives you extra pressure, but I've been able to focus and get good results.“, remember. “We traveled as a small group, but were very united. “One of the best things surfing has given me is traveling and making good friends.”.

Bastian was encouraged in the sport by his father, an amateur surfer. At first, the two walls made him respect the sea, but he never gave up on the idea of ​​standing on a board to ride the waves. Today you can spend more than three hours a day surfing with the same confidence as an experienced surfer. After school, the first thing he does is put on a wetsuit, grab a board, head to Costa Verde and allow himself to be surrounded by a tube of water: he says it makes him feel like he's in another world, slow and quiet. . “Surfing gives me so much peace and tranquility”The athlete says that the main ambition will be to bring the Peruvian flag to the Olympic Games.

Children of the South

One of the main advantages of the Peruvian coast is the presence of good waves throughout the year. Punta Hermosa, 49 kilometers south of Lima, is one of the most popular surfing resorts. His most famous children are Miguel Tudela and Analy Gomez. To them we must add a young man named Luca Sibogo, who skis with great skill the waves of Caballeros, Senoritas, Contigi and Pico Alto, where only the brave can dominate ridges over three meters high. “I've felt a great connection with the ocean ever since I can remember”Competing in the 2023 Under-16 National Round, Luca finished a proud second despite competing against children much older than him.

A few kilometers away, in San Bartolo, Briana Barthelmes emerges as one of the Peruvian surfers with the best plan. She learned from her father's hand from a young age that the sea can be your friend and accomplice in unforgettable adventures. Last August, he had one of his most memorable experiences: he led three divisions (U18, U14 and U12) of the Semiero Latinoamericano Pro Tour in Chile and Peru. A year ago, he won the under-12 title on the national surfing circuit. “One of the lessons from my time competing is to keep going and not give up if things don't go our way. Great results can be achieved with a lot of effort and patience”Dice.

These names should also be taken into account: Alejandro Bernalez, Paul Huguette, Isa Suman, Antonella Caballero and others. There are new representatives of the Peruvian surfing elite. To extend our dominion over the waves, they must be supported. There is a future. //