K1 Freestyle Open Competition Pejibaye River, Costa Rica

By Mario Vargas

Mario has kept busy the last few months in Costa Rica spreading the Jackson Kayak name amongst guests, students and local boating community. Last Saturday (December 8th) Mario organized an excellent open competition on the waters of the Pejibaye River, the Reventazon’s largest tributary.

In an attempt to promote Jackson Kayaks as well as to promote competition events, Mario organized a small-scale but successful boating event that brought paddlers together from all corners of the country. Not even the rainy weather kept locals from checking out the action.

The competition consisted of 3 separate events including a head to head race, a downriver race and the main event was a freestyle-rodeo competition on a small, but consistent wave. In an effort to motivate his competitors and young boaters Mario decided this time to not compete and instead serve as host and main judge. Over 20 kayakers participated including several foreign participants.

In the end Stanley from Sarapiqui took first place on Mario’s card as he won the local crowd with excellent moves and a contagious enthusiasm that added to an already lively setting. Stanley managed to hit at least one maneuver on each ride and although the wave was small he managed to stick and even pull several combinations. Other performances worth mentioning include Jose R from San Jose, Arturo from Quepos and Robertico from Turrialba.

After this weekend Mario realizes that local boaters are eager to compete and youngsters up and coming require more support and experience at a competitive level. The idea is to continue organizing competitions with the final objective of starting a national competition circuit. Plans are underway to hopefully celebrate the first official competition on the 3rd weekend of January 2008. Although this will be an official national competition, foreign boaters are encouraged to compete and support local boaters.

Mario currently stands as Costa Rica’s freestyle champion and has dominated the sport for over 7 years. Now Mario is actively involved in a local effort to formalize a Turrialba Kayak Association which will hopefully lead to a Costa Rica Whitewater Federation. At this level the sport can receive benefits and funds from the local government budget to promote sport on a national level as well as to sponsor athletes for international competition.