Triumph

A few weeks ago the ISA, International Surfing Association, held it's World Stand Up Paddle and Paddleboard Championships in Lima, Peru.  Athletes from around the world competed in a variety of events as much of the SUP world, like me, watched via an online feed on their computers.  Countries from around the globe like Australia, USA, South Africa, Japan, Ireland, Brazil, Canada were all represented.

The event held significant interest for many in Sayulita since most of the team that made the trip from Mexico was made up of Sayulita locals.  World Class competitors and local legends "Tigre", "Pappas", "Fernando" along with local favorites like "Risa"and "Bicho", "Karen", "Vero" and others were there to represent Mexico and Sayulita.

The Team competed individually in their speciality posting great results along the way but at the end of the week the results were added up and the Team medals were given out.   Team Mexico finished the competition with a bronze medal placing them 3rd in the world this year.  Needless to say that the Team was pretty excited and solidified Mexico's place in the SUP/Paddleboard world.  The Team returned to Sayulita at the end of the competition to a hero's welcome.  A couple hundred friends, family and surf enthusiasts turned out in the Plaza to greet the Team as they arrived from the airport.  Pretty exciting stuff for small town Mexico.

It appeared to me that Team Mexico brought a lot of energy, class and enthusiasm to this event and other people seemed to take notice as well.  The ISA event organizers even featured them on site's morning show during the week.  It's one thing to be enthusiastic but to bring home hardware, put up results and spread contagious excitement to an event is another.  Well done Team Mexico! Can't wait until next year and we'll see many of you around town and in the water.