Argentina was runner-up in the South American Junior

Argentina He was also runner-up in teams, behind one of the six world powers (Peru comes behind the United States, Australia, Brazil, France and Japan), and had finalists in all categories (Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18, in both categories), with the presence of at least two surfers in each semifinal. Cocó Cianciarulo, the daughter of the prestigious musician Sr. Flavio, extended her local domain to the international level, winning the senior category. Joaquín Muñoz Larreta won in M16 and his sister, Victoria, was runner-up in M16 and M14. And Thiago Passeri, son of Martín -six-time Open national champion- and new figure of Team Quiksilver, was second in M14.

A beautiful atmosphere was experienced, with a lot of good vibes and camaraderie so typical of surfing. To the point that, after the award ceremony in Sub 14, the Peruvian Camila Sanday asked the other competitors who had reached the podium for a hug, leaving a tender and moving image.

“That a tournament of this magnitude was held in Argentina, for the first time, is very valuable. I want to congratulate the ASA for the initiative and for having defined that the event be repeated in 2023. Because this exchange of national teams is very interesting. A beautiful camaraderie is generated among those selected and we witness the birth of friendships that will continue in the future, because these guys will surely meet again at the ISA World Championships and then several of them on the circuit, already being professional surfers. This produces a beautiful seedbed and secures a path. As a first experience it was great, I hope that next year other countries will join, like Brazil. For Argentine surfing it was the ratification of a path. He won the relay, was runner-up in teams behind a potential world champion like Peru and had many different surfers in the finals”highlighted Fernando Aguerre, the man from Mar del Plata who has been president of the International Surfing Association since 1994 and was responsible for his beloved sport entering the Pan American and Olympic Games.

A push towards the growth of a sport that is on the rise, as can be seen both in each break on the Argentine coast and in the level of competition in the different tournaments.

“I feel very happy because I came out champion, which is what I wanted the most. I can’t describe how happy I am… It’s my last junior year and this South American was one of my three goals for the year. I thought I wouldn’t make it, because a week before I fell while skateboarding and sprained my elbow, but I did a great job in kinesiology and I was able to leave our flag at the top”said Cocó, star of Team Roxy Argentina.

“I enjoyed the whole tournament, moment by moment. What I liked the most was the union that existed in the team and with the coaches. We were all one. In addition, there was a high level and this, that other countries come to compete at home, helps us raise ours. We made it clear that we have a very good team and a very talented seedbed”completed who until 2020 was national champion in both M18 and M16, while last year she repeated in M18 – she could no longer run in M16 – and now she is the leader after two dates in this last youth category.

“These tournaments are very important because the boys compete against others who have the same goals and that gives them much-needed international exposure. When I started, I didn’t have them and it took longer to reach the level needed to compete outside. I have never seen such solid work teams and so many athletes with so many conditions. So, if you add the structure and the opportunities to the talent I see, the boys will arrive very well prepared at the top category (U18). We have to keep doing these tournaments, even with more countries, and travel abroad too, so that the boys reach the level of a Santi Muñiz or a Lele Usuna. This time the runner-up was achieved, finishing very close to Peru, which is a power. It shows us that Argentine surfing, with these new litters, is on the best path”highlighted Martín Passeri, a pioneer of professionalism in national surfing who is still active, in addition to being a coach for several of today’s best pupils.

FINAL RESULTS

LADIES M14

1. Catalina Zariquey (Peru)
2. Victoria Munoz Larreta (Argentina)
3. Katya Wirsch (Argentina)
4. Camila Sanday (Peru)

MEN M14

1. 1-Bastian Pierce (Peru)
2. Thiago Passeri (Argentina)
3. Juan Garcia Mata (Argentina)
4. Adrian de Osma (Peru)

LADIES M16

1. Catalina Zariquey (Peru)
2. Victoria Munoz Larreta (Argentina)
3. Rafaela Montesi Bywaters (Chile)
4. Vera Jarisz (Argentina)

MEN M16

1. Joaquin Munoz Larreta (Argentina)
2. Alejandro Bernales (Peru)
3. Sean Goldsmidt (Peru)
4. Lautaro Rojas (Argentina)

LADIES M18

1. Coco Cianciarulo (Argentina)
2. Estela Mary Lopez Cross (Chile)
3. Vera Jarisz (Argentina)
4. Urpi Torres (Peru)

MEN M18

1. Juan Diego Rios (Peru)
2. Mariano Maugere (Peru)
3. Teo Rodriguez (Argentina)
4. Ignacio Ruggiero (Argentina).