Organized by Central Surf Shop, with support from the municipality of San Pedro Mixtepec, the festival is a two-day competition for kids aged 4 to 8 and from 9 to 14. It was the brainchild of Angel Salinas, Puerto's ambasador of surf to the world. Angel has represented México in dozens of professional surfing events around the world and is tireless in promoting the attractions of Puerto in the world of international surfing.
In his free time Angel coaches many of the local kids down at Carrizalillo, a partially protected bay where the waves are well formed, but, seldom as threatening as on Zicatela. And that was how the idea for the festival was born. Among Angel's students were David Ramírez, his cousins Sergio and Chico, all children of the families who run the small palapa restaurants on Carrizalillo. Ernesto Mendoza, 14, another cousin of little David's, was the overall winner of the contest last year. Angel has also held surf clinics for kids in Acapulco and other locales and several of his former students are expected to compete also.
"This is the new generation, this is the future of the sport," says Angel. "Puerto Escondido is one of the best destination for surfing anywhere in the world, so it's very important that there is strong local support and participation in surfing activities. We have to start them out young. "
Several local youngsters have already proven themselves accomplished enough to have earned corporate sponsorship so that they can compete professionally at the international level.
"This next generation will be even better" says Angel, one of six brothers, all of whom are avid surfers. "In the next five to 10 years, some of these rugrats are going to be star athletes representing us in the global surfing community."
Angel's Central Surf Shop will provide surf gear for the winners
and certificates and other prizes for all the young participants. So
come out to cheer on these little guys