( Global Surf News) Panama will host the 2011 Billabong ISA World Surfing Games from June 25 through July 3 2011. ISA and Billabong are thrilled with the destination chosen for the event which will see over 35 countries and more than 200 surfers competing for National Pride and the Gold Medal.
ISA President Fernando Aguerre syas, ‘The surf in Panama is exceptional, and after having great success with the Panama ISA World Masters Surfing Championship in 2010, we are eager to bring one of our feature World Championship events to the powerful waves and tropical weather of Panama’. The ISA looks forward to a great event in this surfer’s paradise.
Panama has perfect and consistent waves all year long, on both the Pacific and Altalntic coasts, and the warm tropical climate makes it a perfect destination. Panama is the southernmost country of Central America, bordered to the north by the Caribbean Sea, to the south by the Pacific Ocean, to the east by Colombia and to the west by Costa Rica. Its early status as a transit country allowed Panama to become a meeting point of cultures from around the globe.
Playa Venao, the event venue, is a sand bottom beach break located 30 minutes past Pedasi. Venao catches just about any swell, so the chances are very good that waves will be at Playa Venao even when there is little or no surf elsewhere. The surf is best at medium to high tide, as it tends to close out at low tide. But, depending on the direction of the swell, the low tide can provide good barrels.
The official Panamanian language is Spanish, but many people speak English throughout Panama. The official paper currency accepted in Panama is the US dollar. Panamanian coins are of the same value, size and metal as US coins, so both are frequently used interchangeably. Panama offers a variety of activities including fishing, surfing, snorkeling and diving.
COPA one of the largest airlines that flies regularly into Panama City Airport has informed the Event Host a 50% discount on surfboard luggage bags will be provided, and the discount code will be issued to teams soon. Teams must follow the instructions when booking in order to receive the discounted rate.
More info at www.isasurf.org
Ian Walsh & Julian Wilson shine more light on Panama
Ian Walsh © Brian Bielmann / Red Bull Photofiles
Julian Wilson and Ian Walsh explore the untapped potential of the 200-plus islands of Panama’s Caribbean archipelago. The trip was timed perfectly with a solid February swell, and the two surfers had 13-time Panamanian national champ Gary Saavedra, the godfather of Panama’s surf community, on board, along with a flotilla of speed boats to get them to the right spot at the right time. (Part one of two)
More info at www.redbullusa.com
(Part 2) Julian Wilson and Ian Walsh explore the untapped potential of the 200-plus islands of Panama’s Caribbean archipelago. The trip was timed perfectly with a solid February swell, and the two surfers had 13-time Panamanian national champ Gary Saavedra, the godfather of Panama’s surf community, on board, along with a flotilla of speed boats to get them to the right spot at the right time. In part two of two, Julian and Ian venture out to find an amazing surf spot on a remote, deserted beach.
More info at www.redbullusa.com
Click any photo below for slideshow of waves, spots and more
Darien
Bocas Del Toro
Santa Catalina
Los Santos
Barqueta