The innovative surfing tournament that united four generations and winked at the sport towards the 2024 Paris Olympics

The wind blows but doesn’t seem to disturb anyone. Surfers from different groups meet and the encounters multiply. Hugs, laughter, chats… We talk about what the sea is like, the format of the tournament, old and new times. They’re all there. Almost. From Simone Siri (11 years) up to Marcelo Ray (70). It is clear that they form a community and that they particularly enjoy these events. Because it is one of the few where the competition remains in the background and you can relax, enjoying the particularities of a passionate sport. Because that’s what surfers are.

This celebration at Chapadmalal almost couldn’t have been better, where the “Quiksilver Full Moon Session” was held and the boom of an Olympic sport that embodies what so many desire was strengthened. Thanks to the idea, the organization and the way in which the weather and sea conditions accompanied the party.

The day began with the wind but then, almost by will of the God Aeolus, the direction changed, stopped and dozens of people ended up singing songs under the moonlight… Because this is precisely why the event was born, to wait for the first full moon of the year, sailing in an almost romantic way and enjoying the small moments of a unique day of the year.

From the moment each person arrived on site, they breathed relaxation and happiness in the atmosphere. Because Quiksilver, with the support of Ford and Ala Moana Surfshop, has set up a stay in a natural environment like the grassy square of the Chapatrapa spa. Chairs, armchairs, benches, tables, gazebos, various hydration and drink stations (Gatorade, juices, smoothies, beers with La Paloma and drinks with Juan Roda) and food (vegetable and meat sandwiches, as an appetizer, and sourdough pizzas for dinner) .

An impressive spectacle for a surf gathering that attracted nearly 400 people, lasted seven hours to the beat of music from a live DJ and ended, under the moonlight, with a recital by the Rusea Full Band and a surprise appearance by Fernando Ruiz Díaz, the leader of Catupecu Machu who is already a regular visitor to these summer beach parties. It also had live coverage of Perros de la Calle, the radio show of Andy Kusnetzoff, Harry Salvarrey and Sofi Martínez. And the presence of personalities, such as Facundo Arana and the mayor of Mar del Plata, Guillermo Montenegro, both passionate about surfing.

“What I like most about these events is meeting different generations of surfers. We never have the chance and here we can enjoy it. Before, with the same atmosphere, we did it with the Quiksilver 70. They are excuses to enjoy the romantic part of our sport. Instead of focusing on the individual and winning, as in official tournaments, we all think about having fun, focusing on each other. I feel it as a fraternization… And, at the same time, a way to recognize the more veterans, those who started surfing in the 60s and 70s. A time when surfing was frowned upon, but they continued and planted the small seed that allows us to enjoy its fruits today. “If they had stopped at so many obstacles, we wouldn’t be here.”reflected Santiago Muñiz, the two-time ISA world champion who spent 15 days in Mar del Plata to enjoy his country and continue with his preseason, before entering the world circuit.

Fernando Aguerrethe man from Mar del Plata who made surfing an Olympic sport, thanked his prodigal son for his words, although he preferred not to dwell too much on the recognition of the legends. “I like that Santi says that. But I have the philosophy of not looking back that much. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus spoke, before Christ, of the importance of constant becoming. He said that you don’t bathe in the same river twice, because the water always passes. In surfing it’s the same. You will never catch the same wave… The same thing happens in life too. You have to be grateful for what happened, but focus on the present, on the constant future…”He explained.

Aguerre competed in these tournaments for the first time, “practically in honor of friends who are no longer with us, like Calalo (Napp, surfer), Renato (Tiribelli, legendary shaper) and Huguito (Pedernera, the doctor nicknamed the Surfers’ Doctor ). ), right in the place where the last two surfed their last waves.” The president of the International Surfing Association ended up winning the category heat Legends with 31.5 points. In the Open she won Franco Radziunas (49 points), in the Junior it was for Toto Goransky (50.8), in Longboard he won Martin Perez (41.2), in Masters it was Seba Galindo (40.5) and in the Ladies the winner was Vera Jaricz (43.8), thus decreeing the triumph of falling moon with 204.7 total points. The team took 500,000 pesos in cash, while Franco Radziunas kept the 100,000 meant for the best wave.

“I found some time to stop because I love surfing, my four children practice it and it gives me great pride every time a man from Mar del Plata does well abroad. I always follow them on the networks… I also know the importance of sport in the city and everything it generates. I also love everything that surfers represent, their lifestyle and the solidarity they have. They form a great community and have a very special identity and culture that attracts me. That’s why I’m also a big fan of my children practicing it,” underlined the Mayor of Montenegro.

Andy Kusnetzoff, Harry Salvarrey and Sofi Martínez, the hosts of the radio program “Perros de la Calle”, returned for the second year to cover a surfing event and were impressed by everything surrounding this sport. “It was my first news coverage of a surfing tournament. It had always attracted my attention but both at the Pan American Games and the Olympic Games I had not been able to do it because the venues were far away… Now I could and I liked it, listening to the athletes’ stories and everything else that surrounds surfing, from the atmosphere that it has, up to the connection with nature. I really like it, I would like to learn more and practice it,” admitted Sofía Martínez.

A surf party that fascinated locals and foreigners.