19 Mexican Athletes Set for Pan American Surfing Games
Mexico is sending a strong team of 19 surfers to compete in the Pan American Surfing Games in Peru. The games will feature various disciplines, including shortboard, longboard, SUP, and bodyboard.
The waves of Punta Rocas Beach in Lima, Peru, are set to come alive with thrilling competition as Mexico sends a formidable delegation of 19 athletes to the XVII Pan American Surfing Games. Held from October 4 to 13, this premier event will see the continent’s top surfers battle it out across a range of disciplines including shortboard, longboard, SUP Surf, SUP Technical Race, and bodyboard, with both male and female athletes vying for the top honors.
Mexico’s team comprises a dynamic mix of 10 men and 9 women, all of whom are eager to make their mark on the international stage. Leading the charge in the shortboard category are Maya Mateja, Kristal Hernández, Maya Larripa, Sebastián Williams, Gael Jiménez, and Rey Hernández. This diverse group will look to outshine their competitors on the powerful waves of Punta Rocas, a venue that’s become iconic in global surfing.
In the longboard division, the talented Coral Bonilla, Ilianet Nuñez, Mauricio Nuñez, and Pablo Bonilla will represent Mexico. Longboarding, known for its grace and flow, is an art form on the surf, and Mexico’s longboarders are prepared to deliver stellar performances against the continent’s finest.
Meanwhile, the SUP (Stand Up Paddle) event will see Sofía Finger, Diana Bercian, Esteban Yáñez, and Giovanni Bercian aiming for glory. Their endurance and skill on the board, combined with the unpredictable conditions in Lima, promise a highly competitive atmosphere. Mexico’s SUP Technical Race entrants, Isaac Arana and Emanuel Gaspar, are equally poised to tackle the challenging course, where strategy and stamina are key to securing podium finishes.
Rounding off the team are Alfonso Aguilar, Tanae Navarrete, and Maria Dipp, who will compete in the bodyboard category. Known for their speed and agility in smaller, fast-breaking waves, these athletes will be looking to harness the energy of Punta Rocas and leave their mark on the event.
The Pan American Surfing Games have long been a cornerstone for developing the sport across the continent, providing a vital opportunity for surfers to showcase their talent on a major stage. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the event, Karin Sierralta, president of the Pan American Surfing Association (PASA), highlighted the significance of the competition not only in terms of performance but also in inspiring the next generation of surfers.
“We are very proud of the XVII edition of the Pan American Surfing Games. This event is not only a high-level competition, but also a platform for the development of surfing in the Americas. It is an opportunity for talents from all over the continent to demonstrate their potential and inspire the new generations of the region,” Sierralta stated, emphasizing the event's role in promoting the sport across different countries.
This year’s event will also play a pivotal role in fostering international camaraderie and sportsmanship, as athletes from various nations come together in pursuit of the same goal — to conquer the waves and bring pride to their homeland.
Surfing’s Growing Popularity in Mexico
In recent years, surfing has surged in popularity in Mexico, particularly following its inclusion in the Olympic Games. The country’s pristine coastlines, offering a mix of world-class breaks, have attracted surfers of all levels, contributing to the sport’s growth. Events like the Pan American Games have further solidified Mexico’s status as a rising force in the surfing world.
The Mexican contingent heading to Lima exemplifies the nation’s commitment to nurturing and developing surfing talent. With a strong presence in all major categories, the team is well-rounded and has the potential to challenge for medals in multiple disciplines.
The official start of the Pan American Surfing Games is marked by the opening ceremony at the High Performance Surfing Center in Punta Rocas, a moment that will set the tone for the week of fierce competition ahead. The athletes will be eyeing both individual accolades and team success, with national pride at stake.
As the games unfold, Mexico will be one of the nations to watch, with the squad determined to make waves and bring home a haul of medals. Whether it’s the technical precision of shortboarding, the elegance of longboarding, the endurance required in SUP races, or the agility demanded by bodyboarding, this Mexican team is primed for success in Lima.
The question remains: can Mexico ride the momentum of their preparation and talent to emerge as one of the dominant forces in the XVII Pan American Surfing Games? Only time—and the waves—will tell.
In this comprehensive preview of Mexico’s participation in the Pan American Surfing Games, it’s clear that the athletes are ready to take on the continent's best. Keep following the action from Punta Rocas as the competition heats up, and don’t miss out on any of the drama and excitement that this prestigious event is sure to deliver.
The Mexican squad boasts a talented lineup, including:
- Shortboard: Maya Mateja, Kristal Hernández, Maya Larripa, Sebastián Williams, Gael Jiménez, and Rey Hernández
- Longboard: Coral Bonilla, Ilianet Nuñez, Mauricio Nuñez, and Pablo Bonilla
- SUP: Sofía Finger, Diana Bercian, Esteban Yáñez, and Giovanni Bercian
- SUP Technical Race: Isaac Arana and Emanuel Gaspar
- Bodyboard: Alfonso Aguilar, Tanae Navarrete, and Maria Dipp
