11-year-old charger Valentina Resano is a local to Popoyo, and no stranger to outer reef. Photo: ISA / Ben Reed
Heros come in many shapes and sizes. In this case, they come in the form of two fearless surfer girls taking Nicaragua by storm. Valentina Resano and her younger sister Candelaria are 11 and 9-years-old. They’re locals to Popoyo–the country’s iconic A-frame peak located on the coastline of Rivas, a three hour journey on dirt roads from the airport in Managua.
The incredibly well-spoken gals love big surf, even towing into the outer reef on triple overhead days (their favorite). The family of ripping chicas has captured the hearts of Nicaragua and Latin America, swarmed by media for beach interviews.
Their story embodies the love for surfing that ISA is all about, and the fast development of the sport in the region. Surf tourism is now the number one economic resource for the country of Nicaragua.
This week, pristine Popoyo is hosting the Nicaragua Unica OriginaL ISA World Surfing Games, a team competition with individual Men’s and Women’s divisions. Each National Team includes four Open Men’s and two Open Women’s competitors. Watch the highlights from Day 2 below, and tune in to the live webcast from May 31- June 7 at: ISAWSG.com
