World Junior Tour Takes-Over Legendary Chicama Wave

Peru Chicama District Home of Legendary 2 kilometer left wave. Source ASP-Peru Travel-Chicama

ASP South America launched the Junior Contest in Peru. The Association of Surfing Professionals ASP chose the iconic Chicama wave, known as the world's longest left, to host the stop No. 22 of the ASP World Junior Tour. Dates: September 16-20^th. Divisions: Man-Woman. Chicama Pro Junior Classic tournament is vital for surfers looking to score the necessary points to access the World Junior Championship and to attempt a World Title.

Local press of Peru reported on September 6^th that the count down for Chicama Classic Pro is on. The best surfers under 21 will battle for precious rankings points and a victory at one of the most famous waves in Latin America.

Chicama wave is internationally recognized by surfers around the world which choose the location for its unique conditions. The wave breaks left approximately 2 kilometers reaching its peak in the coast of Peru. Double wave breaking formations are found in the mystic beach, elevating up to 4 to 5 meters and penetrating into the ocean up to 4 to 5 kilometers and breaking 2 to 2.5 meters height in their second form. Currents and tides are known for their strength. Extreme physical conditions are a required to face the Chicama wave. Long wave riding translates into solid leg work, burnt up legs spell danger.

ASP called for the surfers to meet the ideal classic conditions of Chicama -located on the northern coast of Peru, in Puerto Malabrigo, Rázuri district, Chicama.

“Billed as a left point break, the famed spot represents a big challenge for young athletes, both competitively and with respect to endurance. Not only will they have to deal with the strategies of their opponents, they will also have to fight against the current and long paddle back to the peak. For many years, Chicama has been the favorite destination of pro surfers, including current ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) contenders Matt Wilkinson (AUS) and Owen Wright (AUS), 1999 World Champion Mark Occhilupo (AUS) and reigning Big Wave World Tour champion Greg Long (USA), among others,” ASP sets the record straight on what athletes under 21 will face.

"This is a very important competition for the Peruvian surfing," Wave manager and renowned surf promoter Richard Navarrete stated. "The events have five day waiting periods because we want to ensure the presence of quality waves for surfers. Many internationally renowned surfers will be fighting for points."

The Institute of Sports of Peru IDP during the presentation of the event highlighted the performance of local surfer Juninho Urcia –ranking 5^th after obtaining last year victory in Lobitos and riding all the way into the Brazil Tour. Other highlighted athletes included Andrew Castillo and Miluska Tello ASP Junior ranking 3^rd expecting to rise and reach Portugal.

ASP reported that the current National Champion Miluska Tello (PER) noted her enthusiasm and excitement about the World Junior Circuit. Tello is confident that the break is perfectly suited to her style.

"The few times I surfed Chicama I enjoyed the wave," Tello said. "I felt very comfortable and confident."

Among the big names slated to participate, in addition to Tello, are Vania Torres (PER) and Melanie Giunta (PER). The men's tournament will pit athletes Juninho Urcia (PER), Joaquín Del Castillo (PER), and Miguel Tudela (PER), among others.

"We are fully committed to the development of young talent in the region and that is why we are supporting this event of international prestige," said Lupe Flores, mayor of Razuri. "We are in the perfect season to enjoy the full potential of this incredible wave. Hopefully this is the first step in creating an industry based on this beautiful sport in the region."

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