November 19 – 21, the annual Torneo Bicententario, organized by PXM Surf, took place on Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido. Angelo Lozano, Christian Corzo, Cesar Petroni, and Ereberto Ramirez, all from Puerto Escondido were among the favorites expected to win the first place prize of $100,000 mxn. However, PXM Surf virgin, Alex Muñoz, also of Puerto Escondido, surfed the winning wave and is the new champion of the Torneo Bicententario 2010 in Zicatela Beach.
This year's competition had a total of 32 competitors from countries all over the world, including surfers from Australia, the United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Europe.
When this competition started more than 20 years ago, it began as more of a national sport, but within the last three years many foreigners have begun to travel large distances to come to surf Puerto Escondido. Because it's part of the Mexican pipeline, it is known as one of the best beaches in the world for surfing with sand, as opposed to the more deadly coral reef, says Roxelle Perez, treasurer of the Surf Association of the State of Oaxaca.
Starting as early as 7:30 a.m., for three days straight, Zicatela Beach was home base to an international sun tanned crowd. Surfing fans from as far as Germany and Australia came to practice their own surfing, as well as to cheer on this year's competitors - while listening to surf songs from artists such as, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Rolling Stones blasting in the background of the serene symphony of the crashing waves.
Although, the waves only reached a disappointing three to four ft. this weekend, Zicatela Beach is known for its waves that sometimes reach gargantuan altitudes of 30 to 40 ft.
This is the third year that Mario Alberto Inowe, 21, a surfer from Puerto Escondido has paid the 1,200 pesos to compete in this tournament.
“You need a lot of luck, if a good wave doesn't come, it doesn't come,” says Inowe. “Anybody can win.”
Last year's winner, Feliciano Muñoz, was eliminated in the first round this year.
“It's all a matter of luck,” says Perez. “If God doesn't send you the right one...You can have tactics, but you need the right one.”
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