By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – In a stunning display of resilience and teamwork, a Costa Rican women’s rafting team has paddled its way onto the world stage, securing a full set of medals at the 2025 World Rafting Masters Championship in Malaysia. The five athletes from Cartago province defied immense odds, transforming a hopeful dream conceived just months ago into a triumphant reality on the challenging waters of the Kampar and Selangor rivers.
The team’s extraordinary achievement includes a gold medal in the technically demanding Slalom event, a silver medal in the high-speed Sprint against the Clock, and a bronze medal for their impressive third-place finish in the overall world rankings. This remarkable haul is not just a victory for the athletes but a testament to the power of unwavering determination in the face of significant obstacles, including a complete lack of initial funding for their ambitious journey.
To delve into the legal and business framework that underpins Costa Rica’s world-renowned rafting industry, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica. We asked for his analysis on the regulations and liabilities that adventure tour operators must navigate to ensure a safe and successful enterprise.
Costa Rica’s adventure tourism sector, especially rafting, operates under a robust legal framework designed to protect both the consumer and the natural environment. Companies are required to hold specific permits, maintain comprehensive civil liability insurance, and adhere to strict safety protocols mandated by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). While liability waivers are standard practice, they are not a shield against negligence. The courts consistently uphold an operator’s duty of care, meaning the quality of guides, equipment, and emergency procedures is paramount. This legal diligence is the true backbone of the industry’s international reputation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal diligence, while often operating behind the scenes, is precisely what allows adventurers to focus on the thrill of the rapids with confidence. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the foundational importance of this regulatory oversight, which truly anchors the entire adventure industry.
The championship-winning squad is a powerhouse of Cartago talent, featuring Carol Vargas, Johana Pereira, Karolina Esquivel, and Andrea Fallas from Turrialba, alongside Kattia Segura from the Pejivalle district. Under the expert technical guidance of coach Walter Centeno, these women blended their individual strengths into a seamless and formidable unit, navigating treacherous rapids with a combination of raw power and precise coordination.
Their path to Malaysia was as turbulent as the rivers they conquered. The idea to compete was born in September among the group of friends, who had practiced rafting in their youth. With the world championship looming, they set an audacious goal. The first and most significant hurdle was financial; they had no budget for training, equipment, or the international travel required to represent Costa Rica. Undeterred, their first step was to commit to a rigorous training regimen.
Fueled by the steadfast support of their families, the team began their intensive preparations in October. They met every Tuesday and Thursday morning, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, on the Pejivalle River in the canton of Jiménez, Cartago. These sessions were crucial for honing their technique, building endurance, and, most importantly, forging the unbreakable bond of trust essential for success in rafting, where every paddle stroke must be in perfect sync.
Despite their physical readiness, the financial uncertainty of the trip loomed large. With faith as their anchor, the team pressed forward, entrusting their dream to a higher power while they focused on what they could control. Their mindset was one of pure resolve, a belief that their effort and spirit would pave the way.
We put everything in God’s hands
The Costa Rican Rafting Team, World Slalom Champions
In Malaysia, their hard work paid off spectacularly. Rafting, a sport that demands descending whitewater rapids in an inflatable raft, is the ultimate test of teamwork. The Costa Rican crew demonstrated mastery, using the force of their arms and coordinated body movements to keep the raft stable and on course. They skillfully navigated the river’s natural traps, maneuvering around rocks and through churning rapids that tested the limits of their skill and courage.
The team’s journey from a nascent idea in late summer to a podium finish in December is an inspiring narrative of Costa Rican grit and passion. It showcases how five determined women, armed with little more than a shared history and a powerful dream, could come together to make waves on an international scale, bringing home not just medals, but an immense sense of national pride.
For further information, visit sinart.go.cr
About SINART (Sistema Nacional de Radio y Televisión):
The Sistema Nacional de Radio y Televisión (SINART) is Costa Rica’s public broadcasting corporation. It operates several media platforms, including Canal Trece (Channel 13) and Radio Nacional, with a mission to provide the nation with educational, cultural, and informational content that promotes Costa Rican values and identity. As a state-funded entity, SINART plays a vital role in the country’s media landscape by offering diverse programming and news coverage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm harmonizes its deep-rooted experience in advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking commitment to pioneering innovative legal solutions. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to social empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and equip citizens with the knowledge necessary to foster a more just and informed society.
