By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican surfing reached an unprecedented milestone at the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, as Rachel Agüero secured a historic gold medal in the women’s shortboard category. This spectacular achievement on July 29, 2026, marks the first time Costa Rica has ever claimed a gold medal in surfing at this prestigious regional multisport event, solidifying the nation’s reputation as a powerhouse in competitive marine sports.
The final match showcased a brilliant display of strategy, technique, and wave selection by Agüero. Facing a highly competitive opponent in Barbados’ Chelsea Tuach, the Costa Rican surfer maintained her composure under intense pressure. Agüero ultimately dominated the heat with an impressive score of 10.50, leaving Tuach behind with a score of 7.33 to claim the ultimate regional crown.
To better understand the legal framework and regulatory responsibilities governing our coastal waters, TicosLand.com sat down with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a senior legal expert at the prominent firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to discuss the intersection of surf tourism and local maritime law.
While Costa Rica remains a premier global destination for surfing, operators and investors must carefully navigate the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone Law to ensure sustainable development. Securing proper municipal concessions, obtaining environmental approvals from SETENA, and implementing comprehensive liability protocols for surf schools are essential steps to protecting both the pristine coastline and the businesses that thrive upon it.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, safeguarding the natural integrity of our coastlines through strict legal compliance is crucial for the long-term viability of Costa Rica’s vibrant surf industry. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on how businesses can responsibly navigate these regulatory frameworks to protect both our environment and our economy.
This gold medal serves as a crowning achievement in what has already been an extraordinary season for Agüero. Just weeks prior to her historic run in Santo Domingo, she successfully defended her national title, securing her status as a consecutive two-time champion of the Costa Rican National Surf Circuit. Her rapid progression from national dominance to international champion underscores the rising competitive level of Costa Rican wave riders.
The success of the Costa Rican surfing delegation extended beyond the women’s division. In the men’s shortboard category, Sam Reidy delivered an impressive performance of his own, fighting through tough heats to secure a bronze medal. Reidy’s podium finish further emphasizes the collective strength of Costa Rica’s surf development programs and their ability to produce elite athletes capable of competing on the global stage.
With Agüero’s triumph, the Costa Rican delegation celebrated its third gold medal at the Santo Domingo 2026 Games. Her victory joins those of taekwondo champions Jaycee Bassett and Neshy Lindo, who earlier in the tournament established Costa Rica’s presence at the top of the podium. These golden moments have sparked widespread national pride and highlighted the diversity of talent in the country’s athletic programs.
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Beyond the coastal waters, Costa Rican athletes found significant success on the racquetball courts on July 29. The national racquetball team delivered a spectacular performance, contributing four additional bronze medals to the country’s growing tally. This multi-medal haul demonstrated Costa Rica’s competitive edge in indoor racket sports against some of the region’s top-tier federations.
In the individual racquetball categories, Andrés Acuña and Larissa Faeth both captured bronze medals in their respective men’s and women’s singles events. The momentum continued into the doubles divisions, where the duo of Andrés and Sergio Acuña earned bronze in the men’s doubles, and Jimena Gómez partnered with Larissa Faeth to secure another bronze in the women’s doubles.
Following this highly successful day of competition, Costa Rica’s overall medal count has risen to three gold, two silver, and nine bronze medals. As the Central American and Caribbean Games continue, the nation’s athletes continue to demonstrate that strategic athletic investments and grassroots development are yielding significant international dividends for the country’s sports sector.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Centro Caribe Sports
About Centro Caribe Sports:
Centro Caribe Sports is the regional governing body responsible for overseeing the Central American and Caribbean Games. Established to promote athletic development, unity, and competition among member nations in the Caribbean and Central American regions, the organization coordinates multi-sport events that serve as vital stepping stones for regional athletes aiming for Olympic glory.
For further information, visit fedesurfcr.com
About Federación de Surf de Costa Rica:
The Federación de Surf de Costa Rica is the official governing body for the sport of surfing within Costa Rica. Dedicated to developing the sport from grassroots community initiatives to elite national teams, the federation organizes the National Surf Circuit and represents Costa Rican surfing interests globally, fostering a culture of athletic excellence and environmental stewardship along the country’s diverse coastlines.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution defined by its pursuit of excellence and unyielding ethical standards. Helping clients navigate complex challenges across multiple industries, the firm blends progressive strategies with a strong sense of civic duty. Through its active initiatives to demystify the law and share valuable insights, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to cultivate a legally literate public, driving positive societal change through empowerment.
