Now any Argentine child up to 14 years old can enroll in the municipal surfing school run by two-time ISA world champion Lele Usuna, coach Maximiliano Prensky and professor Carlos Laborde, the municipality of Mar del Plata and the tourism department announced today in a press conference.

According to what was explained by the city's sports director, Carlos López Silva, the project has an initial investment of approximately 400.000 Argentine pesos.  (about $20.000) and aims to “expand the base of the pyramid” of surfers in the city.

Gabriela Magnoler from the Mar del Plata Tourism Division explained that her idea in supporting the project is that the city should be able to see the sea all year round and not during the summer months.

The school will initially have 64 students who will be divided into four age divisions, up to 8, 10, 12 and 14 years old, who will then occupy different categories until reaching a competitive level that can participate in intercollegiate events.

ASA President Freddy Tortora said the school will also serve to discover new talents who could later join Argentine world champions Usuna, Gundensen and Muñiz.

Asked how much the fact that surfing is an Olympic sport affected the decision to invest money to teach it for free, the members of the panel laughed in approval, but pointed out that the sport is part of the rhythm of the city and that this is something that should have always existed.

The only requirement to participate in the classes is to know how to swim and to have the permission of the parents. Registration is open and places are closed on a first-come, first-served basis.