Ricardo Chiari, the first Central American to surf Jaws?

Panamanian SUP Surfer and Foiler Ricardo Chiari surfed Jaws on December 11 and became, according to a post he made on Instagram, the first Central American to have surfed the wave.

“I am beyond happy to have finally had the opportunity to surf Jaws for the first time during the swell on December 11th, the day before the CbdMD Jaws Big Wave Championships,” he wrote in English.

He added: “It has been a long process and one of my lifelong dreams since they started tow-in back in the days of ‘Strapped’ (in reference to the film that recaps the origins of tow-in). It was an incredible experience, (I feel) a lot of respect and admiration for this wave, and I am grateful for all the help and support from friends and family, proud to be the first Central American to surf it.”

The session was not without its mishaps, as he says he lost his board on the rocks and a good Samaritan lent him another one.

 

See this post on Instagram

 

Beyond stoked for finally having the opportunity to surf Jaws for the first time during last swell on Dec 11, 2019 the day before the cbdMD Jaws Big Wave Championships, it's been a long process and one of my lifelong dreams since they started towing it back in the “Strapped” days. Incredible experience, so much respect and admiration for this wave, feeling grateful for all the help and support from family and friends, proud to be the first Central American 🇵🇦 to surf it. Much hail to @joliemarxen @alfredo_808 @michisilence Maxi and @pritchdog for providing a back up board after loosing mine to the rocks. Can't wait to surf it again 📷 @joliemarxen @naishpanama @ktsurfing @mfchawaii @bluesmiths #towsurfing #peahi #jaws #maui #hawaii #livealoha

A publication shared by Ricardo Chiari (@rickychiari) the 16 Dic 2019 has 4: 52 PST