While the local surfing community continues to await vehicular access at Raul’s Beach, located at kilometer 38, the State Surfing Championship took place there this past weekend.

The event marked the first qualifying competition to select the team that will represent Baja California at the 2025 National Olympics, set to be held in the state of Colima.

José Antonio Rodríguez Otáñez, president of the Baja California Surfing Association, stated that the competition was organized in coordination with the State Sports Institute (INDEBC).

The championship brought together surfers between the ages of 12 and 18, divided into the following categories: 12–14, 15–16, and 17–18.

Participants competed in a variety of disciplines, including shortboard surfing, longboard, bodyboard, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Among the standout athletes were Paula Valles and Nathan Díaz, who are leading the state delegation with the clear goal of surpassing the achievements made in the 2024 national competition.

In that edition, Baja California earned a silver and a bronze medal thanks to the impressive performances of Ana Espinoza and Luz Alexa Galván.

Otáñez emphasized that these competitions are essential for building a new generation of athletes with national and international potential, highlighting the importance of supporting events that nurture emerging sports talent.

He reported that temporary access to Raul’s Beach was granted for the event. The association is currently exploring options to re-establish formal vehicular access. Fortunately, the property owners have shown support and understanding of the community’s needs.

“What we’re aiming for as an association is to formally document the specific access route that will be granted to us, so we can begin improvements that will make beach access safer and more efficient,” said the president of the Baja California Surfing Association.