Hungarian Surf Fest in Full Swing on the Shores of Portugal

The Hungarian Surf Fest is in full swing on the shores of Costa da Caparica in Portugal, where the best Hungarian competitors and those less familiar with the sport can try their hand. The second edition of the event is not only a wave surfing competition, but also a week-long festival for all the lovers of the sport, writes Index.

The surf camp is also an opportunity for first-timers to learn the basics of the sport, with a very colorful crowd gathering at Costa da Caparica, some 15 kilometers from Lisbon’s city center, at the beginning of the second week of October.

Apart from surfing (instruction, competition), the social events such as theoretical workshops, yoga classes, beach volleyball (that will have a championship during the week), sightseeing tours, concerts, and parties are also part of the fun.

Most of the Hungarian surfing community is represented at the event, with competitors coming from all over the world. Compatriots from Mexico, Switzerland, France, and Spain have arrived to participate as well.

The highlight of the event is of course the competition, running under the Hungarian Surfing Association, and although the surf fest is not an official Hungarian surfing championship, the organizers aim to make it one in the future.

To this end, for example, the open category competitions are organized with certified athletes who have had to undergo a medical examination before the event.

“For each sport there are tests that have to be passed, and surfing is not an additional task in this respect: a basic orthopedic examination is required to ensure that there are no musculoskeletal obstacles to playing the sport. A 12-lead EKG test is also needed to check that the heart is fine, and if the competitor is over 35 years old, he/she also needs a blood test, with a general blood count, kidney, liver function, cholesterol, uric acid, and a urinalysis result” – summarized Dr. Nóra Péterfy, volunteer doctor of the event.

The surf fest was officially opened on Monday evening in a ceremony attended by Dr. Emilia Fábián, Hungarian Ambassador of Lisbon.

“Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and Portugal, and we hope to mark this special occasion by hosting the third Hungarian Surf Fest and attracting even more people than we are now,” Dr. Emilia Fábián, emphasized in her opening speech.

In the coming days, 48 men and 16 women will compete in the shortboard open, an Olympic event, however, there will also be competitions for longboarders, beginners, and those who have reached the first level, but are still a long way from the competitive level.

Around 200 Hungarian compatriots are taking part in the surf week, thus the Portuguese coast really does look like it was invaded by Hungarians.

Via Index, Featured image via Facebook/Hungarian Surf Fest