Guajataca Downhill 2010 Results

The legendary Guajataca Beach Downhill was a spectacular 2 day extravaganza this year, replete with music shows, activities, camping, mass Island-wide media coverage, and renowned racers coming from the Americas.  The event drew an estimated 2,500 spectators at the main curves near the finish line, (twice the number from 2009) and another estimated 1,500 spectators along the 2.3 km race route.  The event had 120 racers from all over Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Canada, and the USA (Colorado, California, and Florida).  The Guajataca Beach Downhill has been an annual event on this tropical coastal community for over 26 years, growing in scope and intensity for the past 6 years.  What started out as a way for the local surfer/skaters to get to the beach 2.8 kilometers has turned into an International festival of speed that attracts a growing number of spectators and participants every year.

Thanks to Dr. Henry Newmann and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (DRD) and the town of Quebradillas Municipal government, (Honorable Heriberto Velez), all the necessary resources were secured once again for this annual event. A small army of staff volunteers from the Pirate Surf Club, the Ministry of Recreation and Sports, the town of Quebradillas, and many other organizations maintained the delicate balance between the large crowd, area residents, emergency services, and racers, to control the race route and enable the 9 hour event to flow smoothly. Some of the wipe-outs were spectacular, with racers paying dearly for any slight mistake made on the course.  Super Ambulance services paramedics stayed busy for the duration of the races.

Stand-out racers included Peruvian Female racer Marisa Nuñez, Local girl Tiara Perez, Colorado Wonder Boy Calvin Staub, California Mad-Men Jeff Budro and J.M. Duran, and Abec 11 Legend Chris Chaput. State Policeman and Danger Bay threat Hernan (Pito) Velez took the master’s category. In the end, Scoot Smith (2008 IGSA World Champ) suffered a spectacular fall that took him out of the race. Island stand-out Jomar Guzman took the $1,000 first prize money in the Open category, followed by fellow Pirate Coast local Christian Gerena that took $500, and Rincon Speed Demon Anthony Chaparro who went home $300 richer..

This year’s event had a a Ska Concert at the town square Saturday night sponsored by Coors Light Beer, and an after-party at “El Caldo” a local Bar and Grill that also sponsored the after hours activities. Thanks to Landyachtz, Sector 9, Abec 11, Birdstown Surf and Skate, The Room Surf and Skate, Monster Energy Drink, Cooperativa San Rafael, Hotel Vistamar and many other local and National sponsors for their support in making this year’s event as big as it was. We hope to make the Guajataca Downhill 2011 even better yet with much better safety features, more prize money, and an improved staff.  See you next year!!!