FACTORY & SURF SHOP Custom + Stock Boards Ding Repair Tamarindo
Castro turns on a dime
Brazil for a month, training and giving three competitions a go, but his best international result was a 2nd place at the NSSA in the Explorer category in California. Training also includes slipping into tubes at Bocas del Toro in Panama. Castro even received an international award from the Chilean presidency, proclaiming him a standout with Latin American sporting promise. “When I’m not competing I can also travel, do what I want on the wave, meet new friends and learn new waves,” he said. Another pastime that Castro enjoys is working with youth in the Waves and Smiles project, led by his father, Mike, in their community. This is a surf therapy program for a group of 65 boys, creating a safe space to help them develop a sense of belonging, adapt values, obtain faith in themselves and map out their dreams. “Axel collaborates as an instructor and is a leader
among the kids,” said Castro’s dad. He uses his knowledge to support them and urges them to fight for their dreams in the face of so much adversity they face,”. At his young age, Castro already has a game plan for a lofty future: “My whole career as a competitor I have used a Cheboards. My father is a good trainer and surfer, my Uncle Caramel taught me to make tubes. I like big waves. My dream at a competitive level is to enter the CT, become a world champion, and the dates I would like to win are Pipe (Hawaii) and Bells (Australia). I should also tell you I have excellent grades in my school.” All that, and Axel Castro’s got a great start on making his dreams a reality.
www.cheboards.com +506 8556 2910
Cheboards
Photos: Mike Castro
Hitting the lip, no
problem
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 35
