It’s been a big month and a half for local surfer Kevin Montiel and the best is yet to come. 

Montiel, 16, won two of the three Triple Crown Surf events in the junior category. The tournament, hosted by the Nosara Tico Surf School, had three dates, March 10 in Ostional, March 18 in Garza and April 7 in Guiones. Montiel won in Ostional and Guiones. However, the biggest event was on March 31 when he placed second in the King of Groms Central America qualifier in Playa Hermosa, near Jaco Guanacaste. There he became one of two riders who qualified to compete in Mexico in June at the King of Groms Central America final. The top two advance to the World King of Groms tournament, to be held in France later this year.

Kevin Montiel , 16, from Nosara, rides a wave during the Triple Crown Surf Contest final at Playa Guiones on April 7.

A ‘Grom’ according to Urban Dictionary is a young talented surfer, Kevin is that.

According to crsurfcam.com his success at Playa Hermosa was unexpected and Montiel, “showed his strength, determination and power both outside and inside the water.” Not only did he represent his talent he represented Nosara with the words, “I love Nosara” written on his surfboard. Now he will represent Nosara and Costa Rica in Mexico and as well, Panama

Montiel, however, is currently not reachable for comment as he has already left for Panama to compete in the World Junior Surfing Championship as a member of the Costa Rican junior national team. The tournament runs from April 14-24.

The World Junior Surfing Championship is a separate event from The King of Groms tournament. The WJSC is an International Surfing Federation event, which will draw from the best under 18 surfers in the world.

According to the event website it is the largest under 18 surf event in the world, with 300 participants from 30 countries. The championship is in its 10th year and is an Olympic style event; therefore no cash prizes are awarded only a medal and honor.

As well members of the International Olympic Committee will be on hand. They will be honoring the winner with the, “President’s Trophy,”

The President’s Trophy is based on a points system combining all of the athletes’ points accumulated throughout competitions at the WJSC. The one with the most points at the end of the championship wins. No Costa Rica team has ever won the President’s Trophy.

Montiel’s older brother, Luigi, who works at the Tico Surf School said Kevin is ready for the WSJC. In San Jose prior to leaving for Panama, Kevin was so excited in anticipation and elated that he was going that he started ‘surfing’ on his hotel bed screaming, “I’m going to win, I’m going to win,” According to Luigi.

He’ll need all of that energy if he is to go up against powerhouses’ like defending champions Peru or six-time President’s Trophy winners Australia. He’ll be competing in the under 16 category. For live updates, information and streaming event video go to http://dakineisawjsc.com/live/