The 2026 National Surf Circuit officially began at Playa Cocles, in Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean region, marking the start of a new competitive season for national surfing. The event brings together athletes from multiple divisions, including junior, open, and master categories, reinforcing its role as one of the country’s most important platforms for developing surfing talent.
The opening round once again positions Puerto Viejo de Talamanca as a key location on Costa Rica’s national sports calendar, known for wave conditions appreciated by both local and international surfers.
Playa Cocles: Host of the Season Opener
Playa Cocles is recognized for its consistent wave patterns and sandy bottom with sections that allow technical maneuvers, making it a frequent host of official competitions. Located in the canton of Talamanca, Limón province, the beach forms part of a region that has strengthened its profile as a destination for sports and nature tourism.
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has gained increasing prominence in the national surf scene in recent years, complementing traditional Pacific venues. February conditions typically provide steady surf, supporting the development of the circuit’s opening rounds.
Organization and Institutional Support
The National Surf Circuit is organized by the Federación de Surf de Costa Rica (FSCR), the officially recognized governing body for competitive surfing in the country. The federation establishes regulations, competition categories, and the ranking system that determines the annual champions.
The event is also framed within Costa Rica’s national sports system, coordinated by the Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación (ICODER), the public institution responsible for promoting sports and physical activity nationwide.
A Platform for National Talent
Beyond crowning annual champions, the National Circuit serves as a showcase for emerging athletes and as part of the qualification pathway for international competitions sanctioned by the International Surfing Association (ISA), the global governing authority for surfing.
Costa Rica has maintained a notable presence in ISA world championships, and strengthening the national circuit contributes to the technical and competitive development of its athletes.
Impact on Tourism and Local Economies
Hosting circuit events in different regions of the country generates direct economic activity in tourism-related sectors such as lodging, gastronomy, and local commerce. In destinations like Puerto Viejo, the presence of competitors, technical teams, and visitors boosts economic activity during competition days.
Sports tourism forms part of Costa Rica’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism offer, promoted by the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), which recognizes the potential of sporting events to attract both national and international visitors.
Surfing and Costa Rican Culture
Surfing holds a significant place in Costa Rica’s sporting culture, particularly in coastal communities where it forms part of local identity. The continuation of the National Surf Circuit reaffirms the country’s commitment to athletic development, youth training, and international projection as a world-class surf destination.
Following the opening event at Playa Cocles, the 2026 calendar will continue at additional venues across the country, combining high-level competition with the promotion of Costa Rica’s coastline.
Sources consulted
• Tico Times – Information regarding the launch of the 2026 National Surf Circuit at Playa Cocles.
• Federación de Surf de Costa Rica (FSCR) – Official regulations, calendar, and structure of the national circuit.
• Instituto Costarricense del Deporte y la Recreación (ICODER) – Institutional framework for competitive sports in Costa Rica.
• International Surfing Association (ISA) – International surfing regulations and world championships.
• Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) – Information on sports tourism and destination promotion in Costa Rica.
