Fifth and final Stop of the National Championship of Surfing of Costa Rica 2026: Playa Hermosa
The black sand beaches of Playa Hermosa near Jacó will host the final showdown of Costa Rica’s national surf circuit from July 10th to 12th, 2026. This competition marks the fifth and deciding stop of the series, where the stakes are significantly higher than previous events.
Winners of this final competition will earn 2,500 points toward the national championship, considerably more than the 1,500 points awarded at earlier circuit stops. This point differential means the outcome at Playa Hermosa could dramatically reshape the rankings. Defending champions Sam Reidy and Rachel Aguero in the open class will face fierce competition as surfers across the country vie for the title.
Playa Hermosa’s reputation as a World Surfing Reserve and its consistent wave conditions make it an ideal venue for this decisive event. The competition brings together Costa Rica’s top surfing talent at a beach known for its powerful breaks and rich surfing culture.
Overview of the 2026 Playa Hermosa Surf Competition
The 2026 Playa Hermosa surf competition serves as the grand finale of Costa Rica’s national surf circuit, taking place from July 10th to 12th at the country’s designated National Surf Stadium. This fifth and concluding event awards significantly more championship points than previous contests in the series, making it the most critical competition of the season.
Event Dates and Schedule
The competition runs across three days from July 10th through July 12th, 2026. Playa Hermosa, located near Jacó on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, provides the backdrop for this championship finale.
Playa Hermosa maintains wave consistency throughout the year.
The black sand beach transforms into a competitive arena where surfers from across Costa Rica gather to determine the national champions. The location’s status as a World Surfing Reserve underscores its significance in the international surfing community.
National Championship Standing
Sam Reidy enters as the defending champion in the men’s open class, while Rachel Aguero holds the title in the women’s open division. Both athletes have demonstrated consistent performance throughout previous competitions in the national surf circuit.
The fifth contest position means competitors have accumulated points from four prior events in the series. Rankings heading into this final competition will determine seeding and heat assignments. Surfers who performed well in earlier contests maintain advantages, though the increased point allocation for this event can dramatically shift final standings.
Points System and Significance
The points differential ensures that consistent performance throughout the season matters, while still rewarding peak performance at the championship finale. Athletes who struggled in earlier competitions can potentially overcome deficits with a strong showing across the three days of competition.
World Surfing Reserve Status
Playa Hermosa earned recognition as a World Surfing Reserve, joining an elite group of globally significant surf destinations like Malibu and Ericeira. This designation protects the surf ecosystem while acknowledging the beach’s exceptional wave quality and cultural importance to surfing.
The reserve status reflects the area’s commitment to preserving its natural coastal environment. Costa Rica officially recognizes Playa Hermosa as its National Surf Stadium, a title that acknowledges its role as the premier competitive surfing venue in the country.