SINTRA BODYBOARD FESTIVAL

Sintra Bodyboard Festival 2026: 30 Years of History and a New Era for Women's Bodyboarding The longest-running, uninterrupted stop on the IBC World Tour returns to the legendary shores of Praia Grande from September 1st to 6th, 2026. Celebrating its historic 30th Anniversary, the Sintra Bodyboard Festival is a cornerstone of the global bodyboarding community, set within the stunning boundaries of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. This year's edition makes history. Thanks to the unwavering support of the Sintra Municipality, the event is taking a massive leap forward for gender equity. The Women's division has been upgraded to a high-stakes Prime Series with a groundbreaking $30,000 USD prize purse, matching the men dollar for dollar. This marks the highest prize purse for a Women's Prime Series event on the world tour. With critical points on the line as the season nears its end, the world’s elite will battle it out on Portugal's most consistent sandbar ramps: Men Rising Series: $30,000 USD Prize Purse | 3,125 Points Women Prime Series: $30,000 USD Prize Purse | 3,000 Points Welcome to Praia Grande. Welcome to 30 years of bodyboarding history.

Please note: The Sintra Bodyboard Festival is a mobile event heavily dependent on ocean conditions. The exact daily running schedule and heat times will be determined by the Head Judge and Event Director based on swell forecasts. Waiting Period: September 1 – September 6, 2026 August 31: Official Athlete Check-in & Technical Briefing (Location in Sintra TBA). September 1: Opening Ceremony & Official Presentation of the 30th Sintra Bodyboard Festival. Competition Window Opens (First morning call at Praia Grande). September 2 – September 5: Main Competition Days for Men and Women divisions. Daily morning calls will be made at the beach and announced via official IBC social media channels. The Festival: The event is free to the public and features a massive beach culture setup including live music, surf shops, brand activations, and sustainability workshops. September 6 (or Final Day of Competition): Grand Finals for both divisions. Official Trophy Presentation and the massive 30th Anniversary Closing Party.

Destination: Praia Grande, Sintra, Portugal. Arrival (Airport): Fly into Lisbon Airport (LIS - Humberto Delgado Airport). Praia Grande is located just 40 to 50 minutes west of the airport by car. Transportation: Renting a car is the easiest way to travel between the airport, your accommodation, and the beach. Alternatively, ride-sharing apps (Uber/Bolt) are reliable and affordable, and there is a train service connecting Lisbon directly to the historic town of Sintra. Accommodation: We recommend booking in the immediate coastal areas like Praia Grande, Praia das Maçãs, or Colares. The historic center of Sintra is also a beautiful option, located about 15 minutes inland from the competition site. Conditions & Gear: Early September in Portugal offers beautiful, warm late-summer weather with air temperatures around 22°C–26°C (71°F–79°F). However, the Atlantic Ocean remains cool, typically hovering around 16°C–18°C (61°F–64°F). A high-quality 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit is required. The Wave: Praia Grande is an absolute swell magnet. It is highly exposed to the Atlantic, producing heavy, consistent, and punchy sandbar wedges that provide spectacular ramps for aerial maneuvers.

To compete in the Sintra Bodyboard Festival 2026, all riders must meet the following IBC World Tour regulations: IBC Membership: All competitors must hold a valid and active 2026 IBC Tour membership for their respective divisions. Event Registration: Official online registration and entry fee payment must be completed prior to the deadline through the official IBC portal. Mandatory Check-In: All registered athletes must attend the official on-site check-in and technical briefing prior to the start of the competition. Insurance: Comprehensive travel and sports medical insurance covering competitive bodyboarding is mandatory for all international athletes. Conduct: Athletes must strictly adhere to the IBC Rulebook. As Praia Grande is located within a protected Natural Park, competitors must demonstrate the highest level of respect for the local environment and the Sintra community.