LIMA, PERU – August 3, 2026 – The opening day of the 2026 Punta Negra Pro put the region’s best emerging bodyboarders to a severe test of patience, strategy, and technical adaptability. Pushing through a marathon schedule of 26 heats, the competitors battled tricky conditions to keep their Grand Final dreams alive in South America.

Key Highlights:

1. Marathon Schedule: Organizers powered through 26 heats on Day 1, running all the way through Heat 8 of Round 3.
2. Tactical Battles in Tricky Surf: In challenging 3-to-4-foot conditions with limited scoring sections, riders had to rely heavily on work ethic, wave selection, and mental toughness to manufacture scores.
3. Local Hero Highlights Day 1: Peru’s own Junior Mendoza posted the highest single-wave score of the day (7.00 points) in Round 1, connecting a relentless four-maneuver combination.
4. Finals Day Set for Tomorrow: The event is scheduled to conclude tomorrow, August 4, crowning the event champion and deciding the six athletes who will lock in their tickets to the Gran Canaria Fronton King Grand Final.

Day 1 of the competition presented a true mental game for the field of international and local juniors. With the ocean offering modest 3-to-4-foot surf and scarce high-scoring sections, the young athletes were forced to work exceptionally hard for every fraction of a point, turning demanding sections into scoring opportunities through hustle and precise control.

Rather than relying on massive ramps, success on Day 1 hinged on tactical heat management and technical repetition. Riders who managed their priority well and maximized the full length of each wave were the ones who found themselves advancing through the draw.

The undeniable highlight of the day came courtesy of local talent Junior Mendoza. In Round 1, Junior found one of the best waves of the day, stringing together a relentless combination of an ARS and a rollo. The judges rewarded his variety and flow with a 8.00, which held as the single highest wave score of the entire day.

Competition officially wrapped up following Heat 8 of Round 3, leaving the field primed for a fast-paced and decisive final day of action.

Event officials expect to complete the remainder of the draw tomorrow, August 4. Beyond the event trophy, the ultimate prize looms large. Tomorrow’s final rounds will officially determine the six junior riders who claim their coveted qualification spots for the Gran Canaria Fronton King Grand Final in Spain this October.

Fans worldwide can watch live all the action. The event will be broadcast seamlessly on ibcworldtour.com and the official IBC YouTube channel. Be sure to connect with the IBC social media channels for real-time heat updates, behind-the-scenes content, and daily highlights.

About the IBC

The International Bodyboarding Committee (IBC) is the official sanctioning body of the world tour, our mission is to provide a transparent, structured, and sustainable platform for athletes worldwide. We oversee the technical regulations, support local communities, and guarantee that the spirit of bodyboarding is preserved across all oceans.

About the Rising Series

The IBC Rising Series serves as the vital competitive pathway for emerging talent and regional athletes aiming to transition to the elite tiers of professional bodyboarding. Offering crucial ranking points and direct qualifying routes to Major Grand Finals, such as the Gran Canaria Fronton King, the Rising Series fosters the next generation of world champions.

Sponsors and Partners:
Federación deportiva nacional de tabla
Instituto Peruano de deporte
Municipalidad de Punta negra
IBC world tour
Grupo Hidalgo
Independent bodyboards
Escuela Miguel Rodríguez
Canita
Electrolife
Floril
Asociación Mareyuntas Bodyboard
Cerave Perú
CDS Network
JBL Perú
Psyched
Tonicoviox
Mutant accesorios
Líquido Bodyboard Cybershop
Pulpos combat
Tecnología de separación
Looking for talent
Q foods
Bettos snack
El chino vegano
Monster Energy
Ride to freedom
Surf place Perú
Dharma bodyboard
Boogieland
Chimu fins
Factory i world
Fit Protein
Ocean care
Backslide peru
Tupac – Polos básicos pima