A historic summer for Peruvian surfing
The summer of 2026 will be remembered as a turning point for professional surfing in Peru. In less than two weeks, the country hosted two international-level events that put Peruvian waves on the global competitive map: the Señoritas Open Pro (WSL QS 2000) at Punta Hermosa and the first stop of Sofía Mulanovich's Surf Fest Pro League at Lima's Costa Verde.
These events didn't just bring South America's best surfers — they confirmed what the local surf community already knew: Peru has the waves, infrastructure, and talent to be a permanent host on the professional circuit.
Señoritas Open Pro 2026: WSL comes to Peru
From February 25 to 28, Playa Señoritas in Punta Hermosa hosted the first South American stop of the 2026 WSL circuit. The event was elevated to QS 2000 category, meaning more world ranking points and greater international talent attraction.
The event in numbers
- 180+ competitors in Open and Junior categories
- QS 2000 category — the highest in the event's history
- $22,500 in prize money distributed with gender equity
- 4 days of competition in challenging conditions
- First WSL stop in South America in 2026
Final results
Women's Open QS — Arena Rodríguez (PER) champion
Peruvian Arena Rodríguez was crowned Women's Open QS champion in an all-Peruvian final, besting Sol Aguirre, two-time champion Daniella Rosas, and Sofía Artieda. A result that showcases the depth of female surfing talent in Peru.
Men's Open QS — Ryan Kainalo (BRA) champion
Brazilian Ryan Kainalo dominated the men's competition, decisively defeating compatriot Rickson Falcao in the final. Kainalo displayed exceptional form, also securing the double title by winning the Junior men's category.
Women's Junior QS — Catalina Zariquiey (PER) defends title
Catalina Zariquiey, from Máncora and currently #5 in the WSL Junior world ranking, won the junior women's title for the second consecutive year. In the final, she beat fellow Peruvian Brianna Barthelmess, Argentine Victoria Muñoz, and Brazilian Alexia Monteiro. At just 16, Zariquiey is considered one of world surfing's top prospects.
Men's Junior QS — Ryan Kainalo (BRA) double crown
Kainalo completed a historic performance by also winning the Junior men's division, beating compatriots Annuar Chiah and Rickson Falcao, plus Colombia's Romeo Chávez.
Expression Session
Argentine Thiago Passeri (#6 WSL South America Junior 2025) won the Volkswagen Expression Session with a power surfing display that drew standing ovations from the crowd.
Surf Fest Pro League: Peru's professional league is born
Just one week after the Señoritas Open Pro, from March 5 to 8, Punta Roquitas in Miraflores hosted the first stop of the Surf Fest Pro League, the new professional league created by Sofía Mulanovich.
What is the Surf Fest Pro League?
It's the first professional surf league created in Peru, backed by the ALAS Global Tour (Latin America's most important professional circuit). It's not just a competition: it's a festival combining high-level surfing with music, culture, and community.
Sofía Mulanovich, double world champion (WSL 2004 and ISA 2019), explained: "I want a league with structure, a platform for surfers from the entire region to continue with the sport and for future generations to see that you can make a living from this discipline."
First stop in numbers
- 235 registered participants from 14 countries
- 10 categories: Open, U-18, U-16, U-14, and Longboard (men and women)
- $80,000+ in prizes distributed across three stops
- ALAS Global Tour endorsement
- Points toward Lima 2027 Pan American Games qualification
Standout results
Men's Open — Thiago Passeri (ARG)
Argentine Thiago Passeri was crowned Men's Open champion with a score above 16 points in the final, defeating Brazilian John Muller with a decisive aerial on his last wave. Passeri also won the U-18 category, establishing himself as the star of the event.
U-16 — Nina Smiciklas (GER) and Facundo Castañeda (PER)
German Nina Smiciklas won the Women's U-16, while Peruvian Facundo Castañeda took both the Men's U-16 and U-14, showcasing the talent pipeline coming through Peruvian surfing.
Upcoming 2026 stops
| Date | Spot | Location |
|---|---|---|
| March 5-8 | Punta Roquitas | Miraflores, Lima (completed) |
| October 8-11 | Lobitos | Talara, Piura |
| December 10-13 | Señoritas | Punta Hermosa, Lima |
Athletes to watch in 2026
Arena Rodríguez (PER)
Women's Open QS champion at the Señoritas Open Pro. Her victory over Daniella Rosas and Sol Aguirre positions her as one of Peru's leading female surfers.
Catalina Zariquiey (PER)
Just 16 years old, from Máncora, #5 in the WSL Junior world ranking. Back-to-back Señoritas Open Pro Junior champion. Her trajectory profiles her as Peru's next great surfer on the world circuit.
Thiago Passeri (ARG)
Double champion at the Surf Fest Pro League (Open + U-18) and Expression Session winner at the Señoritas Open Pro. The 17-year-old Argentine is one of South American surfing's biggest prospects.
Ryan Kainalo (BRA)
Double crown at the Señoritas Open Pro (Open + Junior men's). A representative of Brazil's powerful surf school that continues to dominate professional surfing in the region.
Facundo Castañeda (PER)
Double champion in youth categories at the Surf Fest Pro League (U-14 and U-16). At his young age, he already shows the competitive level needed to project onto the professional circuit.
What this means for Peruvian surfing
The combination of the Señoritas Open Pro (WSL) and Surf Fest Pro League (ALAS) creates an unprecedented competitive ecosystem in Peru:
- More competitive opportunities: Peruvian surfers no longer need to constantly travel to earn international ranking points.
- Path to the 2027 Pan Americans: Surf Fest Pro League champions earn direct spots for Lima 2027.
- Youth development: With 10 categories including U-14, U-16, and U-18, there's a clear platform for developing new talent.
- Gender equity: Both events prioritized equal prize money and opportunities for men and women.
- International visibility: 235 participants from 14 countries at the Surf Fest Pro League show Peru is already a relevant competitive destination.
2026 competitive surf calendar in Peru
| Date | Event | Spot | Circuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 25-28 | Señoritas Open Pro | Punta Hermosa | WSL QS 2000 |
| Mar 5-8 | Surf Fest Pro League #1 | Punta Roquitas | ALAS |
| Oct 8-11 | Surf Fest Pro League #2 | Lobitos | ALAS |
| Dec 10-13 | Surf Fest Pro League #3 | Punta Hermosa | ALAS |
Follow conditions at all these spots on WaveSearch with forecasts updated every 3 hours: waves, wind, swell, and tide charts for Punta Hermosa, Punta Roquitas, Lobitos, and all Peru surf spots.
Sources: World Surf League (worldsurfleague.com), WSL Latin America, Surf Place Perú, elSurfero.com, RPP, El Comercio, Diario Correo, The Inertia, Duke Surf. Data updated March 21, 2026.