EVENT DESCRIPTION
The 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship is the International Surfing Association’s premier global competition for the world’s top junior surfers, bringing together national teams to compete for individual and team world titles. The event serves as a key development pathway for future elite surfers, with many past competitors and medalists going on to represent their countries at the Olympic Games and on the professional World Surf League tour.
The 2026 championship will be held September 4–13, 2026, at La Bocana and El Sunzal in Surf City, El Salvador. Hosted by the International Surfing Association (ISA) in partnership with Surf City El Salvador, the event continues a multi-year collaboration that has established El Salvador as one of the world’s premier international surfing destinations.
Competition features the world’s best junior surfers representing their national federations in Under-16 and Under-18 boys’ and girls’ divisions. Athletes compete in both individual and team competitions, with nations earning points toward the prestigious overall team championship. The ISA’s unique team format celebrates sportsmanship, national pride, and the spirit of surfing while showcasing the next generation of surfing talent.
EVENT CONTENT
- The world’s premier junior surfing championship bringing together the best Under-16 and Under-18 athletes from more than 40 countries
- A unique national team atmosphere unlike professional tour events where surfers compete as individuals, the ISA World Junior Championship is contested by national teams.
- World-class surf at two iconic venues La Bocana and El Sunzal, renowned for its long, consistent waves that allow competitors to showcase technical maneuvers and style
- Ten days of continuous competition and entertainment running from September 4–13, 2026, the championship offers daily heats from morning through late afternoon
- A vibrant international festival experience beyond the surfing itself, visitors can enjoy cultural exchanges, sponsor activations, live entertainment, local food vendors, and community events; making the championship feel like an international sporting festival rather than simply a surfing competition.
- An accessible destination for spectators: Surf City, El Salvador is designed to welcome visitors, with beachfront viewing areas, nearby accommodations, restaurants, cafés, and transportation options that make it easy to experience the event. The championship offers opportunities to combine world-class sport with surfing lessons, beach activities, local cuisine, and exploration of El Salvador’s Pacific coastline.