Bocas International 2026 Crowns Its Champions

Open Women's Bodyboard finalists, with champion Hannah Saavedra on the far right - Via Hannah Saavedra's Instagram Stories

Isaac López, Salomón Chocrón, Hannah Saavedra, Michel Copetta, Óscar Urbina, and Armides Oliveres claimed the titles after a thrilling final day of competition at Bluff Beach, Bocas del Toro.

The fifth edition of Bocas International 2026 crowned champions in six divisions following four days of intense competition that brought together top surfers and bodyboarders from several countries. Once again, the event cemented its place as one of the region's premier competitions, with the consistent waves at Bluff Beach providing world-class conditions throughout the week.

Isaac López performing an invert in the final - Via the Panamá Tropical Dream live broadcast

The decisive day began on Thursday with the Junior Bodyboard final, where Costa Rica's Isaac López successfully defended the title he won in 2025, confirming his dominance with another outstanding performance throughout the event. Local rider Salomón Chocrón then delighted the home crowd by taking the Bodyboard Master title, while Peru's Hannah Saavedra claimed victory in the Women's Bodyboard division, further highlighting the strong momentum of South American women's bodyboarding.

Salomón Chocrón riding through a barrel - Via the Panamá Tropical Dream live broadcast

In the Dropknee division, Chilean Michel Copetta delivered one of the standout performances of the day by defeating reigning World Champion Jericco Rosero in the final, adding another international title to his career.

Michel Copetta competing in the Dropknee final - Via the Panamá Tropical Dream live broadcast

In surfing, Costa Rican Óscar Urbina captured the Men's Open Shortboard title after a strong performance in the final. The organization also presented the Best Barrel of the Event award to surfer Juan Pablo "Juampi" Caraballo, recognizing one of the most spectacular rides of the entire competition.

Oscar Urbina surfing during the event - Via Ramiro Comaleras' Instagram

The championship concluded with 2024 Bodyboard World Champion Armides Oliveres, from the Canary Islands, showcasing all his experience in the powerful waves of Bluff Beach to win the Open Bodyboard title during his first appearance at the Bocas International.

Armides Oliveres, Open Bodyboard Champion - Via Armides Oliveres' Instagram

The official awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 25, followed by the event's closing party at Klika Hostel, beginning at 7:00 p.m.