How Much Money Does a Chilean Athlete Need to Follow the World Tour?
- Ayelet Fuentes Guerra
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Competing against the best athletes on the planet, discovering new waves, and testing your skills in world-class conditions is an experience every athlete dreams of. However, behind every competition lies a reality that is rarely discussed: the high financial cost of following the international circuit.
The 2026 IBC World Tour takes riders to destinations as diverse as Morocco, Antofagasta, Brazil, Mexico, the Maldives, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. Each stop represents an opportunity to gain points and experience, but also a significant financial challenge for South American athletes.
One of the most demanding events in economic terms was Morocco. The distance between Chile and North Africa requires long journeys with multiple connections, significantly increasing airfare costs. When accommodation, food, transportation, and entry fees are added, the budget to compete can range between CLP 2.5 million and CLP 3.5 million.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is Antofagasta. For Chilean riders, competing in a World Tour event within their own country represents a major advantage, eliminating international flights and significantly reducing travel expenses. Depending on the athlete's city of origin and length of stay, competing in this event can cost between CLP 300,000 and CLP 700,000, making it one of the most affordable stops on the calendar.
Looking at the recent Itacoatiara Pro in Brazil, airfare alone can cost around CLP 500,000, while a week of accommodation near the beach can reach approximately CLP 400,000. Daily meals may range between CLP 10,000 and CLP 20,000 per meal, in addition to an entry fee of roughly USD 280.
Although the final cost can easily exceed one million Chilean pesos, Brazil remains one of the most affordable options on the world tour calendar. Its geographical proximity, the possibility of staying close to the competition venue, and relatively low transportation costs help reduce the overall budget.
However, the scenario changes considerably at the upcoming Tour stops. Mexico, for example, usually represents a slightly higher investment due to increased airfare costs, although it remains a relatively accessible destination for Latin American athletes.
An even greater challenge is the new event in the Maldives. Considered one of the most idyllic destinations in the world for surfing and bodyboarding, this trip involves long flight connections, higher accommodation costs, and additional expenses related to inter-island transportation. Compared to Brazil, the budget can double and even approach CLP 3 million, depending on travel planning.
Portugal and the Canary Islands are no exception. Both destinations are recognized for hosting some of the world's most iconic bodyboarding waves and offer unique opportunities to compete at the highest level. However, the distance between Chile and Europe, combined with airfare, accommodation, and food expenses, makes these stops financially challenging for many South American athletes.
For this reason, following the entire World Tour is far from an easy task. Beyond physical and technical preparation, athletes must carefully plan each trip, seek sponsorships, and manage their resources to decide which events to attend throughout the season.
In the end, competing on the world stage requires more than talent in the water. It also demands a significant investment of time, effort, and money. For many Chilean riders, the challenge of reaching the world's elite begins long before entering the ocean - it begins with finding a way to get to the next competition.
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