Three Los Chascones de Papudo Students Shine at the Punta Negra Pro

Joaquín Zamora on the left, Waldo Palacios in the center and Cristóbal Tobar on the right - Image created with AI based on real photographs

The competition brought together young athletes from Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela and Hawaii, all competing for one of the six spots that would grant qualification to the final event of the world tour in the Canary Islands.

Around 17 competitors traveled from Chile, coming from different parts of the country such as El Quisco, Quintero, Zapallar, Papudo, Pichilemu, Copiapó, Iquique and Arica, including several of the leading names in the national rankings.

Waldo Palacios competing; he finished in third place - IBC

In this setting, 14-year-old Waldo Palacios, competing in his first-ever world event, advanced to the quarterfinals, where he faced Peru’s Junior Mendoza in a closely contested heat. The Chilean came out on top, earning his place in the next round.

In the semifinals, Palacios faced Jesús Mendoza, who secured the win by a narrow margin of 7.30 to 6.57. Although he fell just short of reaching the final, Waldo finished the competition with an outstanding third-place result, which also secured him one of the six spots available for the Grand Final of the Gran Canaria Fronton King in October.

Waldo Palacios, third place at the Punta Negra Pro, securing his qualification for the Frontón King - Cristián Morales

Meanwhile, his fellow Chilean Joaquín Zamora, 16, from Quintero and a member of Los Chascones de Papudo, also secured his place in the Grand Final by claiming one of the two remaining spots awarded to the quarterfinalists with the highest scores of the competition.

Joaquín Zamora from Quintero secured one of the spots for the Frontón King - Cristián Morales

They were joined by 16-year-old Cristóbal Tobar, who, although he did not directly earn one of the six spots for the October Grand Final, finished fifth overall, placing alongside Palacios and Zamora in the Punta Negra Pro’s Top 5.

Tobar also has an outstanding international record. In 2025, he finished fourth in the world and became the only Chilean male Junior athlete to reach the podium at the Fronton King. The Chilean is now waiting for the qualification list to move up, which could give him the opportunity to compete once again in the Grand Final and fight for the world title.

Cristóbal Tobar competing; he finished in fifth place - IBC

For these young athletes, qualification represents much more than a sporting result. It is a concrete opportunity to compete against the best Junior athletes in the world and fight for the IBC World Tour Junior world Title at one of bodyboarding’s most iconic venues.

Another challenge now begins: raising the necessary funds to travel to Spain and compete for the world title. Taking part in the Fronton King involves expenses for flights, accommodation, food, equipment and other costs associated with an international competition.

 Cristián Morales with his students from Los Chascones de Papudo - Cristián Morales

For this reason, their coach Cristián Morales, a Physical Education teacher and currently specializing in Sports Psychology, is seeking support through Instagram @Papudobeach_ from companies, brands, institutions and individuals who would like to join this project and help his students represent Chile at the world championship.