Puerto Armuelles is getting ready for a weekend of waves, competition, and community spirit as young surfers from across Panama head to Barú for a special event on the Pacific coast.
On August 15 and 16, Los Olivos Beach will host the 5th round of the 2026 C4 Jump Junior and Youth Surf League, bringing Panama’s emerging surfing talent to the shores of Puerto Armuelles for an event that promises plenty of action both in and out of the water.
For Barú, the event represents an important milestone. It is the first time a national junior and youth surfing competition sanctioned by Pandeportes will be held in the district, giving young athletes an opportunity to compete on the Chiriquí Pacific coast while introducing visitors and families to one of the region’s lesser-known surfing destinations.
The competition is organized by the DST Children’s and Youth Surf Club, in collaboration with Surfing Chiriquí, the Barú District Chamber of Tourism, and members of the local surfing community.
🏄 A Weekend for Young Surfers
Competition will include a wide range of divisions, giving both beginning and experienced young surfers the opportunity to participate:
- Novice Kids
- Novice Teen
- Under 10
- Under 12
- Under 14
- Under 16
- Under 18
- Open
Registration is $25 per category.
Young surfers interested in participating can register by contacting @dsurferstalents through Instagram or via WhatsApp at 6112-5128. Registration closes August 12.
🌊 Why Barú?
The arrival of the Junior and Youth Surf League is also an opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and potential of the Barú coastline.
The district is home to a number of beaches with different wave conditions, making the area increasingly attractive to surfers looking for new destinations along Panama’s Pacific coast.
Los Olivos, in particular, offers a sandy-bottom beach, powerful waves that change with tide and wind conditions, and spectacular views across the Pacific. For visitors, the experience extends beyond the competition, with beautiful sunsets, warm tropical waters, and the opportunity to explore the surrounding communities.
And while the surfers take to the waves, the community is working to ensure that the coastline is ready to welcome them.
🌱 A Community Coming Together
Ahead of the competition, volunteers, the Barú District Chamber of Tourism, SENAFRONT, and the Los Olivos Beach Committee joined forces for a beach clean-up initiative.
The effort reflects an important message for the district: tourism and environmental stewardship should go hand in hand.
Every piece of litter removed and every person who participates helps protect the beaches that make Barú such a special destination.
The Chamber of Tourism has welcomed the athletes, their families, and visitors who will travel to the district for the event, while thanking the Discovery Surfing Talent Foundation and the organizations and community members whose support helped bring the competition to Puerto Armuelles.
🌴 More Than a Surf Competition
For Puerto Armuelles and the Barú District, events like this are about more than sport.
They bring visitors into the community, introduce new audiences to the area’s beaches, support local businesses, and demonstrate the potential of Barú as an emerging destination for surfing, nature, adventure, and sustainable tourism.
This is an opportunity for residents to showcase their community—and for visitors to discover a part of Panama that remains wonderfully authentic.
So bring the family, support Panama’s next generation of surfers, explore the coast, and enjoy a weekend on the Pacific.
The waves are waiting.
📍 Los Olivos Beach, Puerto Armuelles, Barú
📅 August 15–16, 2026
🏄 5th Round – C4 Jump Junior & Youth Surf League
🇵🇦 Chiriquí, Panama
See you in Puerto Armuelles!
