EuroSurf Junior 2026 has officially kicked off!
Today, the local community in Bundoran pulled out all the stops to mark the official start of this Irish edition, which brings together the European surfing world for a week of competition to crown the new team champions, as well as the individual champions in the U16 and U18 categories for boys and girls, and in the men’s and women’s longboard events.
The day kicked off on the competition’s main podium with the boys’ over-18s.
Onshore wind, sunshine and waves of 1m to 1.2m, with high tide in the morning and low tide at midday, created a rugged landscape that only Ireland can offer, leaving some teams spellbound by Donegan.
It’s worth noting that the 16 heats in this first round carry no major stakes, as the competition operates on a double-elimination system right through to the grand final.
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| Aaron Bacon France - photo: ESF26 |
This system gives competitors a significant—and, above all, useful—“margin for error,” especially for those who will have to go through this “second-chance” circuit, which increases the number of heats they must compete in when they have to go through it.
For some, Round 1 is a warm-up; for others, it’s an opportunity to find their footing in preparation for the repechage heats and, above all, to gain personal competition experience and prepare for upcoming events.
It’s also a must-see to identify the athletes to watch in this championship.
On Day 1, Spain’s Alejo Valido (SPN) put on a solid performance on the left side of The Peak. With powerful backside surfing, he made an immediate impression, scoring a 9 out of a possible 10 on a single wave, and also posting the day’s highest total with 16.25 points across two waves out of a possible 20.
Spain is the defending champion, having won the title in 2024 in Santa Cruz, Portugal.
Having arrived with a strong team, Spain has high hopes for this year.
She’ll have to face fierce competition from the other teams, including Italy, which has two surfers ranked among the top five best performances of the day.
Alberto Barzan (ITA) and Michele Scoppa (ITA)—the Squadra Azzurra—are off to a flying start.
France, for its part, has largely overlooked the U18s, though not entirely, as Aaron Bacon (FRA) ranks near the top of today’s performance standings (14.25 pts).
Portugal wasn’t to be outdone either, as Jaime Veselko (PRT) and Manel Pirujhino (PRT) handled their heats perfectly, winning fairly easily.
We can’t wrap up this sports recap without mentioning the home team, Ireland.
This team made its presence felt, proud and happy to welcome the European surfing community to showcase the richness and history of Irish surfing.
Joshua Karbus got off to a perfect start on his path to the title with one of the day’s best results in a highly competitive heat against Italy’s Monteiro and Switzerland’s Rosskopf.
After nearly 6 hours and 15 minutes of live coverage, all the teams put on a memorable parade of nations, as tradition dictates, set to the rhythm of the local batucada and featuring a blend of sand from all the nations represented.
The sound of the drums helped immerse this unique moment in the early careers of these young competitors in a warm atmosphere where youth, camaraderie, and togetherness once again demonstrated the full power of sports—and surfing in particular. It was a moment that will remain etched in their memories forever.
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| Charlie McConalogue, Minister of Sports - photo:ESF26 |
Many officials attended this surfing celebration hosted by Shane Smyth, including Dr. Una May, Director of “Sport Ireland”; Councilor Michael McMahon; and Donegal County Councilor Gary Doherty, Chairman of the County Council.
Tim Ferguson, chairman of the Irish Surfing Federation, joined the other officials in highlighting the spirit of community within the surfing world and the importance for the younger generation of experiencing this unique moment.
Jean Luc Arassus, president of the European Surfing Federation, was sure to thank Tim Ferguson and his entire team of volunteers, as well as the technical staff of the Irish Surfing Federation, for the warm welcome provided at the 2026 EuroSurf Junior and for breaking the participation record with more than 200 competitors and 20 countries in attendance.
Charlie McConalogue, Minister of Sports, also emphasized how proud he was to see the European surfing community once again recognize Ireland’s high potential in surfing, while detailing the rich history of surfing in Ireland.
Now it’s time for the competition, with favorable wave forecasts that will allow the younger generation to put on a show all next week, with their sole goal being the six individual titles and, of course, the ultimate team title.
ENTER WEBSITE EUROSURFJUNIOR 2026
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| Willaim Rambo - Poland - photo:ESF26 |
Sunday, September 27:
Main podium at The Peak starting at 9:00 a.m. with the U18 girls, followed by the U16 girls, Round 1.
Tullan Strand podium at 9:00 a.m.: U16 boys, Round 1, followed by U18 boys, Round 2.
Follow the competition live at eurosurfing.org and irishsurfing.ie
Thank you to all the partners of the 2026 EuroSurf Junior: Sport Ireland, Donegal County Council, Donegal Tourism, the Irish Surfing Federation, and the SaltWater Festival.