Location & Overview

Huanchaco is a historic coastal town in northern Peru, located in the La Libertad region about 12 km northwest of Trujillo. It’s one of Peru’s most renowned seaside destinations due to its consistent ocean swells, vibrant surf culture, and living maritime traditions.

World Surfing Reserve

In 2012, Huanchaco was formally designated as a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Latin America and only the fifth in the world — a testament to its quality waves, cultural heritage, and strong community support for ocean stewardship.

Surf, History & Culture

• Huanchaco’s coastline delivers consistent, clean surf year-round, making it ideal for surfers and waveski competitors alike.

• The town is globally significant for its ancient “caballitos de totora” — traditional reed watercraft used by fishermen for over 3,000 years and regarded as one of the earliest forms of ocean riding.

• The area also serves as a gateway to regional archaeological treasures such as Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world.

Local Lifestyle & Attractions

Huanchaco blends beach culture, seafood gastronomy, and history. Cafés and eateries along the beachfront offer fresh Peruvian seafood like ceviche, while the town’s laid-back vibe appeals to both international visitors and local surf enthusiasts.

Entry Call

Entries to the 2026 World Waveski Surfing Titles in Peru will officially open in February. The entry call will have two phases:

1. Phase One – Invitation Only: Invitations will be extended to the top 48 men and top 24 women on the WWSA Open Rankings. This entry window will last 30 days, giving priority to the top 72 ranked competitors.
2. Phase Two – General Entry: After the 30-day period, entries will open to all competitors seeking participation.

The WWST Competition will be capped at 80 Open Men and 34 Open Women.

Entry Fee

• USD 330 – Covers one and/or two individual divisions i.e.: Open Division + Age Division
  (includes USD 30 WWSA Competitor Membership)

• USD 50 – Third individual division i.e.: Adaptive Division

• USD 200 – Tag Team – Open (per team) = 4 Members, plus Reserve

• USD 100 – Tag Team – Women (per team) = 2 Members, plus Reserve

Open Classes (10+ years)

• Open Men

• Open Women

• Open Men’s Adaptive

• Open Women’s Adaptive

• Open Transgender Men

• Open Transgender Women

• Open Transgender Men Adaptive

• Open Transgender Women Adaptive

Age Divisions

• Cadet Men (10–16) • Cadet Women (10–16)

• Junior Men (17–20) • Junior Women (17–20)

• Senior Men (21–34) • Senior Women (21–34)

• Master Men (35–49) • Master Women (35–49)

• Grand Master Men (50–59) • Grand Master Women (50–59)

• Legend Men (60–64) • Legend Women (60–64)

• Grand Legend Men (65–69) • Grand Legend Women (65–69)

• Ultra Legends Men (70+) • Ultra Legends Women (70+)

Tag Team Championships

• Tag Team – Open (10+ years)

• Tag Team – Women (10+ years)

Declarations and Compliance

Participation in the 2026 World Waveski Surfing Titles (WWST) is subject to strict compliance with World Waveski Surfing Association (WWSA) eligibility and safety regulations.

Member Nation Eligibility Requirement

All competitors must:

• Be a current, financial member of their official WWSA-recognised Member Nation

• Be entered and endorsed by that Member Nation in accordance with WWSA procedures

Additionally:

• The competitor’s Member Nation must be fully compliant and in good standing with the WWSA, including governance, affiliation, and membership obligations

• If a Member Nation is non-compliant, suspended, or not recognised by the WWSA at the time of the event, its athletes will not be eligible to compete

Final determination of eligibility rests with the WWSA Executive Committee.

Competitor Declarations

As part of the entry process, all competitors must formally acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Rulebook Agreement

I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the WWSA Competition Rulebook and all event regulations.

2. Safety Rules Acceptance

I agree to comply with all event safety protocols, official instructions, and decisions made by event officials and water safety personnel.

3. Medical Fitness Declaration

I declare that I am medically fit to compete in an international waveski surfing competition and that I have disclosed any relevant medical conditions to the organisers.

4. Swimming & Skill Competency Declaration

I confirm that:

• I am a competent open-water swimmer

• I am able to self-rescue in surf conditions

• I can perform an Eskimo roll (self-righting manoeuvre) in a waveski

• I am confident in my ability to paddle and compete in high-impact surf conditions appropriate to a world championship-level event

I understand that waveski surfing is a physically demanding and potentially hazardous sport conducted in an unpredictable ocean environment.

5. Assumption of Risk & Indemnity

I acknowledge and accept that participation in the 2026 World Waveski Surfing Titles involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Heavy surf and strong ocean currents

• Collision with boards, waveskis, or other competitors

• Impact with the seabed or submerged objects

• Equipment failure

• Physical injury, including serious injury or death

By entering, I voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation.

I hereby release, waive, and discharge the World Waveski Surfing Association (WWSA), the event organisers, sponsors, host authorities, officials, volunteers, and affiliated organisations from any liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from my participation, except where caused by proven gross negligence under applicable law.

6. Media & Image Rights Consent

I grant permission to the WWSA and event organisers to use photographs, video, and other media of me for event promotion, broadcasting, archival, and promotional purposes without compensation.

7. Code of Conduct

I agree to conduct myself in a manner that upholds the spirit of fair play, sportsmanship, and respect toward competitors, officials, staff, and the local community. I understand that misconduct may result in penalties or disqualification.