Panama is bordered by two oceans, which helps create unique natural experiences. Among these is the sport of Surfing. This sport, of great popularity worldwide, has its origins in Hawaii in 1771 and became a modern sport in the 1930s – 1940s in California with the first championships.
1960s: The Beginning of Surf Culture
Panama has a rich history filled with a lot of passion and dedication on part of both Panamanian and foreign athletes, since the 1960s, when this sport was introduced in the country. The history of surfing in Panama over the decades has been influenced by the local community of the Azuero region, where surfing has been practiced. Also, other areas, such as the Pacific coast of Veraguas, have contributed to preserving the culture and roots of surfing in the country.
1970’s to 1980’s Number of Surfers Grows
As this sport grows and becomes more popular, surfing communities begin to form and competitions are organized in the country. In the 1970s and 1980s it was a key moment in the history of surfing in Panama. The country’s economic and tourist growth helped increase the number of surfers and discover more beaches for practicing the sport.
1990’s Surfing Becomes a Mass Sport
In the 1990s, surfing in Panama experienced a huge increase in popularity and became a mass sport. More surf schools were formed and more competitions and events were organized. Additionally, the country began to develop a professional surfing scene, with Panamanian surfers competing in international events and winning titles.
Year 2000 onwards, Panamanian Surfing Positions itself at an International Level
At this stage the sport of surfing in Panama not only consolidates, but also begins to generate local individual figures who begin to win in international tournaments. All of this placed the country on the international surfing map, attracting major international events. All of this led to the legendary ISA World Surfing Games being held in Santa Catalina in 2013, the largest event of this sport held so far in Panama. Ten years later (2023) it is held at the same venue as the Pan American Championship, where it welcomed more than 400 athletes from across the continent.
Today, surfing in Panama is in a strong position to continue growing and developing as the country positions itself as one of the leading surf destinations in Latin America.