Rising Stars and Longboard Legends Converge at GADIS Surf Festival Ferrol 2026

Catch up on the GADIS Surf Festival Ferrol 2026, where top junior surfers and longboarders competed in Galicia to advance their professional rankings.

Rising Stars and Longboard Legends Converge at GADIS Surf Festival Ferrol 2026

The GADIS Surf Festival Ferrol 2026 brought together Europe's elite junior surfers and longboarders at Playa de Esmelle, Galicia. Despite an initial delay due to difficult surf conditions, the event eventually kicked off, showcasing top-tier talent in both the Junior Qualifying Series and the Longboard Qualifying Series as competitors jockeyed for regional rankings.

Key Event Highlights

  • Tiara van der Huls delivered an impressive performance, securing the highest women's heat total of 14.83.
  • Defending junior champion Alfonso Suarez returned to the lineup, successfully advancing through his opening rounds.
  • Margaux Vieuge (FRA) led the women's longboard charge with an outstanding 13.80 heat total.
  • The event serves as the critical second stop on the European junior tour and a pivotal point for longboard regional qualifiers.

Junior competition heats up

Following a challenging start, conditions improved significantly, offering two-to-three foot, glassy waves for the junior athletes. The women’s opener saw stellar efforts from competitors like Erica Maximo, Rose Calvez, and Anouk Chennaux, all securing their spots in the next round. On the men's side, the Round of 64 saw high-stakes surfing, with Axel Dominguez making an immediate mark by entering the excellent scoring range with a 8.00 wave total. Defending champion Alfonso Suarez maintained his momentum, showing the tactical experience required to hold off fierce challenges from his peers.

Longboarders navigate technical waves

The GADIS Longboard Pro Ferrol proved to be a test of strategy and composure. Athletes like Margaux Vieuge demonstrated masterful board control, walking the nose and connecting long, fluid sections. In the men's division, competitors such as Jon Garmendia Gonzalez impressed with high-scoring totals, proving their technical prowess in the small, glassy conditions. As the regional season progresses, the results from Ferrol are crucial for those aiming to secure a spot in the upcoming World Longboard Tour.

Future of the series

The competition remains a focal point for aspiring professionals. With the introduction of new QS 6,000 International events across Spain and Portugal moving onto the schedule later in the season, the momentum built in Ferrol provides a strong foundation for athletes looking to climb the rankings toward the 2027 Championship Tour. The village of Ferrol continues to serve as an essential host, supporting the growth of European talent and fostering a vibrant community spirit among local and international visitors.

Sources