This Way In: 2026 Surf City El Salvador Pro Preview at Punta Roca

Location, Location, Location
Punta Roca sits on the rocky coastline of La Libertad, about an hour from San Salvador, where some well-placed cobblestones create some of the most high-performance surf on the planet. It's a long, powerful right that acts as a catcher’s mitt for Southern Hemisphere swells and sorts them into a barrel-to-open-face canvas that rewards anyone willing to commit from first turn to last.

With El Salvador’s “Surf City” project backing the infrastructure, Punta Roca joined the CT in 2022, and it's been a surfer favorite ever since. Something about a Rincon-style point break in the warm water seems to work for people. Go figure. 

We’ve got swell en route and a title race underway. The 2026 Surf City El Salvador Pro runs June 5–15. Cheer on the Monster crew at worldsurfleague.com!

Monster Threats Gabriel Medina: His third place ranking somehow doesn’t capture how well he’s been competing. Could this be Gabe’s debut win in 2026?

Ethan Ewing: Fresh off a Stab in the Dark masterpiece, Ethan should bring some much-earned swagger to the rippable rights of Punta Roca.

Filipe Toledo: With speed, precision and more than a few tricks up his jersey sleeve, don’t be surprised if Filipe gets his third win in El Salvador this year.  

Yago Dora: The defending world champ is carrying real momentum out of New Zealand and looking to push even further up the rankings. He’s got his eye on that yellow jersey.

Crosby Colapinto: If Crosby commits to big first maneuvers and finishes strong, his innovation and power could serve him at Punta Roca. 

Al Cleland Jr.: He’s had a slow start to the year, but this venue — and the forecast — suits his surfing. Expect this to be Al’s turnaround event. 

Seth Moniz: Long walls. Multiple sections. Room to build. This is the kind of wave that could get Seth's year back on track.

Joel Vaughan: If the judges are rewarding a go-for-broke approach, Joel will undoubtedly meet the moment. 

Bettylou Sakura Johnson: After a semifinal finish in New Zealand, Bettylou is staging her blitz up the rankings. She could easily find herself on the podium, here. 

Three Questions 

What's the forecast? Stacked. While conditions look iffy through the middle part of the waiting period, there will be more than enough swell for the world’s best to put on a show. 

Who's the local wildcard? La Libertad's own Bryan Perez. The Monster team rider knows every section of Punta Roca better than anyone in the draw, and can perform under pressure. Don't sleep on him.