After a two-year hiatus, the exciting big wave championship returns with force to the cliffs of Getxo. We, Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, together with Adrián Fernández de Valderrama, are leading this new stage of the Red Eléctrica Punta Galea Challenge 2026, an event that represents much more than a competition: it is the return of a tradition that has put local surfers on the world map and is a benchmark for big wave paddling at a European level.
The history that justifies the return of Punta Galea
Punta Galea is not just any championship. For years, it has been the gateway for talents who now compete internationally. Natxo González, an international benchmark in big wave surfing, participated when he was very young and grew up under the technical direction of Aritza Saratxaga at our Eskola. Adrián Fernández de Valderrama also lived that experience as a competitor in previous editions, and that personal experience is what now drives him to lead the event’s return alongside us.
“I was extremely sad that this championship was being lost. So we decided: we are going to push this forward because the local kids and international surfers have a special affection for this championship, and we can’t let it be forgotten.”
That passion is the heart of this new stage. It’s not just about bringing back an event; it’s about reconnecting with a community that has seen its own idols born in the waters of La Galea.
Us in the co-organization of the Punta Galea Challenge
For Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, taking on the co-organization of the Punta Galea Challenge is an unprecedented responsibility and opportunity. We have been collaborating for years with Red Eléctrica on adapted sports and inclusion projects, and that relationship was key for the main sponsor to decide to fully bet on the event for its 40th anniversary.
Adrián leads the operational direction with a unique experience: as an ex-competitor in big waves who has traveled to Mavericks, Puerto Escondido, and Nazaré, he understands what an event like this means to the community. His role ensures that the championship has the international standards it deserves, without losing the local identity that characterizes us.
Yago Domínguez: The Eskola’s legacy in Punta Galea
In the last edition of the championship, Yago Domínguez, a student from our Eskola, debuted at Punta Galea. Aritza Saratxaga, our technical director and recognized expert in big waves, accompanied him at every moment, sharing his extensive experience and knowledge accumulated over years of competition in big wave surfing. Aritza’s guidance was fundamental for Yago to face this extreme challenge with confidence. This is the work that defines Peña Txuri: training champions, transferring knowledge, and building the future of local surf.
2026 Waiting Period: Real-time alert system
Official waiting period: October 15 – December 31, 2026
During these months, our team monitors the swell, wind, and tide forecast daily to identify the perfect moment.
The alert system works like this:
- Pre-alert (5 days): yellow alert with operational communication to competitors and staff to activate logistics and travel.
- Green light (72 hours): definitive confirmation of the date, roster closing, security, and competition windows.
“We monitor the swell almost 15 days in advance, but we know that everything can change in the sea. At 5 days we will launch the pre-alert, and at 72 hours, the green light.” The excitement is guaranteed: at any moment, when the perfect waves converge, the event will be activated.
Sports format: The championship that works
As the saying goes: if it works, why change it? The format is maintained because it has proven to be attractive and competitively fair.
- Men’s category: 24 surfers competing in elimination rounds of quarters, semifinals, and final.
- Women’s category: 6 surfers in a direct final—a strong bet on inclusion that marks an important novelty for 2026.
- Estimated duration: approximately 7 hours on a single day.
We prioritize reserving the best moments (typically after lunch, when the tides and winds are usually optimal at La Galea) for the finals, guaranteeing the best show for both competitors and the public.
International roster: The best big wave specialists
With €30,000 in prizes for a single-day event, the Punta Galea 2026 is attracting the best big wave specialists. We have already confirmed contacts with the main international names, and some can already be revealed exclusively:
- Lucas “Chumbo”: Chumbiño’s older brother, experienced in giant waves at Nazaré and a specialist in big wave paddling.
- Francisco Porcella: a great who returns to La Galea with enthusiasm.
- Laura Coviella and Laura Enever: confirmed for the women’s roster.
- Nadia Eostarve: local female representation from Euskalerría, currently in the Challengers and motivated to shine at home.
“We would already have the 12 main internationals confirmed in principle. Although we know that each one has their schedule and it may vary due to the uncertainty of the date, they are all looking forward to these championships happening because they have very few calls and few places to go.”
The strong commitment to women’s surfing in 2026
One of the big new features for 2026 is the 100% women’s final. “We have always wanted to fight to promote the sport, so that girls have a place in the peak with us. Surfing evolves every day, there is a higher level, there are more surfers, so it’s a strong commitment we have.”
With six elite surfers competing directly in the final, the women’s category will have all the prominence it deserves. It is an important step towards equality in big wave championships.
Sponsorship and collaborators: The collective effort
Red Eléctrica is the main sponsor, but behind the €30,000 in prizes there is an ecosystem of collaborators who make the event possible:
- Laboral Kutxa
- Red Bull
- Fangaloka
- Steeling
- Local brands that support the championship day infrastructure
“This whole championship involves a lot of work and a very large infrastructure. Obviously, without Red Eléctrica it wouldn’t be possible, but we also can’t forget Laboral Kutxa, Biobeit, Red Bull, Steeling, Fangaloca… all those brands that have been contributing.”
Safety and coexistence on the La Galea cliff
Our operation includes coordination on land and water with three clear priorities:
- Safety of athletes, teams, and the public.
- Competitive quality (choosing windows according to real conditions).
- Sustainability and coexistence in the cliff environment.
Once the event is activated with the green light, we will officially communicate the designated areas, access, restrictions, and mobility recommendations.
Live Streaming: The event reaches the whole world
There will be live streaming on the championship day. The links, approximate schedules, and updates will be published with the green light (72 hours in advance) on our official channels and on those of the Red Eléctrica Punta Galea Challenge. The excitement of La Galea will reach thousands of spectators worldwide.
The current context: The value of big wave championships
In a surf industry where there are more surfers than ever but less support from traditional brands, events like Punta Galea become even more relevant. “We are at the point in history with the most surfers in the world, but where surf brands have less money. The beaches are full, surf schools are full, surf trips are selling like hotcakes, but the brands that used to be behind big events are not really supporting as they should.”
Even so, initiatives like this demonstrate that the passion for big wave surfing is still alive, and that there are people willing to make it possible.
Stay tuned: The wait for the Punta Galea Challenge begins
The Punta Galea Challenge 2026 is already a reality in progress. Since October 15, our team has been monitoring the sea. From any moment until December 31, the pre-alert can appear on your screen. And 72 hours later, the big waves of La Galea will come to life again.
Follow us on our official channels at Peña Txuri Surf Eskola and on the Red Eléctrica Punta Galea Challenge for real-time alerts. The best big wave specialists in the world are already prepared. Are you?
