Jocotoco and Play for Nature Promote Surfing as a Tool for Conservation in Galapagos

Organized by Fundación Jocotoco and the Santa Cruz Surf Club, the championship brought together children, youth, and adult surfers competing in the U10, U12, U16, U18, Open Men, Open Women, and Masters divisions. Beyond the competition itself, the event aimed to inspire a new generation of surfers committed to protecting the ocean and the Galapagos Islands.

With the support of Play for Nature, Jocotoco is advancing a strategy that integrates sport, well-being, and conservation, creating opportunities for children and young people to develop their surfing skills while strengthening their connection with nature and becoming future stewards of the ocean.

This year’s competition was named the Punta Negra Edition in honor of the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus), a species commonly found in the coastal waters of Galápagos, where it frequently shares the ocean with surfers, visitors, and swimmers. As a key predator, the blacktip shark plays an essential role in maintaining the balance and health of marine ecosystems. Like many shark species around the world, however, it faces threats such as bycatch and the degradation of marine habitats. Through this initiative, the championship promoted a message of responsible coexistence between people and marine wildlife, highlighting the importance of understanding, respecting, and protecting the species that keep our oceans healthy.

The competition took place at Tortuga Bay, one of the most iconic beaches in Galapagos, under the supervision of Cirilo Yagual, a certified judge with the Ecuadorian Surf Federation, and with authorization from the Galápagos National Park Directorate, as the event was held within a protected area of exceptional ecological value.

Throughout the event, environmental awareness messages were shared with competitors, families, and visitors, reinforcing the role of the surfing community as an ally in conservation. The championship also received support from the Ecuadorian Red Cross, certified water rescue personnel, and the Harbor Master’s Office, ensuring the safety of competitors and spectators throughout the event.

“The ocean is not only where we surfit is an ecosystem that we must understand, value, and protect. Thanks to the support of Play for Nature, we are advancing initiatives that use sport as a tool to inspire leadership, strengthen youth well-being, and foster a culture of conservation in Galápagos,” said Eliécer Cruz, Director of the Galapagos Program at Fundación Jocotoco.