Barbados Surf Pro 2026: Defending Champions Shine at Soup Bowl
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro In Loving Memory of Zander Venezia Presented by Diamonds International kicked off in spectacular fashion on Monday, February 23rd, 2026, with solid two-to-four foot conditions providing a stage for high-performance surfing. The event saw impressive showings from defending champions Carlos Munoz and Talia Swindal, alongside rising stars Eden Walla and Teo Grani, in the men’s QS Round of 112, women’s Pro Junior Round of 32, and men’s Pro Junior Round of 48.
Munoz Begins Event Title Defense
Carlos Munoz, the defending event champion and a former Championship Tour (CT) contender, demonstrated his continued prowess with a dominant Round of 112 heat victory. A late entry didn’t hinder the Costa Rican surfer, who is aiming for a strong result to boost his Challenger Series requalification chances. Munoz secured the round’s best performance with a score of 13.86 (out of 20), including a standout 6.83, alongside compatriot Tomas Pathenay who also advanced with a 7.10.
“Pura Vida. I’m so stoked to be here in Barbados. The vibe is always amazing, and I’m just thankful to God for being back,” said Munoz. “The waves are really fun. Every time I come here the wind is out of the east, so you respect that always. Yesterday I surfed for about six hours, and I’m stoked to make that first heat. My friend from Costa Rica made it too, so I’m stoked. Thank you, everyone who supports me, my sponsors, my family, and God, and bless everyone in Barbados.”
Barbadian Surfers Make Their Mark
Local surfers showcased their talent, with Lewis St. John leading the Barbadian charge, posting a heat total of 12.50. St. John, who reached the Round of 32 in 2025, is looking to build on that success. Caleb Rapson, Warren Povey, and Rafe Gooding also advanced to the Round of 96, representing Barbados with pride.
“It was pretty challenging, and you had to be patient. Luckily, I found some good ones and didn’t fall,” said St. John. “I’m on a Sharp Eye, and it’s a good all-around board. I’m stoked it got me through, and I’m stoked to keep things going here at home.”
Walla, Swindal, and Grani Impress in Junior Divisions
The women’s Pro Junior division saw exceptional performances, with North America QS No. 1 Eden Walla unleashing her forehand power to achieve one of the day’s highest single-wave scores – an excellent 8.50 – and a heat total of 15.50. Reid Van Wagoner also impressed with an 8.33 in her debut.
Defending BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro victor Talia Swindal returned strong, posting a 14.50 heat total and demonstrating her form after recovering from injury.
In the men’s Pro Junior, current No. 1 Teo Grani continued his winning streak with an excellent 8.17 at Soup Bowl. He’s aiming to secure a spot in the World Junior Championships. Laird Lavik, Cole Saffell, Gabriel Griffin, Enzo Ackermann, Beckham McCart, Baylor White, and Ryan Parkinson also secured heat wins.
Watch Live!
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro competition window runs from February 23rd through March 1st at Soup Bowl, Bathsheba, Barbados. Catch all the action live on www.WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and the WSL Youtube channel.
This event is proudly sponsored by BTMI, Diamonds International, Chickmont Foods Ltd., Infra Rentals, Insync Pros, Surf Promotions Ltd., and the Zander Venezia Trust.
