2026 Margara Bodyboarding Challenge

The Margara Bodyboarding Challenge, established North of Arecibo, total prize of $15,000, had a waiting period from January 20th to February 16th, but the organization decided that last Thursday, February 5th was the day to get the competition going, taking advantage of a new pumping swell.

The event gathered 32 athletes not only from the local bodyboarding community of Puerto Rico, but also bodyboarders representing Aruba, Canary Islands, Hawaii, and South Africa.

Abner de Arce, winner of the 2025 edition, was one of the presences and was in fact the only one to carry the yellow jersey during the competition, but against all odds the Puerto Rican shredder lost in the semis, away from the final heat.

The South African Jared Houston, living in Puerto Rico for many years, took the lead in the final since his first wave, confirming the victory and the top form later on the last two waves in the excellent range – an 8,60 and 9,33 points.

“So stoked to have won the 2026 Margara Challenge against a stacked field of Puerto Rico’s best riders. I’ve dedicated a lot of time to this wave over the last 15 years. It’s for sure one of my favorite spots on the planet. I made a decision to live with more intention at the beginning of the year, giving up alcohol, waking up early, working out, showing up for my family, honing my craft as an electrician and sucking the juice out of every opportunity I get to spend in the ocean,” Jared wrote about the win.