A Brief History of Surfing in Panama

While Panama may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of surfing, the tiny Central American nation is home to 1,771 miles of coastline, accessing two oceans and dozens of world-class waves. While it was often overlooked in favor of destinations like Costa Rica and Mexico, Panama is now widely recognized as a premier surf destination. The country has a long and fascinating history of wave riding and surf exploration, which is closely tied to the US military presence in the region.

Panama's Seafaring Traditions

Flanked by two oceans, Panama's population has naturally maintained close ties to the sea. Along the Caribbean coast, on the islands of San Blas, the indigenous Guna people lived a life dictated by the ocean. They navigated in hand-dugout canoes called ulus. While the Guna were avid seafarers and lived in close harmony with the sea, they did not practice wave riding like other indigenous groups in ancient Polynesia or Peru.

Modern Surfing's Arrival in Panama

Modern surfing arrived in Panama on board with the US military in the 1960s. While stationed in the country, American GIs stationed in the Canal Zone began exploring the Panama coastline in search of surf. Between the US military presence and a growing population of traveling surfers tramping through the Americas from California, word began to spread about the waves in Panama. By the 1970s, some of the region's best waves were literally put on the map. Santa Catalina, on the Pacific Coast, was discovered by Ricardo "Punky" Icaza, a Panamanian surfer traveling the coast looking for reliable waves.

Surf Travel in Panama

By the 1980s and 90s, other notable waves were discovered, and a burgeoning surf travel scene evolved. On the Caribbean Coast, Bocas del Toro, an archipelago with stunning beaches and a variety of surf breaks, began to attract surfers from around the world. Outside of surfing, Bocas has developed as one of Panama's premier tourism destinations, so it was only natural that surf tourism would also emerge.

Surfing in Panama from the 2000s to Today

The 2000s saw local Panamanian surfers rise in prominence in the local surfing scene. By 2011, the ISA World Games were held at our home break in Playa Venao, and Panama's best surfers competed alongside some of the best in the world. Today, Panama's surf tourism is concentrated in Playa Venao and Santa Catalina on the Pacific coast and Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean side. Traveling surfers can find year-round swell in Panama, with swell season on the Pacific falling during the rainy season, from May to October, and swell season on the Caribbean occurring during the rainy season from November to April.

The introduction of modern surfing to Panama has evolved over decades, from the first American expatriates and military personnel bringing surfboards to the country's remote beaches in the 1960s to the current thriving surf scene that draws surfers from around the world. Thanks to Panama's dual Pacific and Caribbean coasts, with consistent waves and diverse surf spots, the country has become one of the world's premier surf destinations. If you're ready to explore Panama's surf scene for yourself, click here to book your trip.

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