Surf
La Punta, Montañita
Montañita is a true tropical paradise that combines natural beauty with a vibrant beach culture. This destination is world-renowned for being home to the best wave in Ecuador, attracting surfers from all corners of the globe. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Montañita’s waters offer the perfect wave for every level, establishing it as the surfing epicenter of the country with the best surf schools present along the entire beach.
“Surf City” by the World Cities Surf Network
In 2016, it was designated “Surf City” by the World Cities Surf Network (WCSN), making Montañita the 11th city in the world to join this association and the 3rd in South America (Chile and Brazil are also members). This designation is based on the following criteria:
Location
With easy access from Guayaquil, Manta, Salinas, and their airports, Montañita features a world-class point break and numerous beach breaks in its surroundings, as well as nearby towns.
Manufacture and design of surfboards
In the city, production and people working in this field. For example, César Moreira (Rasty), a balsa surfboard shaper.
Surfing media
Professional photographers and filmmakers such as Enrique Rodríguez (prominent photographer), John Londres, and Roberto Clemente (prominent local photographers).
Surf School
The Montañita Surf Schools Association is currently legally established and includes more than 14 surf schools that offer this service.
CHAMPIONSHIPS
HELD IN MONTAÑITA
Alas Pro Tour 2012
Mundial masters de surf ISA 2013
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Corona Open Montañita Surfcity Qs 2021
gallery
VIDEOS
Legend of Ecuadorian Surfing
dominic
“mimi”
Barona
5-time Latin American Champion / 2-time ISA Vice World Champion / 8-time National Champion / 2-time Pan American Champion / 2-time South American WSL Champion / 3-time Bolivarian Champion
Although she has more than 15 years of a sports career and has amassed multiple historic titles for the country, Mimi’s love for the sea began at a young age when, at just 6 years old, she practiced diving with her father. At that age, she also started surfing with her brothers Siam and Israel—who became her personal coach throughout her career. It was in 2018 that Dominic “Mimi” Barona became the South American champion of the World Surf League (WSL) and in 2020, an athlete.
an Olympic athlete in the Tokyo Games. Additionally, she was the ISA World Runner-up in 2014 and today competes in the QS circuit of the WSL with an aim to qualify for the Championship Tour. Admired by an entire town and her nation, she serves as a guide for the community of children and young people who see in her a role model of discipline and dedication to achieving sporting success every year. Surfing and sports in general will always be a priority in Montañita.
Legend of Ecuadorian Surfing
ISRAEL
Barona
Ecuadorian surfing resonates strongly throughout Latin America and the entire world, thanks to our surfers who constantly elevate the sport’s level. However, being a Pro does not necessarily make you a Legend; only a few achieve this status. At the end of 2023, Montañita lost a prodigal son, a surfer known both in and out of the water for his excellence.
Ecuadorian surfing resonates strongly throughout Latin America and the entire world, thanks to our surfers who constantly elevate the sport’s level. However, being a Pro does not necessarily make you a Legend; only a few achieve this status. At the end of 2023, Montañita lost a prodigal son, a surfer known both in and out of the water for his excellence.
