Cover photo: Tony D'Andrea 

The Itacoatiara Big Wave, a big wave event, will take place on August 25, organizers announced, citing a promising wave forecast.

“The IBW is recognized as one of the most important big wave championships in Latin America and the only one that is contested entirely in the tow-in modality,” they say in a press release.

They add: “In its eighth edition, the Itacoatiara Big Wave 2026 promises powerful waves, exceeding three meters, and will feature renowned national and international surfers such as Lucas Chumbo, Pedro Scooby, Michelle des Bouillons, Ian Cosenza, Michaela Fregonese, Gabriel Sampaio, Willyam Santana, Dominique Charrier (Chile), Dylan Longbottom (Australia) and Summa Longbottom (Australia), among others.”

Among the new features announced in the press release is a specific software for this type of tow-in event. “According to the organizers, this is the first software in the world created for this purpose. This tool will offer more information during the live broadcast, allowing athletes and spectators to follow the competition. The technology will be used in a competition structured in heats similar to those of traditional surfing competitions.”

“It’s a place that doesn’t tolerate mistakes, whether in surfing technique, positioning, or wave selection. Itacoatiara is a very powerful beach break. I think it’s one of the strongest in the world. Small mistakes can be costly,” warns Gabriel Sampaio.

The tournament will begin at 7am on the 25th.