Sintra Delivers Drama, Upsets, and New Champions as Yamashita and Costes Shine

The 2026 Sintra Bodyboard Festival at Praia Grande lived up to its billing as the most historic event on the tour, with three decades of bodyboarding celebrated under versatile Atlantic conditions. From the early rounds to the final day, the competition served up a mix of high-performance waves and unexpected turns that kept riders and fans on edge.

Namika Yamashita and Pierre Louis Costes emerged as the standout champions, claiming victory in a festival that tested every aspect of their game. Yamashita's precision and power in the women's division set her apart, while Costes showcased his signature aerial and barrel-riding arsenal in the men's final. Their wins were the culmination of days of intense heats, where conditions ranged from clean walls to tricky, shifting peaks, forcing competitors to adapt on the fly.

The road to the podium was anything but straightforward. Day 4 delivered major upsets, as top seeds were knocked out by hungry underdogs in dramatic fashion. The versatile conditions of Sintra exposed any weaknesses, and the shifting swell rewarded those with deep knowledge of the break. Riders who had dominated earlier in the week suddenly found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard, while lesser-known names seized their moment to shine on the world stage.

The festival also celebrated its rich history, with a nod to the three decades of bodyboarding at Praia Grande. The event's legacy was palpable, with past champions and local legends woven into the narrative of the week. Yet the focus remained on the present, as the new generation pushed the limits of the sport in conditions that demanded respect.

By the time the finals rolled around, the energy at Praia Grande was electric. The ocean offered a fitting finale, with waves that allowed the finalists to showcase their full repertoire. Yamashita and Costes rose to the occasion, delivering performances that will be remembered as defining moments of the 2026 season. Their victories not only added another line to their resumes but also signaled a changing of the guard in competitive bodyboarding.

As the sun set over Sintra, the festival closed with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for what lies ahead.