A sunny blend of surfing, adventure, music, wellness and philanthropy, the inaugural Ultimate Waterman’s Challenge will be a four-day celebration of water sports along the Los Cabos coast, running Aug. 24–27. The festival features spearfishing contests, stand-up paddleboarding races, surfing exhibitions and a United States-versus-Mexico surf competition. Participating surf and water-sport luminaries include pro-surfer Rob Machado, World Surf Champion Damien Hobgood, veteran pro-surfer and musician Tim Curran, Mexican surf icon Diego Cadena, World Champion stand-up paddleboard racer and spearfishing expert Fernando Stalla, spearfishing and free-diving professional Sarah Ruth, and Baja local and Quiksilver rider Emiliano Cabello.
Attendees can take in the action from the sixth-floor rooftop lounge at The Cape, A Thompson Hotel. Located on Monuments Beach near the southern tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula, the property is renowned as a prime surfing destination and as the first Mexico hotel in the Thompson Hotels collection. The Cape is offering a special Ultimate Waterman’s Challenge package that includes VIP round-trip airport transfers, daily breakfast for two, complimentary use of two surfboards during the stay and accommodations with Sea of Cortez views. Package rates start at $513 for a three-night stay, based on double occupancy and excluding taxes and resort fees.
The event is organized by pro-surfing stars Tim Curran and Rob Machado together with adventure tour operator Alex Vidal of InCabo Travel, the Los Cabos Tourism Board, premium surf brand Quiksilver and The Cape, A Thompson Hotel. The festival aims to showcase the region’s world-class surf breaks, promote ocean sports and conservation, and create an engaging mix of competition, music and community-minded activities for participants and spectators alike.
Throughout the four days, visitors can expect a varied program that balances high-level competition with accessible experiences for enthusiasts and newcomers. Stand-up paddleboard races will test endurance and technique across open-water courses, while spearfishing challenges will highlight traditional ocean-harvesting skills under modern safety standards. Surf exhibitions and the international surf face-off will bring exciting wave riding from seasoned professionals, and music and wellness elements will round out each festival day, offering yoga, recovery sessions and live performances designed to amplify the overall event atmosphere.
Local businesses and surf-focused brands will be present to showcase gear, offer demos and engage with attendees. The collaboration of seasoned athletes, local organizers and tourism partners aims to create an inclusive event that benefits the coastal community while elevating Los Cabos’ reputation as a destination for serious water-sport enthusiasts and lifestyle travelers.
Whether arriving to watch the competitions from the rooftop at The Cape or to participate directly in one of the challenges, guests will find a lively, well-curated program that celebrates ocean culture, athletic skill and environmental awareness. The Ultimate Waterman’s Challenge promises an energetic weekend of sport, camaraderie and coastal celebration in one of Mexico’s most celebrated surf regions.