The Marinedda wave is ready to roar for another edition of the Italian Surfing, Water Skiing, and Wakeboarding Federation's Italian Surfing Championship. The wait has officially begun for the Marinedda Bay Open - Italian Absolute Shortboard and Bodyboard Championship 2026 , dedicated to the Olympic discipline of men's and women's shortboard surfing, which will be held on the most exposed beach in the village of Isola Rossa, in the municipality of Trinità d'Agultu e Vignola, Sardinia. All that's needed is the right swell to summon the Italian aces.
A maximum of 32 athletes can participate in the competition in the men's shortboard category (29 plus 3 possible wildcards), 16 in the women's shortboard category (13 plus 3 possible wildcards), 12 in the men's bodyboard category (11 plus 1 possible wildcard) and 8 in the women's bodyboard category (7 plus 1 possible wildcard).
In recent days, a first Atlantic depression had finally broken through the summer heat, creating waves up to two meters high, and in the next few hours another disturbance will appear, but it is considered too timid to give the green light.
La Marinedda is ready to put on a show for athletes and spectators alike: the level has been as high as ever since 2004, at what, with its 22 editions, is the longest-running contest in Italy. Its waves have hosted international stars such as Eric Rebiere, now among the best big wave riders in Nazarè, Portugal, as well as Italian ace Leonardo Fioravanti, who won here in 2013 and 2015. Last year, reigning champions Diana Giorgi and Alberto Barzan won, and they will be defending their title just days after competing in the Junior World Championships.
