4th Cobra Surf Masters
Feb. 22-24, 2026
4th Cobra Surf Masters
Cobra Surf Masters is a grassroots surf competition held in Puntian, Baler, at Cobra Reef — a fast, hollow reef break known for its power and precision.
Now in its 4th edition, the event was born out of a simple love for surfing, for community, and for this particular wave. What began as a small idea by Mark Espinosa and Catalina Africa has grown, year by year, into a locally driven gathering that highlights the surfers and kids who grew up along this stretch of coastline.
For the past three years, Cobra Surf Masters has been supported by friends, local businesses, and community members. With limited resources and no large-scale production, the event has moved forward through shared effort, borrowed resources, and people showing up because they care — keeping it local, grounded, and community-led.
This year marks a shift.
Together with Kahana Baler and a growing group of surfers, creatives, and community partners, the event is moving toward something more sustainable. The goal isn’t to make it bigger for the sake of growth, but to strengthen what already exists — ensuring the event can continue to give back to the people and place that carry it.
Cobra Reef has earned a reputation as a serious wave. It’s a reef break that demands respect. But for those who live here and surf it regularly, it’s also a place of shared sessions, quiet guidance, and learning passed between generations.
One of the intentions behind Cobra Surf Masters has always been to open that space — to show that with local knowledge, proper guidance, and community support, this wave can be approached without fear, and that surfing here doesn’t have to feel exclusive or intimidating.
The event exists to share the stoke that’s part of daily life in Cemento. To give young surfers a place to be seen. To welcome visiting surfers into something real, respectful, and rooted in the local community.
Competition Categories
The 4th edition of Cobra Surf Masters includes the following divisions:
- Men’s Open
- Women’s Open
- Intermediate (For surfers who don’t qualify in the Men’s open)
- Juniors (18 and below)
- Intermediate Kids (12 and below)
- Air Show (Invitational)
Registration Details
Who can join
- Open to all eligible participants
- One registration per person
Registration Fees
- Homegrown Baler surfers: ₱200
- Non-Homegrown / Visiting Surfers: ₱500
Important notes
- Registration is confirmed only after payment is received and verified
- Fees are non-refundable, unless the event is cancelled by the organizers
- All information submitted will be kept confidential and used for event coordination only
Beyond the Heats
Alongside the competition, Cobra Surf Masters 2026 will include surf clinics and grassroots programs in partnership with ASRAI, a mangrove cleanup, and community-led activities that bring people together both in and out of the water.
At its core, Cobra Surf Masters remains about surfing this wave, taking care of this place, and supporting the next generation of surfers who will carry it forward.
Those interested in supporting the event as a sponsor may contact Jessal of Kahana Baler. Surfers can register here.