Baja California Hosts Historic 1st Stop of CSTM GROMS Surf Series

Near-perfect waves and Baja's best talent made this inaugural CSTM GROMS Surf Series event a historic standout.

Por Eric Sanchez el July 23, 2026 at 12:50 PM PDT

Near-perfect surf conditions and a deep roster of the region’s most promising young talents marked a historic debut for the CSTM GROMS Surf Series, held July 18–19 at Playa La Fonda, Baja California. The event far exceeded attendance forecasts, drawing crowds that reflected a powerful blend of athletic passion and community-centered Christian values.

Organized by the CSTM Team de Campeones under the leadership of Artemio Rosas, the competition was staged in close coordination with the Baja California State Surf Association (ASBC).

Throughout the weekend, competitors benefited from the presence and support of State Surf Coach Jesús Velázquez, who remained on-site to guide and encourage participants across all categories.

Saturday 18: Surf & Music with a Purpose

Beyond the competition, Saturday featured a Christian music concert headlined by MAGNO, a singer from Guadalajara, Jalisco. The performance delivered a timely and uplifting message aimed at inspiring young surfers and attendees alike, using music and faith to underscore the event’s broader social mission.

Providing expert commentary and play-by-play coverage was Alma Denisse, a globally ranked surfer who will continue as the official voice for future stops in the series.

Official Top 5 Results

Juniors (14–19 years)

1st Place: Israel Rosas – CONADE 2026 Gold and Silver Medalist
2nd Place: Emiliano Méndez – State Champion
3rd Place: Santiago Richerand
4th Place: Eliel Espinoza
5th Place: Markopolo Ayala

GROM (11–13 Mixed)

1st Place: Sayen Velásquez
2nd Place: Roy Jiménez
3rd Place: Chris Lara
4th Place: Kamilah Venegas
5th Place: Chris Adewale

MINI GROM (6–10)

1st Place: Betsabé Rosas
2nd Place: Abigail Rosas
3rd Place: Maliha Macías
4th Place: Azariel Marchand
5th Place: Aria Marchand

For the younger GROM and MINI GROM divisions, each competitor was accompanied in the water by their respective coaches, ensuring both safety and tactical support during their heats.

Broad Institutional and Corporate Backing

The success of the inaugural stop was made possible through the generous backing of numerous public and private entities, including: the State Secretariat of Tourism, COTUCO Rosarito, COBIAN, Hotel Poco Cielo, Hotel La Fonda, Hotel Las Rocas, Cardif Fin Co, Sun Bum, K-38 Surf Shop, Baja Reef Surf Shop, Air Quality de México, Baja Angels of the Sea, CA, Tribu, Holloways, Tijuana Surf School, Baja Community Surf School, Baja Fun Tours, Cordell, TK Frog House, Zar, Velasco Pediatrics, Cariad, Rising Tide Ranch, My 360 Project, Clásico Navideño, among many others.

CSTM GROMS has issued a formal invitation to local government bodies particularly the Tijuana City Hall, Civil Protection, and the Fire Department to join this growing movement in support of youth development through sport, health, and character-building values.

What Lies Ahead for CSTM GROMS

The CSTM GROMS Series operates as a points-based circuit, with surfers accumulating rankings toward the season-ending Grand Final. The remaining schedule is as follows:

2nd Stop: September 26–27, 2026 – Ensenada, B.C.
Grand Final: November 28–29, 2026 – Rosarito Pier, B.C.

With this powerful opening event, CSTM GROMS has reaffirmed its commitment to using surfing as a vehicle for social, athletic, and recreational growth among Baja California’s youth.