Master of the Ocean
Five sports, one champion, legendary waves
About Master of the Ocean
Master of the Ocean is one of the world's most unique water sports competitions, held at Cabarete's Playa Encuentro. Founded in 2003 by German waterman Marcus Böhm as the "Ironman of water sports", it asks competitors to prove themselves across every discipline rather than one. The contest now runs five: surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and wingfoiling, the last added as the sport grew.
This format celebrates Cabarete's position as one of the world's most versatile water sports destinations. The town's consistent trade winds, reef-protected bay, and wave breaks make it ideal for all of them. The "Master" title goes to the athlete who performs best across the full set.
What to Expect
Master of the Ocean runs for approximately five days and offers:
- World-class competition — International athletes competing at the highest level
- Beach atmosphere — Spectating from Playa Encuentro with food, drinks, and music
- Five different sports — Each day features different disciplines depending on conditions
- Free to watch — The competition is free for spectators
- After-parties — Cabarete's nightlife scene hosts event parties throughout the week
Facts on this page were last compared with their sources on . Details may have changed since. How we check
Frequently asked questions
Can spectators watch for free?
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Which sports are included?
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Master of the Ocean
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