San Juan Capistrano surfer Kevin Skvarna took home the gold at the recent Pan American Surf Association Festival in Panama, a win that also allows him to earn qualification into the 2027 Pan American Games.
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Skvarna, a USA Surfing team rider, made history by winning the United States’ first-ever gold medal in men’s longboard at the PASA Games on Thursday, April 30.
“Skvarna delivered a standout performance throughout the event, combining style, power, and innovation to take control of each heat and secure the top spot on the podium,” USA Surfing officials said in a statement. “With the victory, he earns qualification for the 2027 Pan American Games, the second-largest multi-sport event in the world behind the Olympic Games.”
In his post-heat interview with the contest organizers, Skvarna shared his pride in representing the U.S. in the PASA Games, hoping it can be a signal of future growth in U.S. representation.
“Kevin’s performance was exceptional from start to finish,” Head Coach Ryan Simmons said in a statement. “He represents the best of American surfing — progressive, composed under pressure, and deeply committed to his team. This is a milestone moment for USA Surfing and for longboard surfing in the United States.”
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The U.S. team also delivered strong podium finishes in both the longboard and bodyboard competitions, including Laguna Beach’s Avalon Gall with bronze in the women’s longboard. She won the longboard division at the U.S. Open of Surfing last year in Huntington Beach.
USA Surfing teammates Dave Hubbard, Jessica Becker and Karla Costa each earned bronze in bodyboarding, competing as part of a U.S. squad coached by bodyboarding legend Mike Stewart
The 2026 PASA Games marked the largest team the United States has ever sent to the event, signaling a new era of depth and development across USA Surfing’s pipeline, team officials said.
“This team showed not only high performance, but incredible camaraderie and energy throughout the competition,” said USA Surfing CEO Becky Fleischauer. “It’s a strong start to what promises to be an important year of international competition as we build toward LA28, the Pan American Games and beyond.”
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