Inside with Carlos Muñoz at the 2026 Lexus Pipe Challenger

An inside look with Carlos Muñoz at the 2026 Lexus Pipe Challenger

By Susi Borges

After advancing to the round of 32 in the Lexus Pipe Challenger this Sunday, following a 9-point wave to close his heat in the feared Banzai Pipeline, Costa Rican Carlos Muñoz (Cali) is experiencing the moment with a mix of gratitude, maturity, and a deep connection to his personal and professional development.

One of the signs of this process can be seen by those closest to Cali. In addition to having his entire family in Hawaii, this is the first time the surfer has come to this competition with his full technical team. 

We wanted to contact Carlos to learn a little more about how he internally experiences this high-level competition at the main stadium of world surfing. Below is an interview that took place amidst the pulse of Pipeline. We spoke with Tamara Futch, his wife, and with Muñoz, who tells us how he has felt physically and emotionally, the silent work he has done to arrive strong this season, and the changes that transformed his preparation.

- From your perspective, how do you see Carlos's expectations and preparation for this Challenger?

Tamara Futch: I see him very focused. We are with friends and family, providing him with unconditional support, but also the space he needs to concentrate. Carlos knows Hawaii very well; he has been coming here for seasons since he was 17. Even so, Pipeline is one of the most challenging waves in the world, where he has already had dangerous experiences, such as shoulder surgery after the first CT tournament, which makes him more careful and better manage his surfing moments, training, and rest.

- What kind of care and what were those changes in the training routine?

Carlos Muñoz: Not surfing 100% during free surf sessions or training. Not going into overly critical conditions. Being more selective with surf sessions.

- How was it for Cali to overcome the 2018 incident and return fully to the waves of Pipeline?

Tamara: Cali has a very beautiful relationship with God, and that has helped him a lot. Knowing who to listen to has also been key. Not everyone who approaches does so with good intentions, and an injury that can change the course of a career is already quite difficult. We started looking for the beautiful and positive even in the toughest moments, and gratitude is something that characterizes Carlos.

- This emotional development seems to be noticeable even from the outside... In the narration of his heat, they highlighted his smile and his very "pura vida" style...

Tamara: Yes, the experience of being all together is very beautiful. Hawaii is a very special place for us, and having his team, photographer, coach, manager, and family accompanying him has added many positive things. Beyond the tournament result, it is the first time he travels with such a complete team, and as a family, we are deeply grateful to each of them.

- Cali, with all the experience you have accumulated so far, what advice would you give to young talents who are excelling in Costa Rican surfing?

Muñoz: To keep striving every day to achieve goals and dreams. That bad moments do not define their path, but rather become learning experiences to grow as athletes and as human beings. Don't give up; sooner or later the day we have worked so hard for will come. Avoid drugs and alcohol as much as possible, and always stay physically and mentally healthy.

 

We wish Carlos Muñoz all the best in his participation in the 2026 Lexus Pipe Challenger.