Raglan, New Zealand Joins World Surf League Championship Tour in 2026

The World Surf League announces Raglan, New Zealand as a new stop on the 2026 Championship Tour, alongside schedule and format updates for its 50th anniversary season.

Raglan, New Zealand Joins World Surf League Championship Tour in 2026

The World Surf League (WSL) has officially announced its 2026 Championship Tour (CT) schedule, featuring a significant new addition: Raglan, New Zealand. The iconic Manu Bay left-hand point break will host the "New Zealand Pro" as the fourth stop on the tour, marking a historic moment for surfing in Aotearoa. This move comes as part of a revamped CT format for its 50th anniversary year, promising higher stakes and a more dynamic competition across 12 events globally.

Key Takeaways

  • Raglan, New Zealand, specifically Manu Bay, will debut as the fourth stop on the 2026 WSL Championship Tour from May 15-25.
  • The 2026 season celebrates the 50th anniversary of the World Tour, featuring an expanded women's field and a 12-event schedule.
  • Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, will not be included in the 2026 CT schedule due to financial viability concerns.
  • The tour introduces a streamlined format with no non-elimination rounds, increasing the consequence of every heat.
  • The season culminates in a revitalized Pipe Masters in Hawaii, serving as a high-stakes finale.

Raglan's Debut on the Championship Tour

The "New Zealand Pro" will take place at Manu Bay, Raglan, from May 15-25, 2026. This renowned left-hand point break is considered one of New Zealand's most famous waves and is scheduled during an optimal time for surf conditions. WSL CEO Ryan Crosby expressed excitement about the addition, highlighting Manu Bay's quality as a left-hander and acknowledging the support from the New Zealand Government. Professional surfers like Yago Dora and Molly Picklum have voiced their enthusiasm for competing at a world-class left point break, with Picklum also noting the appeal of New Zealand's culture.

A Revamped 2026 Championship Tour Schedule

Marking the 50th year of professional surfing, the 2026 CT will comprise 12 events, running from April to December. The tour begins in Australia with stops at Bells Beach, Margaret River, and Snapper Rocks, followed by Raglan. Other international destinations include El Salvador, Brazil, Tahiti, Fiji, and California, before concluding with events in Abu Dhabi, Portugal, and the season-ending Pipe Masters in Hawaii.

Format Changes and Expanded Fields

The 2026 season introduces significant format changes, including the removal of non-elimination rounds, ensuring that every heat carries direct consequences for rankings. The tour will feature an increased women's field, with 24 women competing in regular-season events. The season consists of nine regular-season stops, followed by two postseason events where the field narrows to 24 men and 16 women. The final rankings, and ultimately the World Titles, will be determined by a surfer's best nine out of 12 results, with the Pipe Masters offering substantial points.

Jeffreys Bay Replaced, Focus on Financial Health

WSL CEO Ryan Crosby confirmed that Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, will not be part of the 2026 CT schedule. He cited financial support challenges in making the event viable for 2025 and 2026, while expressing a desire to explore future opportunities to return. The decision underscores the WSL's commitment to the long-term success of professional surfing and prioritizing the health of the overall business.

New Zealand's Surfing Legacy

New Zealand has a rich history of hosting professional surfing events, including previous CT stops in Taranaki and various Qualifying Series (QS) events in Raglan. The "Backdoor King and Queen of the Point" event, organized by Surfing New Zealand (SNZ), will serve as the official trials for the CT event, with the winners earning wildcards. SNZ Chief Executive Ben Kennings emphasized the landmark nature of hosting a CT event at Raglan, calling it the biggest surfing event ever staged in New Zealand and highlighting its potential to elevate the sport's profile nationally and inspire young surfers.

2026 WSL Championship Tour Calendar

  • Stop No. 1 - Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia: April 1 - 11
  • Stop No. 2 - Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: April 16 - 26
  • Stop No. 3 - Snapper Rocks, Queensland, Australia: May 1 - 11
  • Stop No. 4 - Raglan, New Zealand: May 15 - 25
  • Stop No. 5 - Punta Roca, El Salvador: June 5 - 15
  • Stop No. 6 - Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: June 19 - 27
  • Stop No. 7 - Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia: August 8 - 18
  • Stop No. 8 - Cloudbreak, Fiji: August 25 - September 4
  • Stop No. 9 - Lower Trestles, San Clemente, Calif., USA: September 11 - 20
  • Stop No. 10 - Surf Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE: October 14 - 18*
  • Stop No. 11 - Peniche, Portugal: October 22 - November 1*
  • Stop No. 12 - Banzai Pipeline, Hawaiʻi, USA: December 8 - 20**

*Events feature a reduced field
**Full CT fields compete for Pipe Masters Titles

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