Raglan, New Zealand Joins WSL Championship Tour in 2026, Replacing Jeffreys Bay
The World Surf League announces Raglan, New Zealand as a new Championship Tour stop for 2026, replacing Jeffreys Bay and adding a premier left-hand wave to the schedule.
The World Surf League (WSL) has announced a significant change to its 2026 Championship Tour (CT) schedule, adding the iconic left-hand point break of Manu Bay in Raglan, New Zealand, as the fourth stop. This new addition will replace Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, marking a notable shift in the tour's lineup. The New Zealand Pro is scheduled to take place from May 15-25, 2026, during an optimal time for waves at the renowned surf spot.
Key Takeaways
- Raglan, New Zealand, will host a WSL Championship Tour event for the first time in 2026.
- The addition of Raglan replaces Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, on the CT schedule.
- The event will feature the top 36 men and 24 women competing at Manu Bay.
- This move aligns with the WSL's goal of a 12-event CT schedule for 2026.
A New Era for the Championship Tour
WSL CEO Ryan Crosby expressed excitement about welcoming Aotearoa, New Zealand, to the CT, especially in the tour's 50th year. "As a quality left-hander, Manu Bay, Raglan is a great addition to the tour and has been made possible thanks to valuable support from the New Zealand Government," Crosby stated. The inclusion of Raglan adds another premier left-hand wave to the tour, a long-requested feature by many surfers.
Surfers' Reactions
Reigning 2025 WSL World Champions Yago Dora and Molly Picklum shared their enthusiasm for the new stop. Dora, who has never visited New Zealand, is eager to experience the country and compete at Raglan. "I'm very happy with the addition of a rippable left on tour," Dora said. "It's been a long time asking to have one on the schedule, and we finally got it!"
Picklum, also a 2025 WSL World Champion, highlighted the benefit of having a quality left point break on the schedule. "We don't have a rippable left point break on tour, so I absolutely love that I get to bring out the backside attack," she commented. "New Zealand culture and the way of life there is just a breath of fresh air."
A Rich Surfing History
New Zealand boasts a strong history of hosting professional surfing events. Previous women's CT stops were held in Taranaki from 2010 to 2013, and Raglan itself hosted a men's Qualifying Series (QS) event in 1995. 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.
Government Support and Economic Impact
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston affirmed the New Zealand Government's support for the event. "Fans can watch the world's best surfers compete, while showcasing Raglan as a top surf destination, growing the sport in New Zealand, and boosting local tourism," Upston said. Ben Kennings, Chief Executive of SNZ, called it a "landmark moment for surfing in Aotearoa," emphasizing its potential to elevate the sport's profile nationally and inspire young surfers.
2026 Championship Tour Schedule Overview
The 2026 CT will feature a 12-stop schedule running from April to December. The tour begins in Australia and concludes in Hawai'i with the Pipe Masters. New Zealand will be one of the nine regular-season events, with 36 men and 24 women competing. Following Stop No. 9, the fields will be narrowed for the final events. A streamlined format removing non-elimination rounds will increase the stakes from the outset.
2026 WSL Championship Tour Calendar:
- Bells Beach, Australia: April 1 - 11
- Margaret River, Australia: April 16 - 26
- Snapper Rocks, Australia: May 1 - 11
- Raglan, New Zealand: May 15 - 25
- Punta Roca, El Salvador: June 5 - 15
- Saquarema, Brazil: June 19 - 27
- Teahupo'o, Tahiti: August 8 - 18
- Cloudbreak, Fiji: August 25 - September 4
- Lower Trestles, USA: September 11 - 20
- Surf Abu Dhabi, UAE: October 14 - 18*
- Peniche, Portugal: October 22 - November 1*
- Banzai Pipeline, USA: December 8 - 20**
*Events feature a reduced field.
**Full CT fields compete for Pipe Masters Titles.
Farewell to Jeffreys Bay
WSL CEO Ryan Crosby acknowledged the difficult decision to remove Jeffreys Bay from the 2026 calendar, citing a lack of financial support for the 2025 season. "We love J-Bay and the community there, and we're really grateful to them for welcoming us for so many years," Crosby stated, expressing hope for a future return.