Raglan, New Zealand Set to Host World Surf League Championship Tour in 2026
The World Surf League announces Raglan, New Zealand, as the fourth stop on the 2026 Championship Tour, replacing Jeffreys Bay and exciting surfers with its iconic left-hand point break.
The World Surf League (WSL) has officially announced the addition of Raglan, New Zealand, to its prestigious 2026 Championship Tour (CT) schedule. The iconic left-hand point break of Manu Bay will welcome the world's elite surfers from May 15-25, marking the fourth stop on the tour. This significant inclusion celebrates the 50th anniversary of the World Tour and highlights New Zealand's renowned surf culture and world-class waves.
Key Takeaways
- Raglan, New Zealand, will host a WSL Championship Tour event for the first time from May 15-25, 2026.
- The event replaces Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, on the 2026 schedule.
- Manu Bay, Raglan, known for its powerful left-hand point break, is a highly anticipated addition by surfers.
- The 2026 CT features an expanded 12-stop schedule with a revised format.
A New Jewel in the CT Crown
The WSL's decision to include Raglan, specifically Manu Bay, is a testament to the wave's quality and its status as one of the world's premier left-hand point breaks. "As a quality left-hander, Manu Bay, Raglan is a great addition to the tour," stated WSL CEO Ryan Crosby. The event's inclusion was made possible with the support of the New Zealand Government, aiming to showcase Raglan as a top surf destination and boost local tourism.
Surfers' Excitement
Professional surfers have expressed considerable enthusiasm for the new stop. Yago Dora, the 2025 WSL World Champion, shared his delight: "I'm very happy with the addition of a rippable left on tour. It's been a long time asking to have one on the schedule, and we finally got it!" Molly Picklum, also a 2025 WSL World Champion, echoed this sentiment, looking forward to showcasing her backside attack on the renowned left-hander and experiencing New Zealand's culture.
A Reshaped 2026 Schedule
The 2026 Championship Tour will feature a 12-stop schedule running from April to December. New Zealand's inclusion necessitates a slight reshuffling, with the Raglan event preceding stops in El Salvador and Brazil. Notably, Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, will not be part of the 2026 CT schedule due to financial viability challenges, though the WSL expressed gratitude for its years of hosting and hopes to return in the future.
Trials and Future Impact
Surfing New Zealand (SNZ) will host the "Backdoor King and Queen of the Point" event in early May, serving as the official trials for the CT event. The top male and female performers will earn wildcards into the main competition. Ben Kennings, Chief Executive of SNZ, highlighted the event as a landmark moment, anticipating it to be the biggest surfing event ever staged in New Zealand and a significant inspiration for young local 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
Format Changes
In addition to the new venue, the 2026 CT will implement a streamlined format, removing non-elimination rounds to increase the stakes from the outset. The season will feature a combined men's and women's schedule, with fields narrowing after Stop No. 9 for the final events leading up to the Pipe Masters finale.