Raglan, New Zealand Set to Host World Surf League Championship Tour in 2026
The World Surf League announces Raglan, New Zealand, as a new stop on the 2026 Championship Tour, replacing Jeffreys Bay and adding a highly anticipated left-hand point break to the schedule.
The World Surf League (WSL) has announced a significant addition to its 2026 Championship Tour (CT) schedule: Raglan, New Zealand. The iconic left-hand point break of Manu Bay will welcome the world's best surfers from May 15-25, marking the fourth stop on the tour. This move replaces Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, on the calendar and introduces a highly anticipated left-hand wave to the competition.
Key Takeaways
- Raglan, New Zealand, will host a WSL Championship Tour event for the first time in 2026.
- The event, known as the New Zealand Pro, will take place at Manu Bay from May 15-25.
- Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, has been removed from the 2026 CT schedule.
- The addition of a world-class left-hand point break is a welcome change for many surfers.
- New Zealand's government and local surf organizations are supporting the event.
A New Era for the Championship Tour
The 2026 WSL Championship Tour will feature a revamped schedule, with Raglan's Manu Bay slotting in as the fourth stop. This addition is particularly exciting for surfers who have long advocated for a quality left-hand point break on the tour. WSL CEO Ryan Crosby expressed enthusiasm for the new location, highlighting the support from the New Zealand Government.
"We're excited to welcome this new location to the CT in the 50th year of the World Tour," said Crosby. "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."
Surfers' Excitement for Raglan
Professional surfers have reacted positively to the news. 2025 WSL World Champion Yago Dora shared his anticipation for competing at Raglan, stating, "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, noting the opportunity to showcase her backside surfing on a left-hand point break. "We don't have a rippable left point break on tour, so I absolutely love that I get to bring out the backside attack," Picklum commented. She also praised New Zealand's culture and way of life as a refreshing change for traveling athletes.
A Rich History and Future for New Zealand Surfing
New Zealand boasts a strong 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 wildcard spots.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston sees the event as a significant boost for tourism and the sport in New Zealand. Ben Kennings, Chief Executive of SNZ, described it as "the biggest surfing event ever staged in New Zealand," emphasizing its potential to elevate the profile of surfing nationally and inspire young surfers.
2026 Championship Tour Schedule Overview
The 2026 CT season will be the 50th anniversary of the World Tour, featuring an expanded women's field and a 12-stop schedule running from April to December. The tour begins in Australia and concludes in Hawai'i with the Pipe Masters. Raglan's inclusion means Jeffreys Bay will not be part of the 2026 CT calendar, a decision made due to financial viability.
The 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
Additionally, all CT events will adopt a streamlined format without non-elimination rounds, increasing the stakes from the outset.