Wsl News

The World Title Is Going Back to Pipeline. About Bloody Time.

Pipeline decides the World Title again. 15,000 points, two razor-tight races and exactly who needs what at the 2026 Pipe Masters, Dec 8–20.

John John Florence Returns to the WSL - new record in sights

John John Florence is officially stepping back into the fire. The three-time world champion — a surfer whose style sits somewhere between violent precision and pure poetry — has accepted a season wildcard from the WSL, confirming his full-time return to the Championship Tour in 2026. It's the kind o...

Carissa Moore Returns: Surf Legend Reclaims Her Place on the Championship Tour

Carissa Moore's shock announcement that she will rejoin the Championship Tour in 2026 has sent a jolt through the surf world. After stepping back from competition to focus on motherhood, the five-time world champion has decided the story isn't finished—and for surfing, this might be the most excitin...

Molly Picklum's Rise: The 2025 Women's CT Season Review

Right, you've read how Yago Dora stormed to victory in the men's CT tour, now dive in and see how Molly Picklum picked her battles to win the 2026 women's Championship Tour! A Season of Opportunity With previous world champ Caitlin "Caity" Simmers defending, and a field full of both veterans and hun...

WSL Season Review: Yago Dora's Year: A Season of High Stakes & Heavy Water

A Tour With Teeth The 2025 WSL Men's Championship Tour never gave anyone a free ride. From the opening horn at Pipeline to the final wave at Cloudbreak, this season was a constant grind of pressure, surprise, and spectacle. With John John Florence sitting out and veterans like Kelly Slater no longer...

12 at Teahupo'o: Kelia Gallina Becomes Youngest Surfer in WSL History

When the World Surf League lands in Tahiti this week, all eyes won't just be on the barrels. They'll be on a 12-year-old local who calls this fearsome wave her backyard. Kelia Mehani Gallina , born and raised in Teahupo'o village, will make history as the youngest surfer ever to compete in a WSL mai...

The Banzai Pipeline: The Iconic Opener of the World Surf League

The World Surf League (WSL) event at the Banzai Pipeline is a pilgrimage for the surfing world. Held on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, this competition serves as the dramatic opener for the WSL Championship Tour, setting the tone for the season. The Banzai Pipeline, or simply 'Pipeline', is renown...

John John Florence announces WSL break

World Champion John John Florence has announced he will not compete in this season's WSL Championship Tour. The Hawaiian-born three-time champion will take a break from the tour after an intensive year which saw him claim his third World Title. "Ive decided to focus on surfing in a different way thi...

Gabriel Medina's Injury Forces Him to Withdraw from WSL Season

Three-time surfing world champion Gabriel Medina has announced that he will be withdrawing from the start of the World Surf League (WSL) season due to a pectoral injury sustained while surfing in Brazil. The injury, which required surgery, has put a significant damper on Medina's preparations for th...

2025 World Surf League CT Schedule Released

The World Surf League (WSL) has officially announced the 2025 Championship Tour (CT) schedule, featuring a thrilling lineup of events across various iconic surf locations. This year's tour will culminate in a historic one-day final at Cloudbreak, Fiji, where the top surfers will compete for the worl...

Disgraced Former WSL CEO Erik Logan Under Scrutiny

Erik Logan, the former CEO of the World Surf League (WSL), is facing renewed scrutiny over his controversial tenure and abrupt departure from the organization. Once hailed as a transformative figure in professional surfing, Logan's legacy is now being reevaluated in light of his management style and...

San Clemente's Bella Kenworthy Makes Waves as She Qualifies for 2025 WSL Championship Tour

San Clemente's Bella Kenworthy has officially qualified for the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning surfing career. At just 17 years old, Kenworthy joins a new wave of young talent set to make their mark in professional surfing, alongside...

Surfing Santa Catches Waves on Lake Erie

In a delightful start to the holiday season, Santa Claus was spotted catching waves on Lake Erie, trading his sleigh for a surfboard. This unexpected sighting brought joy to locals and showcased a unique way to celebrate the festive spirit. Key Takeaways Santa Claus traded his traditional sleigh for...

WSL Unveils Exciting 2025 Challenger Series and Longboard Tour Schedules

The World Surf League (WSL) has officially announced the schedules for the 2025 Challenger Series and Longboard Tour, promising thrilling competitions across multiple global locations. The Challenger Series will feature five events, providing surfers a pathway to qualify for the elite Championship T...

Hawaii's Moniz & McDougall Claim WSL QS Wins In Haleiwa

Zoe McDougall and Joshua Moniz of Hawaii emerged victorious at the World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro on Tuesday, a Qualifying Series (QS) 1000 event held in pumping four-to-six-foot conditions on Oahu's North Shore. Key Takeaways Zoe McDougall won the women's title with a ...

Gabriel Medina's Controversy With World Surf League

Gabriel Medina, a three-time world surfing champion, has ignited a firestorm of controversy following his recent comments directed at the World Surf League (WSL). After a contentious final, Medina took to Instagram to express his frustration with the judging inconsistencies that he believes marred t...

John John Florence and Caitlin Simmers Crowned 2024 World Surf League Champions

John John Florence and Caitlin Simmers have made history by winning the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour titles at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California. The event showcased thrilling performances in ideal surfing conditions, culminating in a spectacular showdown between the world...