INTERNATIONAL NEWS - The World Surf League (WSL) has confirmed Raglan, New Zealand, as the fourth stop on its 2026 Championship Tour, marking a major shift in the world surfing calendar.
The announcement comes as Jeffreys Bay, long a staple of the tour, will not feature in next year’s schedule.
From 15–25 May, the world’s top surfers – 36 men and 24 women – will compete at Manu Bay, Raglan, a renowned left-hand point break on the North Island’s west coast. The New Zealand Pro joins the calendar during the prime season for the region’s famed wave and is part of the WSL’s updated 12-stop tour, which celebrates 50 years of professional surfing.
WSL CEO Ryan Crosby said the addition of Raglan “brings a quality left-hander to the tour, made possible thanks to strong support from the New Zealand Government.”
World champions are also enthusiastic. Yago Dora, 2025 men’s world champion, said, “I’ve never been to New Zealand, and I’m very happy I will get the chance to experience what seems to be a beautiful part of the world.”
2025 women’s champion Molly Picklum added, “It’s great to have an event that’s not too far from home. New Zealand culture and way of life is a breath of fresh air while travelling, and Raglan brings world-class waves and food!”
The 2026 Championship Tour will feature a combined men’s and women’s schedule, running from April to December, starting in Australia and concluding with a revitalised Pipe Masters in Hawai‘i.
All events will adopt a streamlined format, removing non-elimination rounds to increase the stakes and allow high-impact heats from the start.
Unfortunately, to maintain the 12-event schedule, Jeffreys Bay has been dropped for 2026.
While the South African wave is considered one of the world’s best, WSL cited insufficient financial support as the main reason for its removal. Crosby said: “We love J-Bay and the community there, and we will continue to explore ways to return in the future. Achieving long-term success for professional surfing requires decisions that prioritise the overall health of the sport.”
The loss of the WSL event in Jeffreys Bay has drawn strong criticism from local politicians.
Dr Vicky Knoetze, DA leader of the Official Opposition in the Eastern Cape Legislature, called it a “serious blow” to the province, placing thousands of jobs at risk.
“The national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture failed to confirm funding for the event. While Kouga Municipality and local stakeholders continued to support it, their contributions were insufficient,” Dr Knoetze said. “As a result, the WSL has relocated the event to New Zealand, where government support was secured.”
She added that Premier Mabuyane must urgently engage with national government and affected stakeholders to protect the tourism-dependent jobs and businesses in the region. Previous events at Jeffreys Bay generated millions of rand in economic activity, supporting accommodation providers, restaurants, transport operators, informal traders, and seasonal tourism workers.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston in New Zealand welcomed the move, highlighting the boost to local tourism and the chance to showcase Raglan internationally.
Surfing New Zealand CEO Ben Kennings called it a “landmark moment” for the country, allowing young surfers to witness the world’s best up close.
The full 2026 WSL Championship Tour calendar:
• Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia: April 1–11
• Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: April 16–26
• Snapper Rocks, Queensland, Australia: May 1–11
• Raglan, New Zealand: May 15–25
• Punta Roca, El Salvador: June 5–15
• Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: June 19–27
• Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia: August 8–18
• Cloudbreak, Fiji: August 25–September 4
• Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California, USA: September 11–20
• Surf Abu Dhabi, UAE: October 14–18
• Peniche, Portugal: October 22–November 1
• Banzai Pipeline, Hawai‘i, USA: December 8–20
While surfing fans around the world will now turn their eyes to Raglan in May, the Eastern Cape faces the challenge of recovering from the loss of one of its biggest international sporting events.
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