The Allure of Raglan: A Left-Hander’s Paradise

Raglan, located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is celebrated for its consistently long and powerful left-hand pointbreak, Manu Bay. The wave, formed by swells wrapping around the Tasman Sea, offers surfers extended rides and ample opportunity for performance. This addition marks the first time in recent memory the CT has featured a dedicated, high-performance left-hand pointbreak, addressing a long-standing request from athletes.

“I’m very happy with the addition of a rippable left on tour,” stated Yago Dora, the 2025 WSL World Champion. “It’s been a long time asking to have one on the schedule, and we finally got it! I’ve never been to New Zealand, and I’m very happy that I will get the chance to go there for the first time and experience what seems to be a very beautiful part of the world. The place looks amazing so I’m truly excited to go there for the first time and compete at Raglan.”

Molly Picklum, also the 2025 WSL World Champion, echoed the excitement. “Obviously, so psyched to have an event that’s not too far from home,” she said. “We don’t have a rippable left point break on tour, so I absolutely love that I get to bring out the backside attack. New Zealand culture and the way of life there is just a breath of fresh air, which is so appreciated when we are travelling so much. So all in all, I’m excited for that event. I think having NZ on tour brings us a world-class location when it comes to waves and food, which for me is all I ever worry about!”

A Shift in Schedule: Prioritizing Athlete Well-being

The inclusion of Raglan necessitates a slight reconfiguration of the 2026 CT schedule. The tour will now proceed from Australia directly to New Zealand, postponing the events previously slated for El Salvador and Brazil. This adjustment aims to provide athletes with a more manageable travel schedule and adequate recovery time between competitions. The WSL recognizes the physical and mental demands placed on surfers and is proactively addressing concerns about burnout.

Jeffreys Bay, a mainstay on the tour for decades, holds a special place in surfing history. Memorable moments, such as Andy Irons’ legendary battles with Kelly Slater in 2005, Filipe Toledo’s groundbreaking aerial maneuvers in 2017, and Connor O’Leary’s dominant performance in 2025, have cemented its status as a mythical surfing destination. While its absence will be felt, the WSL believes the addition of Raglan offers a compelling alternative and a fresh challenge for the world’s best surfers.

But what does this change mean for the competitive balance? Will surfers accustomed to right-hand pointbreaks adapt quickly to Raglan’s lefts? And how will the New Zealand event influence the overall championship race?

2026 Championship Tour Schedule: Updated

• 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

The move to Raglan represents a bold step forward for the WSL, embracing a new location and prioritizing athlete well-being. As the 2026 Championship Tour approaches, all eyes will be on New Zealand to witness the dawn of a new era in professional surfing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the WSL’s Move to Raglan

• What makes Raglan a unique location for a WSL Championship Tour event?
  Raglan offers a world-class, consistent left-hand pointbreak, a rare commodity on the CT schedule, providing a different challenge for surfers and a fresh spectacle for fans.
• How will the change in schedule affect the surfers’ travel and competition demands?
  The revised schedule aims to reduce travel fatigue by grouping events more strategically, providing athletes with more recovery time between competitions.
• Will the absence of Jeffreys Bay impact the overall prestige of the Championship Tour?
  While Jeffreys Bay holds immense historical significance, the WSL believes the addition of Raglan, with its own unique appeal and high-performance waves, will maintain the tour’s prestige and excitement.
• What type of surfing style will be most effective at Raglan’s Manu Bay?
  Surfers who excel at long, flowing rides, powerful carves, and utilizing the entire wave face will likely thrive at Raglan.
• How can fans best prepare to watch the Raglan event?
  Fans can follow the WSL’s official website and social media channels for updates, live scores, and broadcast schedules. Learning about Raglan’s wave characteristics will also enhance the viewing experience.
• Is New Zealand prepared to host a major surfing event like this?
  Absolutely. New Zealand has a strong surfing community and a proven track record of hosting international sporting events. The local infrastructure and enthusiasm are well-suited for a WSL Championship Tour stop.