Women’s field in World Surf League’s Championship Tour grows from 2026 in major announcement

Women’s participation in surfing will see a major boost after the World Surf League last week confirmed long-mulled speculation and expanded the number of women competing on the Championship Tour.

Starting in 2026, the women’s field will expand from 18 to 24 competitors, matching the size of the men’s competition.

Margaret River will remain the midpoint of the season and will continue to host the contentious mid-season cut, but WSL is yet to outline the number of competitors reduced during that operation.

The “incredible progression is a tribute to the dedication of every generation, and changes like this continue that work”, WSL commissioner Jessi Miley-Dyer said in a statement.

“Visibility matters, and it’s exciting to think of the impact the field will have on inspiring future generations who see themselves in these athletes,” she said.

Sally Fitzgibbons, a 15-year Championship Tour veteran, was among the women who welcomed the news.

“I couldn’t be more proud of where the level of women’s surfing is currently at,” she said.

“Growing the tour is the next logical step in that natural progression.

“All over the world, women are stepping it up every time they hit the water, and on tour, we’re seeing intense heats and fierce rivalries.

“It’s what everyone wants to see. I’m so stoked that it’s happening.”

WSL’s historic shift follows an announcement by the Australian Federal Government, reported by the Times last month, to invest more than $1 million to increase women’s participation at club level.

Meanwhile, there has been dissent among some of the professional women’s cohort because of the proposed inclusion of island-based Surf Abu Dhabi in the upcoming season.

LGBTQIA+ surfers and their supporters said including the artificial wave location was a poor choice because of the United Arab Emirates’ record on LGBTQIA+ rights.

A petition has been launched by Queer Surf Club, Surf Equity, and Wave Wahines CIC demanding that the WSL remove Abu Dhabi from the tour and provide a “safe environment” for all athletes.