Surfing Archives | Sports Tourism News

Peru’s Punta Rocas to host the 2026 ISA World Surfing Games

6Jun

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Events, Sports Business

Peru’s Punta Rocas to host the 2026 ISA World Surfing Games

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has confirmed that Peru will host the 2026 ISA World Surfing Games (WSG), one of the first qualifiers for surfing for the LA28 Olympic Games. The event will be held from 6-15 November at the iconic Punta Rocas. ISA president Fernando Aguerre said: “It’s incredible to look back at how challenging was the journey to Olympic inclusion starting almost 30 years ago. Here we are, after an extraordinary showcase in Tahiti, looking ahead with great excitement to what LA28 and Lower Trestles will bring. “Punta Rocas is a perfect stage for performance surfing, much like Lower Trestles will be at the Olympic Games. A great place to start surfing’s third Olympic cycle. The team qualification slots awarded at the World Surfing Games will mak...

PURE ONE Travel launches ‘Learn to Surf’ adventure packages

25Jan

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Holidays & Trips

PURE ONE Travel launches ‘Learn to Surf’ adventure packages

PURE ONE Travel has launched its new “Learn to Surf” adventure packages, designed specifically for beginners and early-stage surfers who want to experience the thrill of riding waves in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment. These expertly curated adventures focus on building confidence, having fun, and creating unforgettable memories from the very first wave. Participants are guided to stunning coastal destinations known for gentle, forgiving waves and welcoming surf communities, providing the perfect environment to learn and grow. “Learning to surf is about so much more than just catching waves,” said Wesley Baker, CEO of PURE ONE. “It's about embracing the surf lifestyle, connecting with others, and enjoying every moment, both on and off the board. We want ever...

Sports travel bucket list: Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland

22Jun

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Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts, Venues & Stadiums

Sports travel bucket list: Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland

Lost Shore Surf Resort, in the village of Ratho near Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, deserves a spot on any sports traveller’s bucket list. As Europe's biggest inland surf resort, it delivers guaranteed, world‑class surfing for all levels – from first‑timers to seasoned pros – in the heart of Scotland. The resort features a state‑of‑the‑art Wavegarden-powered surf lagoon, which creates perfect, customisable waves every time, making it a unique experience regardless of weather or tides. Beyond surfing, Lost Shore offers surfskate training, a spa and sauna for recovery, and access to Edinburgh’s rich culture and nearby sights. Opened in 2024 and costing £60 million, this is Scotland’s largest sports and leisure investment since the 2014 Commonwealth Games. It's anticipat...

Saint Lucia becomes 117th International Surfing Association member

26Apr

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Sports Business

Saint Lucia becomes 117th International Surfing Association member

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has confirmed Saint Lucia as its 117th national federation member. The island nation becomes the 11th ISA member from the Caribbean region, reflecting the continued global expansion of surfing. Situated on an island that features 158km of pristine coastline, the Saint Lucia Surfing Association (SLSA) is dedicated to developing skilled surfers, promoting competitive excellence, and advocating for sustainable practices to protect its coastal resources. With the support of the ISA, the SLSA aims to establish itself as a leading surf team in the Caribbean, by fostering talent, promoting environmental stewardship, and creating opportunities for surfers of all ages. Fernando Aguerre, ISA president, said: “It is so exciting to welcome ...

Sports travel bucket list: surfing the ‘Supertubos’ wave in Peniche, Portugal

16Mar

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Bucket List

Sports travel bucket list: surfing the ‘Supertubos’ wave in Peniche, Portugal

In March 2025, the world’s best surfers descended on Praia de Supertubos, south of Peniche, for the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal – one of the most unpredictable and exhilarating stops on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. Supertubos, the name given to both the beach and the iconic wave, is revered as one of the best beachbreaks in the world, often earning comparisons to Hawaii's Banzai Pipeline. The wave is powerful, hollow, and fast, forming thick-lipped barrels that explode over shallow sandbanks. This phenomenon is due to the unique bathymetry of the seabed and a combination of strong Atlantic swells, offshore winds, and precise tidal movements. Unlike reef breaks that maintain consistent wave forms, Supertubos' quality depends on the shifting sands beneath the water. Sea...

Sports travel bucket list: The Wave Bristol surfing and glamping

19Jan

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Bucket List, Venues & Stadiums

Sports travel bucket list: The Wave Bristol surfing and glamping

The Wave, which opened in 2019 just outside Bristol in England, is an inland surfing destination that has become a hotspot for wave enthusiasts and beginners alike. With surfing, glamping, F&B and events on offer, The Wave is definitely one place to add to your sports travel bucket list. The centrepiece of The Wave is its 180m-long lake, powered by Wavegarden Cove technology. This state-of-the-art system generates consistent, high-quality waves suitable for all skill levels. Waves are designed to cater to various abilities, with sections for beginners, intermediate surfers, and advanced riders. Beginners can enjoy smaller, gentler waves ideal for learning, while seasoned surfers can challenge themselves with powerful barreling waves reaching up to two metres in height. The Wave’s...

Surf City El Salvador: a world-class surfing destination

20Oct

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Surf City El Salvador: a world-class surfing destination

Nestled along the pristine Pacific coastline, El Salvador’s “Surf City” offers a paradise for surfers and adventure seekers. With consistent waves, warm waters, and a laid-back atmosphere, this destination is gaining global recognition and regularly hosts major events on the International Surfing Association (ISA) and World Surf League calendars. Surf City El Salvador is fast becoming one of the top destinations for surfers worldwide, and whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, it has something for everyone. Best surfing spots Punta Roca: Known as the crown jewel of El Salvador's surf scene, Punta Roca is a world-class right-hand point break. The waves are fast and powerful, making it ideal for experienced surfers. The rocky coastline enhances th...

Teahupo’o, Tahiti: the Paris 2024 Olympic Games surfing location

21Jul

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Teahupo’o, Tahiti: the Paris 2024 Olympic Games surfing location

Surfing returns to the Olympic Games, as a part of Paris 2024, for its second appearance on sport’s largest platform. While the majority of the Olympic sporting action will be held in the French capital, the surfing competition will actually take place in Teahupo'o, Tahiti. Why Tahiti? When the Paris 2024 Olympic organisers first considered the options for surfing, they looked at all possibilities, including their overseas territories. For the International Surfing Association (ISA), from a surfing performance point of view, there was no question about which location would provide the most exciting, most dramatic and most challenging playing field for the world’s best surfers: Teahupo’o. Olympic surfing in Tahiti will be a truly authentic experience enjoyed by local fans and interna...

Surfing in the Canary Islands: best waves and beaches

20Oct

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Surfing in the Canary Islands: best waves and beaches

The Canary Islands have become a popular destination for surfers searching out perfect lefts and rights, spectacular peaks, powerful, hollow tubes or long, gentle waves. Due to their unique geographical location, the islands have an ideal beach for every style of surf and receive frequent waves measuring between two and four metres in height. The excellent wind conditions also makes the Canaries a great spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Although conditions in all of the Canary Islands are perfect for these sports, thanks to the climate, the winds and the quality of the waves, which have turned them into a frequent destination on international competition circuits, Lanzarote is regarded as one of the best surfing locations. Famara Beach, ideal for beginners, has hosted many Wor...

World Surf League confirms 2024 Championship Tour calendar

23Sep

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Calendars

World Surf League confirms 2024 Championship Tour calendar

World Surf League (WSL) has announced the schedule for its 2024 Championship Tour (CT). The calendar will continue to showcase a combined women’s and men’s schedule featuring nine regular-season events, a mid-season cut after CT Stop No.5, and the fourth-annual WSL Finals. In 2024 Fiji returns to the schedule for the first time since 2017 as the final stop of the regular season from 20-29 August. Next year, surfing will also make its second appearance in the Summer Olympic Games at Paris 2024, with surfing competitions being held from 27 July to 5 August 2024. The 2024 WSL Finals will be held at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California, from 6-14 September. Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL chief of sport, said: “2024 is set to be a big year for surfing, and our schedule is designed to suppo...

Dates confirmed for 2023 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games

22Sep

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Events, Sports Travel

Dates confirmed for 2023 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has confirmed that the 2023 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games will be held in El Sunzal / La Bocana from 30 May to 7 June 2023. The games will serve as the second event in the Olympic Qualification process, with four slots up for grabs for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (to be held in Tahiti). In El Salvador, the four top ranked surfers by continent for each gender will qualify one place each by name. Fernando Aguerre, ISA president, said: “El Salvador continues to solidify itself as an essential part of the pathway to Olympic Surfing. We are grateful to President Bukele and Minister Valdez for their understanding of the ISA’s mission, but also for their strong commitment to surfing. We are happy to continue to expand and st...

Mamaka by Ovolo partners with Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy

2Jun

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Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Mamaka by Ovolo partners with Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy

Mamaka by Ovolo, an urban resort located on Bali’s Kuta Beach, has announced a partnership with the Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy – the island's most renowned surfing school. As official partners, the Academy will be nestled within the resort and provide the finest surfing lessons to those keen on learning the sport. Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy's proven track record and ISA-certified instructors will complement Mamaka's prime location, as Kuta Beach’s long stretch of golden sand and phenomenal sunsets has become a globally recognised surfer's paradise. “Kuta has long been known as a surfing hotspot, and to be in partnership with Mamaka and be a part of the Ovolo family is exciting,” said Made Switra, co-founder of Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy. “It will certainly attract surfe...

‘Surf City USA’ Huntington Beach to host 2022 ISA World Surfing Games

31May

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Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

‘Surf City USA’ Huntington Beach to host 2022 ISA World Surfing Games

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has announced that Huntington Beach in California, USA, will be the host of the 2022 ISA World Surfing Games from 17-24 September. In a significant innovation to the Olympic Surfing Qualification System, the winning men’s and women’s national teams at these World Surfing Games will be allocated one Olympic slot each for their respective country/National Olympic Committee (NOC). This qualification slot will be in addition to the maximum quota of two athletes per country for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The ISA’s premier event, presented by Visit Huntington Beach, returns to “Surf City USA” for the first time since 2006. Huntington Beach has played a historic role for the sport of surfing, having hosted top-tier global events. The 202...

Five of the best surfing spots on The Islands of Tahiti

21Aug

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Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Five of the best surfing spots on The Islands of Tahiti

Located in the South Pacific, The Islands of Tahiti consist of 118 islands and atolls, made up of the well-known Society Islands including Tahiti and Bora Bora, Tuamotu Islands, Gambier Islands, Austral Islands and Marquesas Islands. Here the team from The Islands of Tahiti tourism board pick out the five best spots for surfing. Teahupo’o surf spot © Steve Dickinson Teahupo’o Home to the best waves, Tahiti is a surfer’s paradise due to its position facing the full uninterrupted force of the South Pacific. The mythical wave of Teahupo’o, located on the Peninsula of the island of Tahiti, presents athletic and ideal surf conditions. The legendary surf spot of Teahupo’o is already part of the various surf spots which The Islands of Tahiti has to offer to both expert and novice ...

World Surf League: 2021 Rip Curl WSL Finals to be held in September

11Apr

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Events

World Surf League: 2021 Rip Curl WSL Finals to be held in September

The World Surf League (WSL) has announced an updated events calendar for the remaining 2021 Championship Tour (CT) leading into the 2021 Rip Curl WSL Finals in September. The tour includes a stop in Mexico for the first time in 15 years and the women surfing Teahupo’o for the first time since 2006. Following the fourth and final event of the current Australian leg, the CT will continue as follows (all tour stops and dates subject to change due to applicable COVID-19 related restrictions, including global travel restrictions): Jeep Surf Ranch Pro: California, USA (25-27 June 2021) Corona Open Mexico presented by Quiksilver: Barra de La Cruz, Mexico (5-15 July 2021) Oi Rio Pro presented by Corona: Saquarema, Brazil (11-16 August 2021) Outerknown Tahiti Pro: Teahupo’o, Tahiti (22...

World Surf League and Rip Curl announce deal for new Rip Curl WSL Finals

2Mar

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Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

World Surf League and Rip Curl announce deal for new Rip Curl WSL Finals

The World Surf League (WSL) and Rip Curl have announced a three-year partnership of the Rip Curl WSL Finals - the new one-day competition that will decide the men’s and women’s world surfing champions. The inaugural Rip Curl WSL Finals will take place in San Clemente, California at Lower Trestles. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top five men and top five women on the Championship Tour (CT) rankings will head to Orange County for this one-day, winner-take-all shot at the world title. The Rip Curl WSL Finals waiting period will run from 8-17 September 2021, a choice time of year for solid Southern Hemisphere swells to light up the cobblestone point. “I am a huge fan of the decision for the new CT format, it’s like multiple games throughout the year,” said Tyler Wright, tw...

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: iconic surfing event cancelled for 2021 – will return in 2022

18Feb

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Events, Sports Business

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: iconic surfing event cancelled for 2021 – will return in 2022

World Surf League (WSL) has announced that the 2021 edition of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach has been cancelled for 2021 but will return in 2022 after a new three-year deal was agreed with partners Rip Curl and the Victorian Government in Australia. The WSL was unable to secure a pre-approved bubble in Victoria ahead of the event, leaving significant risk attached to sudden public health measures in reaction to Covid-19 such as lockdowns, state border restrictions, and event cancellations. The WSL respects and understands the decision of the Victorian Government in this challenging time. Andrew Stark, WSL Asia Pacific general manager, said: “It was an extremely difficult decision to cancel one of the most iconic events on the Championship Tour. “However, we are genuinely exc...