The World Surf League has announced the expansion of women’s field for the 2026 Championship Tour, increasing the roster to 24 surfers on Wednesday, 13 November 2024.
Driven by the women’s performances and with a commitment to supporting the progression, the field size increase will provide more opportunities for women to compete at the highest level.
Under the new format, the 2026 women’s field will include the Top 14 surfers from the CT, the Top 7 qualifiers from the Challenger Series, two WSL Season Wildcards, and one Event Wildcard.
“I’m stoked to see the numbers grow,” said Caity Simmers, 2024 World Champion.
“Women’s surfing is so special. I want to see more of it and I think a lot of other people do too. I’m really looking forward to having more of my friends on Tour. I think the world deserves to see how epic their surfing is and how hard they charge. I’m really happy that they’ll get more opportunities to go for it.”
2024 World Champion, Caity Simmers
“This is great news! It’s a sign of the times and reflects the depth of talent within female surfing,” said Stephanie Gilmore, eight-time World Champion. “I’m constantly amazed at the progression and the growing number of women participating in surfing around the world. The future is bright!”
“I’m really excited to hear that more women will be able to be on the CT,” said Caroline Marks, 2023 World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist. “My first event win was also the first competition to have equal prize money, which was a huge step forward.
“It’s cool too to think that, just as I was able to pursue my career without having to worry about equal prize money, future groms will have a much better chance of being able to join the Tour and live their dream knowing that there’s a place for them.”
“I couldn’t be more proud of where the level of women’s surfing is currently at,” said Sally Fitzgibbons, the 15-year CT veteran. “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.”
Since new ownership in 2013, the WSL has supported significant progress in women’s surfing, from improving and increasing event locations across the women’s tiers to awarding equal prize money in 2019 and implementing a combined schedule in 2022. This latest change reinforces the WSL’s dedication to fostering talent and increasing opportunities in women’s surfing.
Original Copy: World Surf League, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Australia’s eight-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore at the Billabong Pro Pipeline in Hawaii on February 2, 2023. The World Surf League has announced the expansion of the women’s field for the 2026 Championship Tour, increasing the roster to 24 surfers, on Wednesday, 13 November 2024. Photos: Brent Bielmann/World Surf League
Photo 2 Caption: The USA’s Caitlin Simmers at the 2024 WSL Finals in California. The WSL says the initiative is driven by the women’s performances, presented with a commitment to support the progression. Photo: Tony Heff/WSL
Photo 3 Caption: Australian Sally Fitzgibbons at the US Open of Surfing in California on August 11, 2024. The field size increase will provide more opportunities for women to compete at the highest level. Photo: Emma Sharon/WSL
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