The 2026 WSL Championship Tour isn't just a competition—it's a global odyssey, a 50th-anniversary celebration of pro surfing's evolution, packed with barreling drama, aerial fireworks, and the triumphant returns of legends like John John Florence and Gabriel Medina. With 12 stops across nine countries, from Australia's magnetic points to Hawaii's roaring North Shore finale, this season's revamped format—full fields, knockout heats, and a 1.5x-weighted Pipe Masters climax—promises non-stop intensity.

But following the CT as a fan? That's an adventure in itself. Crowds swell, accommodations book fast, and weather can flip from sun-soaked to storm-lashed overnight. We've scoured the latest intel to craft this in-depth guide: for every stop, we'll break down how to arrive hassle-free, where to crash (from budget hostels to luxe beachfronts), what the elements throw at you (and how to dress), and a curated packing list tailored for die-hard spectators. Whether you're road-tripping Oz or island-hopping Polynesia, gear up to live the search.

Pro tips before we dive in: Book flights and stays 6-9 months out—wildcards like JJF's return spike demand. Snag WSL tickets via their app for priority access. Pack reef-safe sunscreen everywhere (coral's sacred), and download the WSL app for real-time calls. Sustainable travel hack: Offset your carbon with local eco-shuttles. Let's hit the road—or waves.

Stop 1: Rip Curl Bells Beach Pro – Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia (April 1–11)

Kick off the 50th season at surfing's mecca, where Bells' magnetic rights have hosted legends since 1962. Expect progressive carves and family vibes, with Florence eyeing an early statement.

How to Get There

Fly into Melbourne Airport (MEL), the gateway (1.5-hour drive). Options:

• Shuttle/Taxi: Geelong Airport Transfers or private rides (~$150-200 AUD for 4 pax, 90 mins via M1 freeway). Door-to-door bliss.
• Public Transport: SkyBus to Southern Cross Station ($20 AUD, 30 mins), then V/Line train to Geelong ($10, 1 hour) and bus/taxi to Bells (~$20, 30 mins total). Budget-friendly but 2.5-3 hours.
• Drive: Rent a car at MEL (~$50/day); scenic Great Ocean Road route adds 30 mins but epic views. Park on-site for $5/car (first-come).

Accommodations

Torquay (10 mins away) is your hub—walkable to cafes, but book early for event surge.

• RACV Torquay Resort: High-end with golf/ocean views; rooms from $250 AUD/night. Family suites sleep 4.
• The Sands Torquay: Contemporary golf resort; $180-220 AUD. Pool, beach access.
• Bells Beach Cottages: Pet-friendly self-contained units; $150-200 AUD. Steps from the reserve.
• Airbnb in Bellbrae: Cozy farmstays ~$100 AUD; 5-min drive.
• Budget Pick: Sunnymead Hotel (Torquay): $120 AUD; no-frills but central.

Weather & What to Wear

April's autumnal: 15-20°C (59-68°F) days, cooler evenings (10-15°C/50-59°F), with possible showers. Winds 15-25 km/h; swells 4-6 ft. Layer for variable tides—zip-off pants for surges.

• Daytime: Breathable tees/tanks, boardshorts/leggings, rash guard for sun/reef.
• Evenings: Light jacket, jeans, closed shoes for walks.
• Event-Specific: Bright jersey-spotting hat; comfy sand-proof layers.

What to Pack

Essentials for Bells' chill vibes:

• Surf Fan Kit: Binoculars ($20) for cliff views, Sharpie/autograph book, portable charger (long days).
• Clothing: 3-4 quick-dry outfits, rain shell (Gore-Tex, $100), beanie/gloves for dawn patrols.
• Beach Basics: Turkish towel (quick-dry, $15), reef-safe SPF 50+ ($20), hydration pack.
• Misc: First-aid (bandages for reef rash), snacks (energy bars for heat waits), eco-bag for rubbish.Pro Tip: Pack a thermos—Torquay's cafes brew gold.

Stop 2: Margaret River Pro – Margaret River, Western Australia (April 17–27)

Heavy barrels at Surfers Point; Medina's Brazilian flair could ignite early rivalries. Wine country meets waves—pure WA magic.

How to Get There

Perth Airport (PER), 3-hour drive south.

• Bus: South West Coachlines direct (~$50 AUD, 3.5 hours via Busselton). Departs 6:45 AM/12:05 PM/4:45 PM.
• Shuttle/Taxi: Welcome Pickups or private (~$200-300 AUD for 4, 3 hours). Scenic but pricey.
• Drive: Rent (~$40/day); I-10 to Bussell Hwy. Park at McLeods Paddock ($10, shuttle to site).

Accommodations

Gnarabup/Prevelly (5-10 mins): Beachy, forested bliss.

• Margarets Beach Resort: Oceanfront luxury; $300-400 AUD. Pool, spa.
• Margaret River Resort: Central, family-friendly; $200-250 AUD. Vineyard views.
• Stay Margaret River: Eco-apartments; $150-200 AUD. Kitchenettes.
• Gracetown Caravan Park: Budget camping; $50-100 AUD. Fire pits.
• Airbnb Beach Houses: $120 AUD; direct to breaks.

Weather & What to Wear

Mild autumn: 18-23°C (64-73°F) days, 10-15°C nights. Possible rain; winds 10-20 km/h, 4-8 ft swells. Layer for chill.

• Daytime: Shorts/tees, light hoodie, sunnies.
• Evenings: Jeans, sweater, waterproof jacket.
• Event: Windbreaker for point exposure.

What to Pack

For barrels and brews:

• Surf Fan Kit: Spotter scope ($50), event app on waterproof phone case.
• Clothing: 4 outfits (mix casual/rain-ready), fleece ($40), hiking boots for trails.
• Beach Basics: Picnic blanket, thermal mug (coffee + wine country), bug spray.
• Misc: Wine opener (post-heat tastings), portable speaker for beach hangs.Pro Tip: Pack a cooler—local markets fuel epic tailgates.

Stop 3: Boost Mobile Gold Coast Pro – Snapper Rocks, Queensland, Australia (May 2–12)

Aerial playground returns after hiatus; watch Toledo soar. Gold Coast glamour with pointbreak precision.

How to Get There

Gold Coast Airport (OOL), 10-min drive.

• Shuttle/Taxi: Uber (~$20 AUD, 15 mins) or Route 777 bus ($10, 20 mins to Broadbeach, tram to Coolangatta).
• Public: Line 700 bus direct ($5, 25 mins).
• Drive: Rent (~$30/day); park at Superbank ($10/event).

Accommodations

Coolangatta (5 mins): Buzzing, beachy.

• Oasis Apartments: Surf-view studios; $200-250 AUD. (Note: 2025 moved to Burleigh; 2026 back at Snapper.)
• Rainbow Bay Resort: Luxury; $300 AUD. Pool, spa.
• Snapper Rocks Beach House (Airbnb): $150 AUD; steps away.
• Hostels like Nomads: $50 AUD; social vibe.

Weather & What to Wear

Subtropical spring: 20-25°C (68-77°F), humid. Light winds, 3-5 ft. Sunnies essential.

• All Day: Boardshorts/tanks, rashie, hat.
• Event: Breathable layers; no jacket needed.

What to Pack

For high-flying action:

• Surf Fan Kit: Drone ban—use zoom lens ($100).
• Clothing: 5 swim-ready outfits, flip-flops, light cover-up.
• Beach Basics: Cooler for acai bowls, portable fan (humidity hack).
• Misc: Extra sunnies (lost in sand), party playlist.Pro Tip: Pack thongs—endless beach walks.

Stop 4: Surf City El Salvador Pro – Punta Roca, El Salvador (May 28–June 7)

Central America's power point; Vaast defends. Tropical heat, long rights—pure adrenaline.

How to Get There

San Salvador (SAL), 40-min drive.

• Shuttle/Taxi: AST Adventures private (~$50 USD, 45 mins via CA-2).
• Bus: Line 102 ($1 USD, 1.5 hours to La Libertad, taxi $10).
• Drive: Rent (~$30/day); coastal roads scenic but potholed.

Accommodations

La Libertad (5 mins): Surf-centric.

• Punta Roca Surf Resort: Oceanfront bungalows; $150-200 USD. Pool, views.
• Mandala Eco Villas: Eco-luxe; $120 USD. Gardens, yoga.
• Coco Surf Village: Budget surf camp; $80 USD. Shared kitchens.
• Airbnb in El Sunzal: $60 USD; wave-side.

Weather & What to Wear

Wet season start: 28-32°C (82-90°F), humid, showers. 4-6 ft swells.

• Daytime: Minimal—bikini/boardshorts, rash guard.
• Rain: Poncho, quick-dry everything.
• Event: Hat, long-sleeve for sun.

What to Pack

Tropical essentials:

• Surf Fan Kit: Bug net for phone, reef booties (sharp rocks).
• Clothing: 4 swimsuits, linen cover-ups, sandals.
• Beach Basics: Zinc SPF ($15), DEET spray, dry bag.
• Misc: Water purifier, pupusas recipe (local eats).Pro Tip: Pack electrolytes—heat drains fast.

Stop 5: Oi Rio Pro – Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (June 12–20)

Brazilian Storm HQ; Medina's backyard brawl. Punchy beachbreaks, samba energy.

How to Get There

Rio Galeão (GIG), 2-hour drive north.

• Bus: 1001 from Novo Rio terminal ($20-40 BRL, 2.5 hours).
• Shuttle/Taxi: Uber (~$50 USD, 1.5 hours via BR-101).
• Drive: Rent (~$40/day); tolls ~$10.

Accommodations

Saquarema center (walkable): Laid-back pousadas.

• Pousada Canto Da Vila: Beachfront; $80-100 USD. Pool.
• Castelhana Praia Hotel: Modern; $100 USD. AC, breakfast.
• Pousada X: Budget; $50 USD. Social, near Itauna.
• Airbnb Beach Houses: $60 USD; wave views.

Weather & What to Wear

Winter dry: 20-25°C (68-77°F), mild. Light winds, 3-5 ft.

• Casual: Shorts/tees, flip-flops.
• Evenings: Light sweater, jeans for churrasco.

What to Pack

Storm-chasing kit:

• Surf Fan Kit: Noise-cancelling headphones (crowd roars).
• Clothing: 4 beach outfits, light jacket.
• Beach Basics: Caipirinha mixer, portable hammock.
• Misc: Portuguese phrasebook, extra cash (ATMs spotty).Pro Tip: Pack a samba playlist—vibes amplify.

Stop 6: J-Bay Open – Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa (July 10–20)

Supertubes' walls; Florence's flow. Winter swells, braai culture.

How to Get There

Port Elizabeth (PLZ), 1-hour drive.

• Shuttle/Taxi: JBay Cabs (~$50 USD, 70 mins via N2).
• Bus: Greyhound ($20 USD, 1.5 hours).
• Drive: Rent (~$30/day); coastal bliss.

Accommodations

JBay center: Surf shacks galore.

• On the Beach Guesthouse: Oceanfront; $100 USD.
• Mandyville Hotel: Central; $80 USD. Pool.
• JBay Surf View: Apartments; $120 USD. Views.
• Zebra Lodge: B&B; $70 USD. Infinity pool.

Weather & What to Wear

Winter cool: 15-20°C (59-68°F) days, 10°C nights. Swells 6-10 ft.

• Layered: Hoodie over tee, beanie, boots.
• Event: Windproof shell.

What to Pack

For epic lines:

• Surf Fan Kit: Windbreaker ($30), thermos for coffee.
• Clothing: 3 warm layers, wool socks.
• Beach Basics: Booties (cold sand), biltong snacks.
• Misc: Binoculars for Tubes watch.Pro Tip: Pack a braai grid—beach BBQs rule.

Stop 7: Lexus Pipe Pro (Tahiti) – Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia (August 8–18)

Heaviest barrels; Olympic echoes. Remote, raw—Teahupo'o tests souls.

How to Get There

Papeete (PPT), 1.5-hour drive south.

• Bus: Orange-striped "Teahupo'o" le truck ($8 USD, 2 hours).
• Shuttle/Taxi: Vanira Lodge pickup (~$100 USD, 1 hour).
• Drive: Rent (~$50/day); winding RD 102.

Accommodations

Teahupo'o village: Lagoon lodges.

• Vanira Lodge: 180° views; $200-300 USD. Bungalows.
• Omati Lodge: Eco-basic; $150 USD. Pool.
• Teahupo'o Wave Lodge: Immersive; $180 USD. Surf packages.
• Airbnb Fare: $100 USD; local immersion.

Weather & What to Wear

Dry season: 25-30°C (77-86°F), trade winds. 6-10 ft monsters.

• Tropical: Boardshorts, tank, hat.
• Boat/Watch: Rash guard, booties for reef.

What to Pack

Barrel-chasing:

• Surf Fan Kit: GoPro ($300), helmet (rock falls).
• Clothing: 3 swimsuits, sarong.
• Beach Basics: Snorkel mask, reef-safe zinc.
• Misc: Tahitian phrasebook, portable cooler.Pro Tip: Pack anti-nausea for boat tours.

Stop 8: Trestles Pro – Lower Trestles, California, USA (September 11–21)

Technical righthanders; U.S. showcase. SoCal sun, progressive turns.

How to Get There

San Diego (SAN) or LAX (1-hour drive from SAN).

• Train/Shuttle: Amtrak from SAN ($10, 30 mins to San Clemente), then OCTA bus ($2).
• Uber: ~$50 from SAN, 45 mins via I-5.
• Drive: Rent (~$40/day); park $20 at Christianitos ($20/car).

Accommodations

San Clemente (5-min walk): Pier vibes.

• House of Trestles: Surf hostel; $100-150 USD. Murals, BBQs.
• San Clemente Inn: Beachfront; $200 USD. Pool.
• Nomads Hotel: Shuttle included; $120 USD.
• Airbnb Cottages: $150 USD; garden views.

Weather & What to Wear

Indian summer: 22-28°C (72-82°F), sunny. Low winds, 3-5 ft.

• Casual: Shorts/tees, sunnies.
• Evenings: Light hoodie.

What to Pack

Progressive prep:

• Surf Fan Kit: Sketchpad (wave inspo), event poster.
• Clothing: 4 casual layers, chacos.
• Beach Basics: Hydration vest, taco kit.
• Misc: Yoga mat (post-heat stretch).Pro Tip: Pack a picnic—San C's markets slay.

Stop 9: Quiksilver Pro France – Peniche, Portugal (October 2–12)

Supertubos' moods; European flair. Autumn swells, fortress views.

How to Get There

Lisbon (LIS), 1-hour drive.

• Bus: FlixBus direct ($10 EUR, 1.5 hours).
• Shuttle: Surf Taxi (~$50 EUR, 1 hour via A8).
• Drive: Rent (~$30/day); coastal cliffs.

Accommodations

Baleal/Peniche (5 mins): Surf mecca.

• Surfers Lodge: 4-star; $150-200 EUR. Jacuzzi.
• RIDE Surf Resort: Wellness vibe; $180 EUR. Spa.
• Peniche Surf Lodge: Family; $100 EUR. Lessons.
• Hostels like Baleal Spot: $40 EUR; party-ready.

Weather & What to Wear

Fall transition: 15-20°C (59-68°F), rainy spells. 4-7 ft.

• Layered: 3/2 wetsuit inspo—hoodie, rain shell.
• Event: Boots for mud.

What to Pack

Tube-hunting:

• Surf Fan Kit: Wind gauge app, pastéis de nata thermos.
• Clothing: 3 waterproof layers, wellies.
• Beach Basics: Quick-dry towel, thermal flask.
• Misc: EU adapter, port wine sampler.Pro Tip: Pack a kite—off-days wind fun.

Stop 10: Haleiwa Pro – Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA (November 6–16)

Postseason filter; long walls. North Shore ramps up—aloha intensity.

How to Get There

Honolulu (HNL), 45-min drive.

• Shuttle: North Shore Shuttle ($40 USD, 1 hour via H2).
• Bus: TheBus 19 ($3, 1.5 hours).
• Uber: ~$60 USD; traffic peaks.

Accommodations

Haleiwa Town: Food truck heaven.

• Ke Iki Beach Bungalows: Oceanfront; $250 USD.
• Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay: Luxe; $400 USD. Spa.
• Backpackers Inn: $80 USD; social.
• Airbnb Cottages: $150 USD; shave ice views.

Weather & What to Wear

Trade winds: 24-28°C (75-82°F), showers. 4-6 ft.

• Aloha Casual: Shorts/tees, rain jacket.
• Event: Poncho for sprays.

What to Pack

North Shore starter:

• Surf Fan Kit: Lei (greet pros), shave ice voucher.
• Clothing: 4 quick-dry sets, umbrella.
• Beach Basics: Cooler for poke, reef-safe SPF.
• Misc: Ukulele tuner (beach jams).Pro Tip: Pack garlic shrimp—truck essential.

Stop 11: Sunset Pro – Sunset Beach, Hawaii, USA (November 20–30)

Peaky power; seeding stakes rise. Crowds build—electric air.

How to Get There

HNL, 50-min drive.

• Shuttle: Wildlife Hawaii ($40 USD, 1 hour).
• Bus: TheBus 52 ($3, 2 hours).
• Uber: ~$70 USD.

Accommodations

Pupukea (beachfront): Raw North Shore.

• Kalani Private Lodging: Villas; $200 USD.
• Ritz Turtle Bay: Resort; $350 USD.
• Sunset Beach Retreat (Vrbo): House; $250 USD.
• Airbnb Bungalows: $150 USD; wave crash.

Weather & What to Wear

Late fall: 25-29°C (77-84°F), windy. 5-8 ft peaks.

• Layer Light: Tee/shorts, windbreaker.
• Event: Hat for gusts.

What to Pack

Peak prep:

• Surf Fan Kit: Windproof binoculars.
• Clothing: 4 outfits, light fleece.
• Beach Basics: Extra towel (wipeouts), acai powder.
• Misc: Surf mags for downtime.Pro Tip: Pack patience—traffic's legendary.

Stop 12: Pipe Masters – Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, USA (December 8–20)

Finale frenzy: 15K points, full field. JJF vs. Medina? History awaits.

How to Get There

HNL, 40-min drive.

• Shuttle: North Shore Shuttle ($40 USD, 45 mins).
• Bus: TheBus 19 ($3, 1 hour).
• Uber: ~$50 USD; surge during calls.

Accommodations

Ehukai Beach (Pipeline front): Premium, pricey.

• Blue Wave House: Beachfront mansion; $1,500/night (groups).
• Banzai Pipeline Cottages (Airbnb): $300 USD; views.
• Pipeline Shores Villa: Sleeps 21; $800 USD.
• Kalani Lodging: $200 USD; 5 mins away.

Weather & What to Wear

Winter swell season: 24-28°C (75-82°F), rainy bursts. 8-15 ft bombs.

• Tropical Layer: Rashie/shorts, poncho.
• Finale: Warm layers for night ceremonies.

What to Pack

Championship closer:

• Surf Fan Kit: Coronation lei, victory sign props.
• Clothing: 5 quick-dry, rain shell.
• Beach Basics: Insulated mug (hot cocoa post-tube), earplugs (crowd roar).
• Misc: Journal for legacies witnessed.Pro Tip: Pack tissues—emotions run high.

There you have it: Your blueprint to 2026's tour.