WSL Swaps J-Bay for Raglan on Championship Tour
Per an announcement on Sunday, January 25th, the World Surf League revealed a venue swap, in addition to a reconfigured schedule, for the 2026 Championship Tour.
www.yardbarker.comHere’s the latest I can share about WSL Raglan based on recent reports:
- Raglan, New Zealand, has been confirmed as a stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour for 2026, with the New Zealand Pro running May 15–25. This marks Raglan as the fourth event on the tour for the year.
- The event centers on Manu Bay, Raglan’s renowned left-hand point break, and will feature top male and female surfers competing for world title points and broadcast to a global audience.
- The WSL venue swap from Jeffreys Bay to Raglan is part of a revised 2026 schedule, with other regional events adjusted to accommodate the NZ Pro.
- Local and national authorities frame Raglan as a major tourism boost and a highlight for surfing in New Zealand, underscoring Raglan’s status as an international surf destination.
If you’d like, I can pull a concise timeline of key announcements and official statements from the Beehive New Zealand site, Waikato District Council, and NZ News outlets, and summarize it in a clean, shareable timeline. I can also provide a quick map-based guide to Raglan’s best viewing spots and nearby accommodations for spectators.