The World Surf League (WSL) has just unveiled its thrilling schedule for the 2025 Championship Tour (CT), and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable season for surf enthusiasts!
This year’s calendar not only showcases a mix of iconic locations but also welcomes new venues that promise to elevate the competition to new heights.
A Packed Calendar with Global Stops
In total, the 2025 CT will feature 11 regular-season events, combining both men’s and women’s competitions.
Notable additions to the schedule include Abu Dhabi, marking its debut in the surfing world, alongside the much-anticipated returns of Snapper Rocks, Lower Trestles, and Jeffreys Bay.
This diverse itinerary allows fans to experience a blend of surfing cultures across nine different countries.
The tour kicks off at the legendary Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, known as the heart and soul of surfing.
From there, competitors will traverse the globe, culminating in the prestigious WSL Finals.
The mid-season cut is strategically placed after the Western Australia events, ensuring a competitive edge as surfers vie for a spot among the Final 5.
A New Home for the WSL Finals
One of the most exciting changes in 2025 is the relocation of the WSL Finals to the breathtaking Cloudbreak in Fiji.
This iconic reef break, renowned for its powerful left-hand waves, will host a one-day, winner-take-all showdown to crown the World Champions.
The shift marks the first change in venue for the finals since its inception in 2021, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the competition.
Return of Iconic Surfing Spots
Several beloved surf locations are making a comeback in the Championship Tour.
Snapper Rocks, famous for its long right-hand point break, returns after a five-year absence, and it will once again be part of a three-stop Australian leg that includes the historic Bells Beach and the rugged waves of Margaret River.
Lower Trestles, considered one of the premier high-performance waves globally, reappears in the lineup after last being featured as a regular-season event in 2017.
This venue has a rich history of producing remarkable performances, including World Title-winning moments from surf legends like Caitlin Simmers and John John Florence.
Jeffreys Bay, known for its stunning point breaks, is also making a triumphant return.
After a year off to accommodate the Olympics, this South African gem is ready to deliver world-class waves once again.
A Fresh Start in El Salvador and the UAE
The schedule introduces exciting changes, including the El Salvador event, which is now slated for an earlier date.
This shift aims to capture more consistent swells, increasing the likelihood of witnessing the renowned barrels that Punta Roca is famous for.
For the first time, Abu Dhabi will join the CT calendar, offering surfers the chance to ride the world’s largest and longest human-made wave.
Located on Hudayriat Island, this venue is equipped with cutting-edge technology from the Kelly Slater Wave Company, promising an extraordinary experience.
The 2025 Championship Tour Lineup
Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 WSL Championship Tour schedule:
- Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii, USA: January 27 – February 8
- Surf Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE: February 14 – 16
- Peniche, Portugal: March 15 – 25
- Punta Roca, El Salvador: April 2 – 12
- Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia: April 18 – 28
- Snapper Rocks, Queensland, Australia: May 3 – 13
- Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: May 17 – 27
- Mid-Season Cut
- Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California, USA: June 9 – 17
- Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: June 21 – 29
- Jeffreys Bay, South Africa: July 11 – 20
- Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia: August 7 – 16
- WSL Finals – Cloudbreak, Fiji: August 27 – September 4
This lineup promises a thrilling year of competitive surfing, with each location offering unique challenges and experiences.
As Ryan Crosby, the WSL CEO, notes, this schedule is designed to provide more events and a variety of surf conditions, ensuring an exhilarating season for both competitors and fans alike.
So, mark your calendars for January 2025—surf’s up!