11-time World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) will compete as a wildcard at the upcoming Outerknown Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA, Stop No. 7 of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). This year’s event will welcome the world’s best back to Teahupo’o, one of the world’s heaviest waves and hold a window from August 8 to 18, 2026.
Over three decades, surfing’s GOAT, Kelly Slater (USA), has dominated events all over the world, with Teahupo’o being one of his most iconic venues. Slater has claimed a record five event wins from seven Finals at the legendary wave and is still regarded as one of the best tube riders on the planet. He has delivered some of the most memorable performances in surfing history here, including two perfect heat totals (20) and an unforgettable 2014 semifinals against John John Florence (HAW), where both surfers posted 19.77 heat totals.
As the sustainable apparel brand he founded 11-years ago celebrates its anniversary by serving as the event’s title sponsor, the occasion will mark another meaningful chapter in Slater’s surfing career.
“I’m stoked to be in as a wildcard at Teahupo’o this year,” said Kelly Slater. “I’ve been recovering from hip surgery late last year and recently got back to surfing daily. I’m really looking forward to getting myself locked in before August comes around and hoping for great conditions in Tahiti to give us all a good challenge. No pressure for me coming into this one, but I also haven’t competed in quite a long time, so it’ll be fun to see how I go getting in the mix with everyone. If I can relax and just focus on what I know out there, I should have a good time.”
Eimeo Czermak and Kelia Gallina Win Tahiti Pro Trials at Teahupo’o For Spot in Main Event
Over the weekend, the Tahiti Trials were held at Teahupo’o, which saw over 36 of Tahiti’s best do battle for a spot in the main event. Teahupo’o turned on flawless conditions with super clean waves in the six-to-eight-foot-plus range for two days of competition, seeing epic performances from veterans and up-and-comers alike.
In the end, it was Kelia Gallina (PYF) who claimed a win in the women’s as well as Eimeo Czermak (PYF) in the men’s. For 13-year-old Gallina, it will be her second time competing as the local wildcard at her home event and with another year of honing her backside tube-riding skills at Teahupo’o, she’ll be one to watch when she takes on the world’s best this August.
"I'm so happy – I knew I could make it again this year,” Gallina said. “But nothing was certain; everyone is so good out there. I'm happy to join the CT again. Last year, at the main event, the waves were a bit too big for me, but I hope this year we'll get good waves again and I'm able to make a few heats."
Long considered one of the best of the young generation of Teahupo’o specialists, Eimeo Czermak (PYF) has been knocking on the door of a Trials win for the last few seasons and has finally broken through for a shot at the elite level. If the waves get into the eight-foot-plus range during this year's CT event, Czermak will be hard to stop when the world’s best come to compete at his home break.
“After the final, it was hard to wrap my head around the fact that I won,” Czermak said. “I've been wanting to join the CT event for a long time, since I was 19. I almost got in multiple times, and it's hard to be so close so many times and not make it, but I'm finally in and still can't believe it. I got hurt in the final and needed a few stitches and might have to check on my ankle, but all good, the event is in a month, and I'll be ready."
Outerknown Becomes Title Partner of Tahiti Event in 2026
The WSL announced Outerknown as Title Partner and Official Merchandise Partner for the 2026 Outerknown Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA. Outerknown will produce the official apparel and event merchandise, which will include tees made from Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC®) cotton.
“Tahiti has been a place of deep inspiration and respect for Kelly, our team, and the surf community for decades,” said Dylan Slater, Outerknown CEO. “The people, the environment, the culture, and its unparalleled surf have built friendships, inspired product, and forged an enduring brand connection. So, it’s an absolute honor for Outerknown to partner with this iconic event. And to have our co-founder and 5x Tahiti Pro Champion, Kelly Slater, return to Teahupo’o as a wildcard and as we go into our 11th year in business, this moment feels even more special. We’re proud to partner with the WSL to bring the world’s best surfers to the world’s most exciting wave.”
Outerknown has previously partnered with the WSL for iconic events, including the Fiji Pro (2017-2019), Tahiti Pro (2022-2024), and Trestles Pro (2025). Outerknown creates premium products that deliver dependable performance in the world's most demanding conditions, including Kelly Slater’s signature Apex Evolution Trunks, made with NetPlus® recycled nylon fabric, crafted from reclaimed fishing nets, hooded shirts and rashguards, swimsuits, and versatile layers. Every piece is built with craftsmanship and lasting quality using materials like ROC and organic cotton, and recycled materials whenever possible.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
