Quiksilver & ROXY Junior Pro

Axel Dominguez (FRA) and Lua Escudeiro (POR) won the World Surf League (WSL) Europe Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) Stop No. 3, the Quiksilver & ROXY Junior Pro Capbreton in contestable and fun conditions at Santocha Beach. Capbreton dished out a few surprising results, rattling the rankings, with favourites and top seeds eliminated early in the competition, and a few underdogs making a statement with their impressive performances.

Axel Dominguez Wins Debut Junior Title At Home

After a third place finish in Capbreton last year, 18-year-old Axel Dominguez (FRA) from Seignosse was seeking redemption and finally earned the top spot on the podium. Leaving his best performance for last, in the only heat that really matters, Dominguez earned his first-ever JQS win. A career-best performance, Dominguez entered Capbreton at 26th on the rankings, and jumped up to 7th with this win.

“It’s been a long journey since that Final last year where I got an interference,” said Dominguez. “This year has been tough for me with two bad results, but this week I was feeling really good. Winning at home is unbelievable. I can’t believe I just won a pro junior! I’m stoked that I have a shot at the top rankings on the juniors.”

Dominguez opened the score board in the final with a 7.00 (out of a possible 10), and it was game on. The rest of the field tried to respond, but then Dominguez knocked out the best wave of the heat for a 7.27. His total of 14.27 (out of a possible 20) was one of the best of the day. A standout performer this weekend, Leonardo Apreda (ITA) fought back hard to get into the second spot, earning the runner-up spot while edging out Martim Fortes (POR) and Jaime Veselko (POR).

Lua Escudeiro Wins First-Ever Junior Title

The women’s Final was an exciting matchup, featuring top ranked Ibone Gomez (ESP), Sol Borelli (ESP), Tiara van der Huls (NLD) and Lua Escudeiro (POR) and it was anyone’s game for the taking. Van Der Huls got a quick start, but Escudeiro burst out the gates with a solid 5.67 to take the lead, and quickly backed it up with another good wave. Van Der Huls tried to catch up, improving her scores, but Escudeiro responded with a 5.33, taking back the lead. She held on for the win, marking the 18-year-old from Ericeira’s first-ever JQS title.

“The first win is going to stay with me forever,” said Escudeiro. “I’m really happy to take this win. It’s been an amazing two weeks, we’ve been in Ferrol, and now here, and next up we’re going to Lacanau. It’s been tough, but really good.”

Coming into this event, Gomez was in the top spot on the rankings, with Borelli in second. With a win in Ferrol and a runner-up in Capbreton, Van Der Huls took over the top spot and Escudeiro moved up from 11th to 4th.

Defending event winner Carla Morera De La Vall (ESP) suffered a difficult loss in the Semifinals at the hands of Van Der Huls and Escudeiro, and she slipped down the rankings to 5th.

Leonardo Apreda (ITA) and Martim Fortes (POR) also dealt a blow to rankings leader Hans Odriozola (DEU), eliminating him and Michelle Scoppa (ITA) in the first men’s Semifinal. Odriozola still holds the lead, but Apreda moved up to 4th.

The fourth and final stop on the European Junior Tour will be the Junior Pro Taghazout Bay in November.

The Quiksilver & ROXY Junior Pro Capbreton ran from July 3-5, 2026 at Santocha Beach, Capbreton.

The Quiksilver & ROXY Junior Pro are made possible with the support of the city of Capbreton, Landes, MACS, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Quiksilver, ROXY, MC Box Events, Ocean 52, Save La Mermaid, Belambra Clubs, Europe 2, Santocha Surf Club and Surfing France.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Gifts From The Blue – Living, Surfing, Fishing

In her latest film, Gifts from the Blue ~ Blessings from Our Mother, Tahlija Redgard reflects on the life she has created and celebrates the people who have walked that path alongside her.

The birds are playing in the trees, celebrating the grace and joy of a new day, the happiness of a fresh beginning. The morning has begun for them too. Needing to eat and feast, they will most likely find just enough to get by for the day. Some days will be plentiful, others more barren — the balance of this ecosystem we’re all living in, so fragile yet so abundant. I’m thinking about how lucky we all are to call this place home.

I’ve always been big on swapping food. As a little girl of six, Dad would get me to ride my bike around the neighbourhood delivering fish. But the one memory that has always stayed with me was our beautiful neighbour. She was in her late seventies and would always swap me a cuppa and as many biscuits as I could eat. We’d sit together, dunk our biccies, and talk about our day. Today, I swap fish with my close friends and people who are truly grateful. We trade fish for fruit, veggies, honey and nuts, or even for someone’s time and help. It makes my heart sing. To give is the most rewarding feeling of all, especially when nature gifts it to us so freely.

This is a short film about love, gratitude and the abundance that surrounds us every day in our beautiful home country.

This film captures the love of my own beautiful mumma, who gifted me this life. The title, Gifts from the Blue ~ Blessings from Our Mother, reflects the deep love I have for my birth mother, as well as the profound love I share with our Mother Ocean, and how truly precious this time is that we all get to call our own.
My dearest friend, Anna, is one of my greatest inspirations, both in and out of the ocean. She is a true waterwoman, sailor, adventurer, activist, and, most of all, one of the most beautiful women and mothers I’ve ever been blessed to know. We’ve shared years of love, laughter and life in and out of the ocean, learning from one another and gathering life’s lessons together.

Anna has passed down her knowledge to her beautiful little tribe, Zephyr and Chilli — the true essence of what it means to be free. They both carry such deep awareness and wisdom of their own, treading softly on our beautiful home planet.

We head down the road with friend and shaper Chris Garrett, sharing a glimpse into our journey on a board I pulled from the roof of his shed that he shaped and crafted some 15 years ago. It seemed the board still had a few more years left in her, and she found a new home in my truck and on the road. Together, we shared a new chapter after she had spent all those years covered in dust.

A short film. A glimpse into my story, and the people and places I call home.

Created ~ Edited ~ Produced ~ by Tahlija Redgard

featuring ~ Anna Taylor – Zephyr – Chilli
featuring ~ Bryce Young
featuring ~ Bernadette Hazzard
featuring ~ Chris Garrett – Jane Garrett – Sally Garrett
featuring ~ J.M.

Emily Currie: Runner-Up in Pantin

Emily Currie, GADIS Longboard Pro Ferrol — Photo: WSL

Emily Currie: Runner-Up at the GADIS Longboard Pro, Ferrol

GADIS Longboard Pro Ferrol, Spain, Pantin. Emily Currie came runner-up. Words by Joel Gray & Emily Currie.

Emily Currie just put in the result of her career so far, finishing runner-up at the GADIS Longboard Pro in Pantin. The event had everyone waiting around for swell that barely showed, then crammed an entire competition into a couple of frantic days once it did. Emily came through it with her strongest WSL LQS finish to date, climbing from fifth in the rankings going in to second by the time the contest wrapped up.

We caught up with Emily to talk through how the event unfolded, what she took from a tough first year on the World Tour, and what's next for her this season.

Well done on another massive result in Pantin. Looks like the event punched through a lot of competition in a tight window with conditions. Can you give us a run down of the event from your perspective?

EC: Thanks! I am so stoked with the result. There was a lot of waiting around, followed by a lot rammed into a couple of days. It was all or nothing vibes, but it was the right decision without a doubt.

The waves during the competition window were variable and unfortunately it ended up being really quite small. Wednesday and most of Thursday it was pretty much flat. They put it on hold and did a call nearly every hour throughout the day on Thursday, and fortunately a little swell came in that evening. The event started at 6pm and my first heat was past 8pm, the latest I've ever had a heat.

Thankfully Friday was pumping, and they prioritised the longboard event because of the implications for World Tour qualification, so they ran it through to a finish on the Friday morning.

What does this result mean for end of year tour rankings and qualifying for main tour again?

EC: Coming into this event I was sitting fifth, and with this result I climbed numerous places to finish second overall. I am truly stoked about that, it's my best career finish on the WSL LQS. Unfortunately I haven't qualified for the WLT this time around, as only one person qualifies from each region.

When I qualified for the WLT in 2024, I finished third on the European rankings. The two women above me had already requalified via the main tour, so the Euro qualification spot went to me. This time around, Ginger, who won the European Tour, clinched the qualification spot.

"It just means I'll have to work even harder for it next year."

Did you take away any big lessons from this event?

EC: Only positive ones. I am proud of my performance in this event, it kind of felt like everything came together. My performance built every round. In the quarter final I had a combined heat total of 11.23, the semi was 12.50 and the final was 13.36, which was reflective of how I felt. I felt like I got stronger each round.

I posted several seven-point rides throughout the competition, and in the semi-final and final I didn't score less than a 4.10 for any wave that I took. These are all areas of my surfing that I've been working on: consistency, confidence, and being intentional with the waves I take.

Longboard podium, GADIS Longboard Pro Ferrol — Photo: WSL

What were your big takeaways from your year on the World Tour?

EC: I don't think I was prepared for the step up that it was, and that really took me by surprise. I remember the goal being qualification, and then it all happened so fast. I qualified in Spain, only had three weeks to get myself home, packed and to Australia for the start of the tour, which was quickly followed by the second event in California. It was very fast paced, and I don't think I was quite ready for it.

From qualifying to the last event on tour, there didn't feel like any decompression time, it was just go go go. Since then I went away, worked hard and have improved a lot. I now know what to expect and I feel ready to have a second shot at it.

What was the British presence like down there in Spain? Who's been in your support crew?

EC: So sick! My support crew is my main gal Beth Leighfield, and our token Brit pal Lucy Small, who's actually an Aussie living in France. We group together, travel and stay together during these events, which is always super fun and good vibes. It was extra special having all the juniors and their parents there too for the JQS, one of which being Ben Skinner, who's played a massive part in my surfing journey. It was super cool to share the second place podium with him, although we'd both have loved to share the first place podium instead.

Emily Currie — Photo: WSL

What's up next on your competitive calendar?

EC: Heading back to Spain for the first event of the ESF European Longboard Tour in Salinas, followed by one of my favourite events of the year, Boardmasters. Then I've got quite a hectic autumn calendar of competitions all over the place, which I'm really excited about.

You've been getting into some coaching this year again. Sounds super exciting, how can people get involved?

EC: Myself, Beth and Sophie Williamson have founded Zest. We are focusing on performance longboard coaching, something that's been widely missed for the longboard community. It's founded on the support and coaching we wish had been available to us. We pride ourselves in offering coaching for anyone of any ability, whether you're at the start of your longboarding journey or you're a seasoned pro.

If anyone wants to get involved, we'd love to hear from you. DM us on Instagram @zestsurf or email [email protected].

Emily Currie — Photo: WSL

Anything else you want to add?

EC: A little sponsorship plug if you don't mind. I've got a sponsorship opening available, so if anyone or any companies would be interested in partnering, please get in touch. Support and sponsorship are so crucial in this industry and it's becoming harder.

"I'd love to keep the dream alive for a bit longer."

WSL on Cloud 9

The World Surf League (WSL) announced the addition of Cloud 9, Siargao, Philippines, to the 2026 Championship Tour (CT) from October 31 to November 10. The Philippines Pro Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission has been upgraded from a QS 6,000 International to a CT stop for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The WSL has added an additional location to the CT schedule for 2026 to ensure a minimum of 12 events can be delivered this season should the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro be unable to run as scheduled. This new event ensures that the WSL can protect the integrity of the new CT format and calendar.

“We’re excited to welcome the Philippines to the Tour thanks to the support of the Philippines Government,” said WSL CEO, Ryan Crosby. “Elevating Cloud 9 to CT status reflects both the quality of the wave and the strength of our partnership. It’s a deserving addition to the schedule that will challenge the world’s best surfers as the World Title race enters its final stages.”

Cloud 9 delivers a perfect right-hand tube offering CT surfers one of the best barrels in the world. Local wildcards will be awarded to the man and woman who win the exclusive Philippines Pro CT Trials event to be staged at Cloud 9 prior to the CT event.

  “Going to a new location is always exciting,” said Leonardo Fioravanti, current Men's CT World No. 1. “I've seen some footage of Cloud 9, and it looks like a really fun slab barrel into a big air. I am really excited being a regular footer and getting barreled on my forehand, which kind of only happens when we go to Pipe surfing Backdoor, so I think it's gonna be super super exciting.”
  

The Philippines has a strong track record of hosting elite professional surfing competitions. The Siargao International Surfing Cup, first staged in 1996, is the longest-running international surfing event in the Philippines and has featured on the WSL Qualifying Series since 2014. Alongside the CT event, the WSL is excited to announce a World Longboard Tour event in January 2027 at La Union, Philippines, cementing the Philippines as a global destination for all surfers.

Updated calendar for the remainder of the 2026 WSL Championship Tour:

Stop No. 7 - Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia: August 8 - 18
Stop No. 8 - Cloudbreak, Fiji: August 25 - September 4
Stop No. 9 - Lower Trestles, San Clemente, Calif., USA: September 11 - 20
Stop No. 10 - Peniche, Portugal: October 16 - 25
Stop No. 11 - Cloud 9, Siargao Island, Philippines: October 31 - November 10 *
Stop No. 12 - Surf Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE: November 25 - 29 *
Stop No. 13 - Banzai Pipeline, Hawaiʻi, USA: December 8 - 20 **

Events feature a reduced postseason field *

Full CT field rejoins to compete for qualification and Pipe Masters title **

Make A Wave Returns After Raising Over $1 Million

SurfAid and Rip Curl are excited to announce the launch of the sixth annual Make A Wave challenge. Surfers worldwide are encouraged to surf every day in September to raise funds for SurfAid’s vital programs, improving access to healthcare, clean water, and food security in remote surf communities.

Since its inception in 2021, Make A Wave has united surfers from 28 countries, raising over $3.6 million for SurfAid — including a record-breaking $1.1 million raised last year alone. This remarkable effort has allowed SurfAid to positively impact tens of thousands of people in remote surf communities such as in Rote and the Mentawai islands, where access to basic services is limited.

Rip Curl continues to be a driving force behind this initiative, championing the challenge with their commitment to exploring and protecting the remote surf locations cherished by surfers. Notable Rip Curl team athletes joining in this year include Owen Wright, Stephanie Gilmore and Erin Brooks.

Reflecting on his previous experience, Make A Wave Ambassador Owen Wright said: "Participating in the Make A Wave challenge was an incredible experience. Knowing that each wave I caught helped families gain access to the things we take for granted like clean water made every session even more meaningful. I can’t wait to do it again this September.”

Participants in the Make A Wave challenge will receive fundraising tips, coaching, and opportunities to share their daily surf adventures on social media with the hashtag #MakeAWave. By sharing their journeys, surfers will become part of a global community dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the places they love to surf.

Freely Travel Insurance has returned as a Community Partner and are bringing back their beloved Freely Legends Club. Make A Wave participants in Australia and the United States who fundraise $120 in their local currency will have their fundraising matched with another $120 donated to their page thanks to Freely’s partner the Z Zurich Foundation. Freely will also reward these surfers with an exclusive 2026 Make A Wave x Freely rashie.

SurfAid CEO Anna Bowden expressed her excitement about this year’s challenge: "The generosity surfers showed last year by raising over $1 million was extraordinary. It proves that this community doesn't just love the ocean and surfing, they love the people who call these remote coastlines home. That's the spirit we're taking into September, and we can't wait to see what we can achieve this year."

Surfers of all ages and skill levels are invited to join the Make A Wave challenge, whether individually or as part of a team with friends, family, schoolmates, colleagues or surf clubs. This year also sees a return of the Surf School Showdown and Boardriders Bash, with custom leaderboards for these teams to compete with one another. Participants will also have the chance to win prizes from top surf and adventure brands, including Rip Curl, Boost Mobile, YETI, Creatures of Leisure, Perfect Wave Travel, Firewire and URBNSURF.

Sign up now at makeawave.co and challenge yourself to surf every day in September. Together, we can create a wave of impact for families in the heartlands of surfing.

Click Here To Sign Up

Boardmasters 2026 Unveils Most Immersive Festival Experience Yet

Boardmasters today unveils a host of exciting new additions and upgrades for 2026, further cementing its position as one of the UK's most unique festivals, where music, surf, wellbeing and the Cornish coastline come together.

This year's festival has been carefully curated to deliver a richer and more immersive experience both on and off the stage. Alongside an unforgettable programme of music and surf, Boardmasters 2026 will introduce enhanced food experiences, expanded arts and wellness programming, creative workshops, upgraded camping options, new family-focused spaces and a significant elevation of its internationally recognised surf competition.

Rob Spring, Boardmasters Festival Director says: "Festivals mean different things to different people today. At Boardmasters, we've become increasingly focused on creating an experience that allows people to shape their time at the festival in their own way, whether that's through music, surfing, food, creativity, wellbeing or time spent with friends and family.

"Everything starts with Cornwall. The coastline, the ocean and the creative community have always shaped the festival, and we want people to leave feeling they've experienced something that could only happen here."

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A Celebration of Cornwall's Food Culture

Food continues to play an increasingly important role in the Boardmasters experience, with a continued focus on championing quality, local suppliers and destination dining experiences across the site.

Cliff Top will welcome an expanded collection of premium and local food traders, showcasing the very best flavours from Cornwall and beyond. For the first time, a dedicated campsite restaurant will also offer guests the opportunity to enjoy sit-down dining experiences, creating a new way to connect, relax and refuel during the festival.

Boardmasters also welcomes Dome - a brand-new food destination bringing together a curated collection of independent food brands to create vibrant, destination venues designed for discovery, socialising and exceptional eating experiences.

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Creativity, Culture and Connection

Building on its growing commitment to arts and culture, Boardmasters 2026 will feature an expanded programme designed to inspire creativity, participation and connection.

Boardmasters 2026 will offer an expanded programme of hands-on workshops and experiences for all ages, inspired by Cornwall's natural environment and creative community. Highlights include a Whales in Watercolour session led by local artist Holly from Wild and Wave, where participants will learn watercolour techniques while creating their own beautiful humpback whale artwork, alongside ocean-inspired Resin Art workshops where festival-goers can craft bespoke pieces inspired by Cornwall's coastline.

For the first time, Boardmasters will also introduce a dedicated Family Area - a welcoming space where families can spend time together, take part in creative activities and enjoy a relaxed festival experience. Designed for all generations, the new area will provide opportunities to create together, play together and make lasting memories throughout the weekend.

A Fresh New Look for a Festival Favourite

One of Boardmasters' most-loved venues, Keg and Pasty, has been reimagined for 2026. With a new home and a refreshed look within Cliff Top, the iconic venue returns with a packed programme of entertainment, including comedy, emerging artists and 80s karaoke.
A unique fixture of the festival experience, Keg and Pasty's much-loved Thursday takeover, Keg & Pastonbury, will once again bring a full evening of cover bands to kick-start the weekend, celebrating some of the biggest names in music and setting the tone for the days ahead

Reimagined Camping Experiences

Boardmasters 2026 introduces a range of upgrades across its camping offering, creating more choice and comfort than ever before. A new Premium Campsite Village brings together Pre-Pitched Camping and Boutique Camping into one dedicated area, creating a sanctuary for guests seeking an elevated festival stay. The village will feature access to wellness treatments, a restaurant and a lounge space designed for relaxation and downtime between sets.

Families will also benefit from the introduction of Chilled Family Camping, an exclusive camping area offering a peaceful environment where families can enjoy the festival together.

More Ways to Move, Recharge and Reset

Recognising that modern festival-goers are looking for both high-energy experiences and opportunities to recharge, Boardmasters has significantly expanded its wellness and sports offering for 2026.

New additions include movement classes, Box Fit sessions, saunas and ice baths, delivered in partnership with local South-West businesses. The enhanced programme is designed to help attendees balance moments of euphoria and hedonism with opportunities to reset and recharge throughout the festival.

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A Landmark Year for Surf

At the heart of Boardmasters remains the sport that inspired its creation more than four decades ago.
Boardmasters' world-renowned surf competition takes a significant step forward in 2026, with the event upgraded from a World Surf League QS2000 to a QS4000.

The upgrade doubles the ranking points available at Fistral Beach, making Boardmasters an even more important stop on the European qualifying circuit. The increased points offering is expected to attract stronger international fields while providing competitors, including local Lukas Skinner, with a more valuable result towards qualification for the Challenger Series.

The move reinforces Boardmasters' status as one of Europe's premier surf events and strengthens its commitment to supporting the next generation of surfing talent.

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More Than a Festival

While Boardmasters continues to welcome some of the world's biggest music artists to Cornwall each summer, the festival's vision extends far beyond the stages. By bringing together world-class surfing, music, food, art, wellness and community, Boardmasters continues to build an experience that reflects the unique culture, creativity and coastline of Cornwall. With new spaces to explore and more opportunities to connect, create and unwind, Boardmasters 2026 promises to be its most immersive edition yet.