Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Ethan Ewing (AUS) won the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, Stop No. 3 of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). An incredible run of firing conditions lit up the Gold Coast’s premier point of Snapper Rocks for four days straight, seeing the world’s best surfers return to competition at the Superbank for the first time since 2018. Connor O’Leary (JPN) and Luana Silva (BRA) placed runners-up, with Silva moving to the top of the rankings for the first time in her career to secure a win in the second annual GWM Aussie Treble alongside men’s World No. 1 Gabriel Medina (BRA).

Gilmore Extends Legacy With Seventh Gold Coast Pro Title and 34th CT Win

Nine years since she last claimed victory at her home break, and 21 years since she skipped school to claim her first-ever CT win as a 17-year-old Wildcard at Snapper Rocks, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) has extended her own records with a 34th CT event win and seventh Gold Coast Pro title. Appearing in her first Final since winning her eighth World Title in 2022, her 51st overall, the 38-year-old showed exactly why she is considered the Queen of Snapper and the greatest of all time. Starting her run through the event with a generational victory over Erin Brooks (CAN), who defeated her in last year’s Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, Gilmore next took out the defending event winner, Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW), before a big win over 2024 World Champion Caity Simmers (USA) in the Quarterfinals, event standout Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) in the Semifinals, and finally the new World No. 1, Luana Silva (BRA), in the Final.

"This has been the best weekend of surfing, the waves have been pumping, Snapper’s delivered the absolute perfect goods for us," Gilmore said. "I didn’t think I would be able to win an event this year. I cannot believe I won this event. The level of the women surfing has excelled at an incredible rate. I watched every event from a distance the last few years, and I always had those thoughts like, ‘Oh, I don’t know if I can do it anymore.’ But if it was ever going to happen, it was here at Snapper Rocks. It’s my favorite wave in the world and I just have so much fun out there. It’s such a joy to compete here, and I think when you’re in that space of having fun, things just kind of fall your way. This is what I wanted. I wanted to push myself. Those two first events where I lost first round, I was thinking, you’ve got to lose the ego. When you’re in the heart of your peak of your winnings, like earlier on in my career, you feel invincible. You have to detach from that person or whatever that was and be like, ok, I’m something new, I’m something different, I’ve learned a lot, I’ve changed a bit, and just accept what it is and approach things with a fresh mind. At the end of the day, it’s enjoying the process, whatever it may be. And this whole week has been just so much fun."

"This is crazy, but I feel like I just got better and better every heat, and then I finally pieced it together in the Final," Gilmore continued. "I feel there’s more in the tank, but it’s funny, I paddle out in Finals and I just switch in. I have so much clarity out there and it’s just great, so much fun. Looking back at the beach, that was just the most unbelievable scene. Congrats to Luana [Silva]. She’s just becoming a better competitor and a better surfer every single time she goes out there."

Silva Moves to World No. 1, Claims GWM Aussie Treble Victory

Following a breakout season in 2025, Luana Silva (BRA) is moving from strength-to-strength in 2026, now claiming the Yellow Leaders Jersey for the first time in her career to win the GWM Aussie Treble. The 21-year-old has appeared in the Finals Day of every event so far this season, including back-to-back Finals, having also placed runner-up in the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. Silva began Finals Day by posting the first excellent heat total of her career to defeat the woman who beat her in W.A., Lakey Peterson (USA), before taking out a tight battle with Sawyer Lindblad (USA) in the Semifinals.

"It's incredible [to share the lineup with Stephanie Gilmore]," Silva said. "I have no other words to say. She's been my inspiration since I was like seven, eight years old, and I've been drawing inspiration from her ever since. I've only ever dreamed to share a Final with her at Snapper. Someone asked me the other day as well, 'Who would you wish to share a Final at Snapper?' I said, 'Steph Gimore, obviously.' It's insane, I'm living a dream come true. I really wish I could have come out on top, but it couldn't have happened any better. If you would have told me a year ago or even at the start of the year that I'd be in number one, it's insane. And to make two Finals, I wouldn't have ever believed you. I'm really happy."

Ewing Joins Iconic Australian Winners and Reignites Title Charge With Third CT Victory

The tenth Australian man to win the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, Ethan Ewing (AUS), joins a long list of iconic names, including the local World Champions Mick Fanning (AUS) and Joel Parkinson (AUS). Competing at Snapper Rocks for the first time since his Rookie performance in 2017 that saw him post a 9.10 on his first-ever wave surfed on the CT, Ewing revelled in the opportunity to return to the perfection of the sand-bottom point. Ewing’s third CT victory added to his history of incredible performances on the world’s best right points, having claimed his previous two wins at Jeffrey’s Bay (2022) and Bells Beach (2023). The 27-year-old from Queensland’s North Stradbroke Island turned a rough start to the season around, rising straight into the Top 5 to now sit at World No. 4. A runner-up to the World Title in 2023, Ewing is hoping today’s result will provide the momentum required to stay present in the highly competitive 2026 Title race.

Ewing hit his peak during the Semifinals in a relentless battle with fellow Queenslander, Liam O’Brien (AUS), that saw escalating scores from the pair, before facing yet another surfer who has refined his style on the local point breaks, Connor O’Leary (JPN), in the Final. O’Leary gained a slight edge in the opening exchange, but Ewing was just getting started. An excellent 8.33 soon followed as Ewing tapped into his seamless flow to showcase his full repertoire down a long Snapper wall. The unstoppable backhand of O’Leary hit back with a 7.67, but across multiple further attempts was unable to match the searing pace of North Stradbroke’s finest.

"I started alright, and then I was so stressed out,” Ewing continued. “Connor [O'Leary's] been on fire, the scariest freaking backhand. He beat me last year and J-Bay when he won. He's a good mate of mine, he's a tough competitor, so it feels good to get over him. I grew up on these sorts of waves, and just had a crazy good week. Just with all my mates down here, my dad's down here, it's just been so much fun. It's the dream week, like straight into it, pumping waves every day. All the support's been unreal. I appreciate it so much, it's been crazy.”

O’Leary Overcomes Toledo on Route to Runner-Up Finish at Snapper Rocks

Connor O’Leary (JPN) further cemented his reputation as one of the Tour’s best goofy-footers, backing up his 2025 win at Jeffrey’s Bay with a runner-up finish at Snapper Rocks. In the same fashion as his J-Bay win, O’Leary had to overcome an on-fire two-time event winner in Filipe Toledo (BRA) in order to progress into the Final. The 32-year-old Cronulla-born, Lennox Head resident posted the two highest men’s heat totals of the day, both excellent, with a 16.97 total getting him past the Brazilian World Champion and 16.44 taking him to his first defeat of sparring partner Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) in the Quarterfinals.

"To represent the goofs and the goofy tribe as best as I can is a big goal of mine, especially surfing a right point," O'Leary said. "I was stoked with how I showed up today. This crowd was unbelievable, thanks so much. You guys are the ones that were firing me up and pushed me to perform my best today. All gas, no brakes for the rest of the year."

Breakout Week for Erostarbe Ends in Semifinals Against Gilmore

A breakout run for 2026 CT Rookie Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) was put to an end in the Semifinals by Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), but not before the 25-year-old put her name firmly on the map. The only non-CT surfer to make the Quarterfinals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games proved her status on Tour at Snapper Rocks, taking down 2023 World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Caroline Marks (USA) and World No. 1 Gabriela Bryan (HAW), along with Alyssa Spencer (USA), on her way to the Semifinals. Erostarbe earned excellent scores in every heat surfed, including the highest number of her matchup with the GOAT, an 8.50. After struggling to make heats as the WSL Replacement Surfer in 2025, Erostarbe now sits comfortably in the Top 10 on the rankings, with a newfound confidence propelling Spain’s first woman on Tour into the rest of the season.

Silva and Medina Claim World No. 1, Claim Second Annual GWM Aussie Treble

Following an incredible run through the first three events of the season, Luana Silva (BRA) and Gabriel Medina (BRA) took out the second annual GWM Aussie Treble to both win themselves a GWM Tank 300. In the process, the Brazilian duo secured the top positions on the rankings at World No. 1 headed into Stop No. 4, the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro Presented by Bonsoy.

"I'm just really happy to start the year like this, putting up good results and just to be back, really," Medina said. "I was not expecting to get a car here and lead the rankings, but I'll take it. I want to thank all the fans that came to support us, you guys are amazing, thank you so much. I love watching surfing. Today was really fun to watch, I'm just loving watching all these guys ripping, it motivates me so much. I want to do even better. I'm looking forward to New Zealand, it's going to be a fun one."

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Women’s Final Results
1. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 17.33
2. Luana Silva (BRA) 14.07

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Men’s Final Results
1. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 14.56
2. Connor O'Leary (JPN) 14.17

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Women’s Semifinal Results
HEAT 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.00 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) 14.23
HEAT 2: Luana Silva (BRA) 13.67 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 12.73

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Men’s Semifinal Results
HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 16.33 DEF. Liam O'Brien (AUS) 15.30
HEAT 2: Connor O'Leary (JPN) 16.97 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.77

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Women’s Quarterfinal Results
HEAT 1: Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) 15.67 DEF. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 14.33
HEAT 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14.73 DEF. Caitlin Simmers (USA) 10.83
HEAT 3: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 14.76 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 12.50
HEAT 4: Luana Silva (BRA) 16.00 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 10.00

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Men’s Quarterfinal Results
HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 14.50 DEF. Kauli Vaast (FRA) 6.50
HEAT 2: Liam O'Brien (AUS) 15.00 DEF. Mateus Herdy (BRA) 8.67
HEAT 3: Connor O'Leary (JPN) 16.44 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 16.03
HEAT 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.77 DEF. Samuel Pupo (BRA) 12.57

The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM was held at Snapper Rocks from May 1 - 11, 2026

Watch six surfers at the forefront of a new generation – Caroline Marks, Molly Picklum, Sierra Kerr, Erin Brooks, Sky Brown, and Caity Simmers – join together to step forward and forge the future of the sport. Filmed across Mexico, Indonesia, Australia, Fiji, Tahiti, South Africa, California, Hawaii, and El Salvador, Now Days captures how camaraderie and rivalry coexist as they surf side by side, raising the level together at the highest tier of the sport.

Scotland sets the tone for the first run of Regional Reporters dispatches.

This is exactly what the project is built for - real insight from within the scene. What follows is a snapshot of the past six weeks on the north and east coasts: the run of swell that lit up the reefs, the travelling talent passing through, the next generation stepping up, and a national championships that underlined just how competitive and close-knit the Scottish scene has become. Phoebe Strachan reports from the ground.

March was kind to the north coast — delivering a good run of swell and some lovely weather. All-round shredder and top human Finn Macdonald spent most of his time in the barrel, avoiding household chores. Mason Ho and his pal Sheldon dropped by for some dry reef action and to spread the aloha vibe. Scottish big wave surfer and all-round nice guy Ben Larg also made an appearance, with Clement Roseyro in tow — there was no shortage of talent this month.

The standout performance had to go to Sandy Kerr, threading a tricky, unruly beast of a barrel, as wide as it was tall — cold water Pipe comes to mind. Stay tuned for footage of that… unbelievable.

The small groms have been ripping it up at Sh*tpipe, and Thurso east, pushing themselves in some bigger conditions. Meri Clarke, who just turned 11, has spent most of her Easter holidays out at Thurso East following in her father Chris’s footsteps. Taking off on a few solid ones and enjoying a few beatings - one to watch for sure.

The east coast hasn’t been as fortunate with waves, but the groms have been taking full advantage of anything that does come through, as well as making good use of the superb facility that is Lost Shore in Edinburgh. If you haven’t been, do — it’s great fun!

As the clocks sprang forward, the Scottish National Surf Championships were just around the corner. The level of surfing improves every year, and the titles are always hotly contested—the old guard battling to keep the hungry youngsters at bay. It was a mixed weekend for weather and waves: a less-than-glamorous first day, followed by a pumping finals day under blue skies. Craig McLachlan took the win in the men fresh off a couple months in Australia. Boydie who was on crutches just a couple days before came 2nd putting on a good show. In the masters Scratch took the win home for the Broch with sharp, critical surfing. In the grand masters it was a back to back win for Ali Matheson in a crowd pleasing showdown with other legends. I was really pleased to take home my 7th title in the women’s. It was no mean feat as Callie Cruickshank was hot on my heels throughout the contest. The craic was all time, and the event remains a great reminder of just how special the Scottish surf scene is. A massive thanks to all the volunteers that put their time and effort into running the event.

That’s the first dispatch from Scotland. The Collective will continue to build a clearer picture of each region through the people who know it best — more coasts, more voices, next time.

Image credit: Duncan Mclachlann, Connor Hughes, Mal Anderson

On 16th May SAS are holding their biggest national day of action. Find out where the protests are in your location.

On 16th May, people across the UK will take to the water, shorelines and riverbanks in bigger numbers than ever before. Surfers Against Sewage biggest national day of action will see communities coming together, united with one demand: to end sewage pollution. Because up and down the UK sewage is STILL being dumped in our waterways, data is missing and we are paying the price.

We are sick of it. Sick of the lies, sick of the greed and sick of a system that’s rigged against us.
So this year, SAS are gearing up for the biggest and most impactful Paddle-Out Protests on record.
Want to be a part of it? Go here to see the map of where the Paddle Out Protests are and see event details

Four mates. First trip to Indonesia. First time making a surf film.

We didn’t really know what we were doing — just chasing waves, drinking beer, filming what we could, and figuring it out as we went. Early mornings, long sessions, a few beatings, and some waves we’ll remember for a long time.

This is how the trip looked from our side. Also, big thanks to the locals for being so welcoming and for all the hospitality.

All clips filmed with the local boys behind the lens. They got us up early when the waves were good and helped us score the waves we got!

In the year prior, we were planning and dreaming of surfing these waves. Whilst juggling our A-levels at college.

Once the exams were complete, we spent the summer working hard to earn the funds to embark on this trip. As we arrived in Indonesia, it was a complete culture shock, but we loved it! Pumping waves and Bintangs, what more could you ask for?

For the few months we were out there, we managed to stack enough clips to make a short homemade film. This was our first time attempting anything like this, and we didn't plan to put one together. However, thanks to all the local videographers, we managed to make it possible!

"It honestly felt like we were living the dream. Perfect pumping waves and a sick crew. Early mornings, long sessions, and ending the days completely spent but stoked. Already counting down the days till the next trip." - Sammy Woolf 

"Four months with the boys, enjoying the warm waters and scoring some mental waves! January was the highlight with a solid 3 weeks of perfection, and I couldn't have asked for it any other way."- Finley Donovan

"There were a few days we lucked out on, with the right timing, where we just had pumping left-handers all to ourselves, which also happened to be the dream for all of us, as we are all goofy." - Finlay Lucas

"So stoked we managed to make it happen, low expectations as we went in wet season, so it was even more mental we managed to score some solid swell!" Remy Duane