WSL to crown 50 years of world champions in Torquay

FOR the first time in its history, the World Surf League (WSL) will celebrate its season opening gala dinner and 50-year celebration in Torquay.

Surfing’s night of nights will be held on 29 March at RACV Torquay and will honour surfers across its respective world tours from last year.

Attracting some of the sport’s biggest stars, the event will also celebrate 50 years of crowning world champions.

The night will see the 2025 world champions crowned for the Championship Tour, Longboard Tour and World Junior Tour, as well as rookies of the year, ride of the year and heat of the year.

There will also be a jersey presentation for 2026 for rookies and returning competitors.

Among those returning and throwing on the jersey again this year are past world champions Stephanie Gilmore, Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina.

The gala dinner will run in conjunction with the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, which will take place from 1-11 April.

WSL Asia Pacific president Andrew Stark said he looked forward to crowning the year’s first champions at Bells Beach.