May 18 is shaping up to be a busy day for the tribe of surfers: top-level competitions, rising talents, and festivities on every beach. Here’s the full rundown of the must-attend events in the wave, from the Championship Tour to regional opens, not to mention the cultural and business behind-the-scenes activity stirring up the board sports.
Must-Attend Events on May 18: Hot News from the Championship Tour
Snapper Rocks Ablaze: Stephanie Gilmore and Ethan Ewing Crowned
The final Australian stop of the 2026 CT turned Snapper Rocks into an XXL aquatic stadium. In a competition marked by clean 5-foot swell and moderate easterly winds, Stephanie Gilmore notched her 34eth win, while Ethan Ewing claimed the third of his career. Tahitian Kauli Vaast, who is affiliated with Vieux-Boucau, bowed out in the quarterfinals against the eventual winner, as did Basque surfer Nadia Erostarbe.
Thanks to this double win, Gabriel Medina and Luana Silva pocket the SUV reserved for the best combined total across the three “down under” rounds, before heading to the Land of the Long White Cloud for the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro. There, Landes native Marco Mignot is preparing to take on world champion Yago Dora as early as the third round.
Junior Pro Casablanca: Europe’s rising stars emerge from the barrel
Now it’s on to the Morocco Mall Junior Pro. Lukas Skinner (GB) and Sol Borelli (ESP) scored fast 6-foot rights in Casablanca Bay. Hendaye surfers Lily Hirigoyen and Alai Rodriguez-Albeniz finished fourth but picked up valuable points for the junior world final. Next stop: the Gadis Junior Pro Ferrol (June 24–28), before the Caraïbos Nouvelle-Aquitaine training camp in Lacanau.
May surf calendar: where to take your board without going wrong?
A string of public holidays turns May into a gold mine for an nautical sports accessible. Consistent swell and mild temperatures: the perfect equation for a quick trip.
- Hossegor – consistent beach breaks and long tides for dawn sessions.
- Ericeira – mellow reefs around Foz do Lizandro, perfect for intermediate surfers.
- Sardinia – Capo Mannu delivers uncrowded mistral swells.
- Fuerteventura – point-break waves at El Cotillo, with water already warm.
- Bundoran – sheltered Irish slabs when the Atlantic calms down.
For a full breakdown of destinations in the Landes, the celebrating the waves details the peaks and sandbanks that remain unspoiled. Riders looking for lightweight gear should also check out the brand making surf ponchos accessible to everyone, perfect for windy spring parking lots.
| Event | Spot | Dates | Discipline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corona Cero New Zealand Pro (CT) | Raglan | May 19–27 | Shortboard |
| Caraïbos NA Regional Open | Lacanau | May 23–25 | Shortboard |
| Txiki Tour – Stage 1 | Hendaye | May 24–25 | U8 to U12 |
| French Interclub Championships | Mimizan | June 5–7 | Short & Longboard |
| National Bodysurf & Kneeboard Open | Vieux-Boucau | June 6 | Alternative surfing |
Nouvelle-Aquitaine: regional jerseys put on a show
Montalivet experienced a finicky north wind, but the Aquitaine champions rose to the challenge. Paco Alonzo takes the open division, Aaron Bacon dominates the U18s, and Joseba Espinoza claims gold in the U14s. Among the women, Biarritz native Ainhoa Leiceaga cruises through the open final, while Malia Dupouy wins the U18s. Full results can be viewed via the profiles of the young Landes champions.
Behind the scenes of culture and business: the wave beyond the lineup
SportJam, Surfrider and the “Basquifornia” phenomenon
The SportJam clearance sale brings discounted stock to Biarritz, while Surfrider Foundation Europe gathers its members on May 28 to discuss bathing water quality. At the same time, Surfer Magazine examines the “Basquifornia” shift, a blend of California lifestyle and Basque roots, highlighting rapid gentrification around the Bibi neighborhood.
Meanwhile, the growth of artificial waves is confirmed: Aquarabia, a $750 million Saudi mega-park, is already testing its pools ahead of a summer opening. A nod to Hossegor, where local shapers, detailed in the secrets of Landes workshops, maintain artisanal production in the face of mechanical pools.
What is the major surf event on May 18?
The Corona Cero New Zealand Pro starts on May 19, but preparations and official training sessions take place in Raglan from the 18th.
Where to surf in Europe during the May long weekend?
Hossegor for its consistent sandbanks, Ericeira for its accessible reef breaks, and Fuerteventura for almost guaranteed sunshine.
Which French juniors should you watch this season?
Alai Rodriguez-Albeniz and Lily Hirigoyen, both finalists in Casablanca, are aiming for the junior world final.
How can you follow competition results live?
Live scores and replays are available on the official WSL website and on the Instagram accounts of regional events.
