May 18 is shaping up to be a busy day for the tribe of surfers : top-level competitions, rising talent, and festivities on every beach. Here’s the full rundown of the must-attend events in the waves, from the Championship Tour to regional opens, not to mention the cultural and business scenes stirring up the world of board sports.
Must-Attend Events on May 18: Hot Championship Tour News
Snapper Rocks on Fire: Stephanie Gilmore and Ethan Ewing Crowned
The final Australian stop of the 2026 CT turned Snapper Rocks into an XXL water stadium. In a competition marked by clean 1.5 m swell and moderate easterly winds, Stephanie Gilmore secured her 34eth win, while Ethan Ewing claimed the third of his career. Tahitian Kauli Vaast, licensed in Vieux-Boucau, bowed out in the quarterfinals to the eventual winner, as did Basque surfer Nadia Erostarbe.
Thanks to this double win, Gabriel Medina and Luana Silva pocket the SUV awarded 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, Marco Mignot from Landes is preparing to take on world champion Yago Dora in the third round.
Junior Pro Casablanca: Europe’s Next Generation Emerges from the Tube
Now it’s on to the Morocco Mall Junior Pro. Lukas Skinner (GB) and Sol Borelli (ESP) enjoyed fast 2 m right-handers in Casablanca Bay. Hendaye’s Lily Hirigoyen and Alai Rodriguez-Albeniz finished fourth but earned valuable points for the junior world final. Next stop: the Gadis Junior Pro Ferrol (June 24–28) before the Caraïbos Nouvelle-Aquitaine gathering in Lacanau.
May Surf Calendar: Where to Paddle Out Without Going Wrong?
The string of public holidays turns May into a paradise for an nautical sports accessible. Consistent swell, mild temperatures: the perfect equation for a quick trip.
- Hossegor – consistent beach breaks and long tides for dawn sessions.
- Ericeira – forgiving reefs around Foz do Lizandro, perfect for intermediates.
- 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 rundown of destinations in Landes, the celebrating the waves details the peaks and still-unspoiled sandbanks. Riders looking for lightweight gear should also check out the brand making surf ponchos accessible, ideal for windy spring parking lots.
| Event | Spot | Dates | Discipline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corona Cero New Zealand Pro (CT) | Raglan | May 19–27 | Shortboard |
| Caraïbos NA Territorial 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 board sports |
Nouvelle-Aquitaine: regional jerseys steal the show
Montalivet saw a fussy north wind come through, but the Aquitaine champions rose to the challenge. Paco Alonzo takes the open, Aaron Bacon dominates the U18s, and Joseba Espinoza claims gold in the U14s. On the women’s side, Biarritz native Ainhoa Leiceaga cruises through the open final, while Malia Dupouy wins the U18s. Full results are available via the profiles of the young champions from Landes.
Behind the scenes of culture and business: waves 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. Meanwhile, Surfer Magazine examines the “Basquifornia” shift, a mix of California lifestyle and Basque roots, highlighting rapid gentrification around the Bibi neighborhood.
At the same time, the rise of artificial waves is confirmed: Aquarabia, a $750 million Saudi megaproject, is already testing its pools ahead of a summer opening. A nod to Hossegor, where local shapers, featured 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 will keep Raglan busy from the 18th.
Where to surf in Europe during the May long weekend?
Hossegor for its consistent sandbars, Ericeira for its accessible reefs, 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 live competition results?
Live scores and replays are available on the official WSL website and the Instagram accounts of regional events.