Welcome to the World Surfing Conservation Conference 2026

The World Surfing Conservation Conference (WSCC) 2026 is an international gathering of ocean advocates, surf communities, and environmental leaders, coming together on the iconic shores of the Gold Coast, Australia.

Hosted by the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Inc., and proudly supported by Southern Cross University, this landmark event will take place from 16-19 February 2026 at the university’s Gold Coast Campus. WSCC2026 focuses on the vital intersection of surfing, sustainability, and science – uniting global voices to protect our oceans and surfing ecosystems.

Set against the backdrop of major surf and cultural events—including the World Club Championship 13th – 15th February at Snapper Rocks, and the World Surf League Qualifying event Gold Coast Open at Burleigh 18th – 22nd February – WSCC2026 is positioned nicely in the middle and more than a conference. It’s a movement to safeguard the future of our waves, coastlines, and communities, embracing culture and surf themes.

We invite you to join us as we explore solutions to coastal and ocean challenges, from surf break protection and ocean plastics reduction, to sustainable surf tourism and innovation in surf industry recycling. Together, we can build a future where surf and sea thrive side by side.

Be part of the change. Be part of WSCC2026.

Registrations are now open – Secure your place today and join us in shaping the future of surfing and conservation on the Gold Coast in February

Warm regards,

Andrew McKinnon
CHAIRMAN
Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve

Keynote Speakers

Official Announcement

Announcement on World Surfing Conservation Conference February 2026 at Gold Coast, Australia on Tuesday 25th February 2025 at Rydges Gold Coast Airport Hotel.

Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve will be hosting a major World Surfing Conservation Conference at the Gold Coast Campus, Southern Cross University 16 – 19 February 2026.

CEO Experience Gold Coast John Warn. “Experience Gold Coast is proud to support the 2026 World Surfing Conservation Conference, welcoming the world’s best surfers while showcasing the Gold Coast’s natural beauty, thriving surf scene, and warm hospitality,”

“The Gold Coast’s world-class surf breaks, and vibrant local surf culture continue to inspire athletes and fans from around the globe and hosting the WSCC in this landmark year further reinforces the Gold Coast’s position as a global surfing hub,” said Mr Warn.

Five years ago, Gold Coast successfully hosted the 2020 Global Wave Conference at the Southern Cross University situated in Coolangatta next to the GC International Airport.

“Traditionally February is a much better month for surf especially after the busy January holiday period. We aim to bring together all the like-minded and committed surf conservationists globally preserving surfing ecosystems and adopting coastal protection policies to safeguard our surf breaks for future generations,” said co-organizer of WSCC 2026 Andrew McKinnon President of GCWSR Inc.

Inviting Save The Waves Coalition, World Surfing Reserves, National Surfing Reserves, Surfing Protected Zone Networks, Conservational International, Surfrider Foundation, Surfers for Climate, Ocean Impact Organisation, Academic Research Scholars, World Surf League, Surfing Australia & Surfing Qld to present their findings at this highly significant International Surf Conservation Conference.

A call for papers will be open to conservation academics across the globe via our webpage, including the program, accommodation, and social activities.

CEO Surfing Queensland Mark Flanagan. “It’s an exciting prospect to host a group of like-minded professionals from around the world here on the Gold Cold. With the common interest of working to safeguard our coastal environments at heart, surfers, beachgoers, visitors, and residents can unite to better understand practices to maintain beautiful coastal areas like we have here in Queensland, for now and into the future.”

The host GCWSR would kindly ask everyone interested to reserve a place in their diary for the last week of February 2026 and participate in this history-making event to protect surfing amenity and adopt coastal protection policies for the future of our surf breaks.

GCWSR hosted the 2017 International Surfing Symposium, 2020 Global Wave Conference, and 2022 Legends of Surf 72 Exhibition.

“We are super excited to be hosting this major International Surfing Conservation event. There are so many impacts on our surfing environment that will be addressed by seeking sustainable solutions and better outcomes. It is such a critical time to come together and exchange workable ideas.” said Mr. McKinnon aka AndyMac, a former World Longboard Champion & recent Life Member of Surfing Queensland bestowed on him for services to the sport.

The 2026 World Surfing Conservation Conference is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Business Events Program (TEQ) & Experience Gold Coast. Other supporters include Southern Cross University, City of Gold Coast Division 14 & 13, EMRO and Brazilian Style Imports. Accommodation prizes have been offered from Matanivusi Resort, Fiji and Villa Santai, Rote, Indonesia for the lucky participants who attend WSCC 2026.

Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve became the 8th WSR in 2015 voted by Save The Waves the peak body for WSRs and was officially endorsed by the Qld State Government & City of Gold Coast in 2016 at a dedication ceremony.

The 2026 WSCC will mark the 10th anniversary of Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve during the World Surfing Reserve Conference.

Division 14 Councillor & chair of the City of Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Gail O’Neil said, “As the Chair of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Stewardship Committee and on behalf of the City of Gold Coast, I applaud the conference initiatives of bringing the best and brightest ocean conservationists and coastal planners to present sustainable ideas and workable solutions for our magnificent beaches and protecting our surfing ecosystems.”

GCWSR hosted an official press launch on Tuesday 25th February 2026 at Rydges Gold Coast Airport Hotel. More expected announcements will be made during the year including the lineup of speakers.