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MEDIA INVITATION

Launch of the WSCC2026 Conference.

February 25, 2025

Photo by Josh Bystrom

WORDS: Andrew McKinnon PHOTOGRAPHY: Simon “Swilly” Williams

Hosted By: Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Inc.
Date: Tuesday, 25th February 2025
Time: 10am (Qld time)
Venue: Rydges Hotel, Terminal Dr, Bilinga, Gold Coast Airport Precinct (seventh floor Upstairs, Roof Bar) free underground parking available but you will need code from reception to park downstairs.

In attendance:

  • Division 14 Councillor Gail O’Neil, Division, Chair of the City of Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Local Stewardship Committee
  • Patron of GCWSR Rabbit Bartholomew
  • SCU Professor Kirsten Benkendorff
  • CEO Surfing Queensland Mark Flanagan
  • President of GCWSR Inc Andrew McKinnon (MC)

New dates for the World Surfing Conservation Conference to be held at the Gold Coast Campus, Southern Cross University will be Monday 23rd – Thursday 26th February 2026.

“Traditionally February is a much better month for surf especially after the busy January holiday period.” said WSCC 2026 Chair organiser Andrew McKinnon.

Interested participants, students, speakers, and sponsors are invited to contact the organisers’ new webpage wscc2026.com.au for enrolments, registrations, and all other enquiries.

Previously Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Inc hosted the successful sixth biennial Global Wave Conference in February 2020 at Southern Cross University.

Division 14 Councillor 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.”

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,” said Mr. Warn.

“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.”

Global and National groups to be invited include 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 Queensland, Patagonia, Watergum & other associated groups to present their research at this highly significant International Surf Conservation Conference.

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.”

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

GCWSR hosted the 2017 International Surfing Symposium, 2020 Global Wave Conference, and 2022 Legends of Surf 72 Exhibition, the latter picking up a National Surf Culture award.

Co-incidentally the 2026 World Surfing Conservation Conference will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve 2016 – 2026.

“We are super excited to be hosting this major International Surfing Conservation event with up to five hundred delegates including the best and brightest surf conservationists and coastal planners. There are so many impacts on our surfing environment that will be addressed by seeking sustainable solutions and better environmental outcomes. It is such a critical time for all the leading groups to come together and present and exchange workable ideas for the future of our surfing resources,” said Mr. McKinnon aka AndyMac, a Life Member of Surfing Queensland & former World Longboard Champion (1988).

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. Accomodation 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. It is administrated by the City of Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Local Stewardship Committee underpinned by Councils Surf Management Plan and is the only WSR and surfing nation that has a SMP as its coastal management strategy.

The host organisation GCWSR Inc will host a number of events and make announcements in 2025 leading up to the 2026 WSCC. Please see below:

  • May 2025 – “Stoked” Exhibition Photo/Film & Art display at the Dust Temple during The Flotsam Art Festival in May with opening night on Sunday 4th May 6pm be watching for updates.
  • June 2025 – Speaker announcements
  • July 2025 – Save The Waves Film Festival at Tom Atkins Hall, Tugun date tba.
  • September 2025 – Poster Competition tba in September

Social media platforms:

  • Facebook Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve [CLICK HERE]
  • Instagram @gcwsr
  • Access footage from the new webpage highlight reel clip. 

Contacts & further information:

Contacts & further information: