World Surfing Conservation Conference 2026 at Gold Coast, Australia

WORDS: Andrew McKinnon PHOTOGRAPHY Josh Bystrom – bystrom_photo

Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve will be hosting a major World Surfing Conservation Conference at the Gold Coast Campus, Southern Cross University 27th – 30th January 2026.

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

“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 which will include the program, accommodation, and social activities.

The host GCWSR would kindly ask everyone interested to reserve a place in their diary for the last week of January 2026 and be a part of this history making event of protecting surfing amenity and adopting 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 acritical time to come together and exchange workable ideas.” said Mr. McKinnon aka AndyMac.

Tourism Events Queensland (TEQ) & Experience Gold Coast have supported the 2026WSCC event. It will follow the hugely successful World Teams Usher Surf Cup at Snapper Rocks the week before.

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 10thanniversary of GCWSR during the Conference.

GCWSR will host an official press launch on Wednesday 11h December 2024 at a venue to be confirmed outlining the program of activities and speakers.

Keep watching for updates on www.goldcoastworldsurfingreserve.com

For further information please contact Andrew McKinnon +61 412754974   

email: [email protected]