WAVE OF CHANGE

The Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Inc. is proud to present the inaugural World Surfing Conservation Conference (WSCC), to be held at Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast campus from 16–19 February 2026.

Image by Josh Bystrom

Set against the iconic backdrop of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, this four-day global event will unite ocean conservationists, surf industry leaders, coastal engineers, academics, and wellness advocates for an inspiring program focused on protecting our oceans and surfing ecosystems.

The conference will explore critical themes such as water quality, climate change, coastal protection, marine biodiversity, shark mitigation, gender equity, Indigenous culture, para surfing, health, and wellbeing, all centred on developing sustainable solutions for the future of surf and sea.

A highlight of WSCC 2026 will be the final day’s panel discussion, bringing together some of the world’s most respected surfing NGOs, including Save The Waves, World Surfing Reserves, National Surfing Reserves, Conservation International, Surfrider Foundation, and Surfers for Climate. Together, they’ll examine new models for coastal protection policy and sustainable surf tourism.

The conference also welcomes a vibrant South American Delegation Team supported by LATAM Airlines, including Peru’s top junior surfers and high-profile ocean advocates such as Magoo de la Rosa, curator of Peru’s first surfing museum, and Carlos “Huevito” Arzola, King of the Caballito de Totora (Peruvian reedboard). Huevito will construct a traditional reedboard live at the conference before launching it at Greenmount during a ceremonial paddle-out — a symbolic celebration of cultural connection through surfing.

Complementing the conference program is a series of creative and environmental exhibitions:

Steven Valiere’s Surf Art Exhibition

Emily Rose’s pyrographic wood turtle creations

Andrew Kidman’s Earth Ball plastic photo exhibition and film

Giulio Pompei’s Surf Cartoon Art

Belinda Baggs’ Surfers for Climate documentary

Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve photo exhibition

Prom Peru Surf Tourism documentary

The closing day, Thursday 19 February, will feature forward-thinking discussions around the City of Gold Coast’s Surfing Infrastructure Masterplan (SIM) — showcasing innovations in artificial reef technology, wave pool design, and coastal protection strategies, alongside the Council’s Recreational Water Quality Management Plan.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve (2016–2026), the conference concludes with a finale celebration at The Collective, Palm Beach, featuring live music, Peruvian Marinera dancing, and fundraising auctions. Prizes include a hand-shaped 6’6” board by Burleigh legend Ian Byrne (House of Byrne) and an Emily Rose wooden turtle pyrographic, with proceeds supporting the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Conservation Program.

Conference attendees will also have the chance to win a 7-week eco-holiday for two at Matanivusi Eco Resort in Fiji, or a week at Villa Santai in Rote, Indonesia.

Tickets and accommodation packages are available now at wscc2026.com.au, with special rates at Rydges Gold Coast.

The WSCC 2026 follows the World Club Championship (formerly Usher Cup), running 13–15 February, and leads into the WSL QS4,000 Gold Coast Open at Burleigh Point from 18–22 February — making it an unmissable 10 days of surf, science, and celebration.

“Three world events held over 10 days in the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve — it’s epic,” says WSCC Chair and GCWSR President Andrew ‘Andy Mac’ McKinnon.