MARGARET RIVER, Western Australia, Australia (Wednesday, April 16, 2026) – Competition has been called ON for Day 1 of the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Stop No. 2 of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). Competition will commence at 7:05 a.m. AWST with women’s Round One, then men’s Round One and Round Two to follow. Main Break is turning on incredible surf with light offshore winds, grooming six-to-eight foot waves with the odd bigger set. Today will be a big day of competition, with hopes of making the most of the incredible conditions. To maximise conditions, the Overlapping Heats format will be utilised throughout the day, with 40-minute heats.
The opening heat of the day will see a clash of the generations as the youngest ever CT qualifier and 2026 Rookie Tya Zebrowski (FRA) takes on one of the CT’s most experienced campaigners, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS). Zebrowski’s approach is custom-built for the waves at Main Break, but she will have to bring her best to overcome Fitzgibbons, who has claimed victory at this venue back in 2017.
Eight-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) will look to bounce back from an early elimination at Bells Beach with a solid result here in the West. First, she will have to overcome a goofy-footed dynamo, Erin Brooks (CAN), in a rematch of the Gold Coast last year, where Brooks got the upper hand.
When men’s Round One hits the water later this morning, 2026 CT Rookie Oscar Berry (AUS) will have his work cut out for him when he comes up against local Wildcard and former CT Competitor Jacob Willcox (AUS). Willcox, who just missed out on the CT qualification this season, will have something to prove this week, which is a scary prospect for Berry, who is looking for his first heat win of the year.
The last heat of men’s Round One will see CT Rookie Luke Thompson (RSA) take on Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) in a classic goofy versus natural match-up. Both surfers are known for their prowess when the waves get solid, making this an exciting heat to set up men’s Round Two.
To watch all the action LIVE from the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, CLICK HERE.
Western Australia Margaret River Pro Women’s Round One Matchups
HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Tya Zebrowski (FRA)
HEAT 2: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) vs. Yolanda Hopkins (POR)
HEAT 3: Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Francisca Veselko (POR)
HEAT 4: Vahine Fierro (FRA) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP)
HEAT 5: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Anat Lelior (ISR)
HEAT 6: Alyssa Spencer (USA) vs. Carissa Moore (HAW)
HEAT 7: Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
HEAT 8: Sophie McCulloch (AUS) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Western Australia Margaret River Pro Men’s Round One Matchups
HEAT 1: Oscar Berry (AUS) vs. Jacob Willcox (AUS)
HEAT 2: Mateus Herdy (BRA) vs. Jack Thomas (AUS)
HEAT 3: Callum Robson (AUS) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)
HEAT 4: Luke Thompson (RSA) vs. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR)
The Western Australia Margaret River Pro will run at Main Break Margaret River from April 16 – 26, 2026. The competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
The Western Australia Margaret River Pro is proudly supported by Tourism Western Australia, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, I-SEA, Red Bull, Surfline, True Surf, YETI, Florence Marine X, Surfboard Empire, Hydralyte, Bonsoy, Boost Mobile, Stone & Wood, Bioglan, Bond University, Fatboy Bikes, GWM, YETI, eero, Relationships Australia, Spudshed.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Credit: World Surf League
Events
