SAN JUAN, La Union — The Philippines is set to kick off the new year by hosting a major international longboard surfing qualifier, the La Union International Pro, running from January 20 to 24 at Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, officials said.
The event, sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL) as part of its Longboard Qualifying Series, is expected to draw one of the largest international fields in longboard competition history, with surfers from around the world vying for four direct spots on the 2026 WSL Longboard World Tour.
WSL Longboard Tour Director Will Hayden‑Smith said the new format aims to expand opportunities for longboarders globally, giving competitors from various regions a clearer pathway to elite competition.
La Union, known for its rich surf culture and world‑class waves, has been a key Philippine surf destination and will showcase its appeal as a sports‑tourism hub throughout the event. Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio called the competition “a real thrill” for local fans and athletes, noting that it strengthens the country’s profile on the global surfing circuit.
Filipino surfers are expected to take advantage of competing on home waters, with local talents preparing to test their skills against international rivals. The qualifier’s competitive field will be determined using a seeding system based on the WSL Challenger Series.