Three-time world surfing champion John John Florence has announced he will not return to the World Surf League Championship Tour in 2026, extending his break from full-time competition to a second consecutive year.
The Hawaiian surfer, who stepped away from the tour at the start of 2025 as reigning world champion, had been awarded the WSL Season Wildcard for 2026. However, Florence has elected to withdraw from the opportunity to continue prioritising family time and travel.
Florence spent much of 2025 exploring the South Pacific by sailboat with his young family, an experience he says reinforced his current priorities.
“Exploring with my family we learned new ways of living, saw new places, found waves for all three of us, and woke up most days just excited to see more, and do it all together,” Florence said.
“It really confirmed for us that this is our dream right now. We’ve decided to continue in 2026 with the goal of hopefully making a full lap of the world. I want to become a better surfer; I want to become the best father I can be and combine it all with nonstop adventure and curiosity.”
Florence was clear the decision does not signal the end of his competitive career.
“This means I will not be competing full time on the tour this year,” he said. “I am very thankful to the WSL for their support and the opportunity for the wildcard this year. This isn’t retirement, it’s just the path I’m on for now.”
Boukhiam awarded wildcard
With Florence’s withdrawal, Moroccan surfer Ramzi Boukhiam has been awarded the WSL Season Wildcard for 2026.
Boukhiam missed the final three Championship Tour events before the mid-season cut in 2025 after sustaining a serious injury during competition at Bells Beach.
“I’m beyond excited to be back on the CT and grateful to the WSL for this opportunity,” Boukhiam said. “Last year’s injury was the toughest of my career, with a recovery full of ups and downs. But God is great, I never stopped believing, and eventually everything fell into place.
“I’m ready to give it my all this year and enjoy every moment on tour surfing some unreal locations. Morocco, we’re back on tour, let’s go!”
2026 season outlook
The 2026 Championship Tour marks the 50th year of professional world tour surfing, with the WSL introducing an increased women’s field and a streamlined format that removes non-elimination rounds.
The 12-stop schedule runs from April to December, beginning at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach on April 1 and concluding in Hawaii with a revitalised Pipe Masters serving as a high-stakes, all-inclusive season finale.
