It has been a massive week for 26-year-old Australian surfer Morgan Cibilic, who just reminded the surfing world exactly what he is capable of. Taking on the famously long lefts of Raglan’s Manu Bay, Cibilic unleashed a lethal backside approach that propelled him all the way to the Final from Round One. He is the first surfer to achieve this feat in the 2026 season.
Taking down the heavyweights
Cibilic was on an absolute tear throughout the event. He systematically eliminated a stacked roster of competitors, taking down local New Zealand wildcard Billy Stairmand, fellow Australians Ethan Ewing and Liam O’Brien, Indonesia’s Rio Waida, and America’s Griffin Colapinto.
While he ultimately fell short in an epic Final against Italo Ferreira, the runner-up finish equals his career-best result from Rottnest Island back in 2021. For Cibilic, who has spent the last couple of years fighting to get back to this elite level, the result means everything.
“I’ve put in so much work over the past couple of years and just really wanted to get back here,” he said after the Final. “I guess this proves to myself that like I’m back. I’m going to try to stay here and hopefully put up a few more good performances this year. I’m over the moon”.
Embracing the Kiwi lifestyle
The result was the cherry on top of an incredible trip to New Zealand. Cibilic expressed deep gratitude for his time in the country, noting how the beautiful landscape helped him stay grounded between heats. Even on lay days, he made the most of the surroundings.
“It’s been a beautiful experience,” Cibilic shared. “It’s such a good country and so much to do and see here, so even when there were no waves, it was epic to hang out and explore and look around and just stay present”.
Of course, running into Ferreira in the Final is never an easy task. Cibilic acknowledged the challenge, noting that it is always hard to compete against Ferreira when he is in peak form and “flying through the sky”.
Looking ahead, the impressive performance at Manu Bay has catapulted Cibilic 16 spots up the rankings. He now sits comfortably in 16th place as the tour packs its bags and heads to El Salvador. If this week is anything to go by, Morgan Cibilic is back and ready to do some serious damage.
Crowd at the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro on May 25, 2026 at Raglan, New Zealand. (Photo by Oscar Hetherington/World Surf League)
