The world’s best surfers have travelled across Australia to arrive in Western Australia for the Margaret River Pro, which serves as Stop No. 2 of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. With a solid swell already pouring into Main Break, competitors are preparing to take on the raw power of the West Coast. The competition window runs through to April 26, and as the second stop of the GWM Aussie Treble, the event is looking to get off to a quick start. The first call is scheduled for Thursday, April 16 at 7 a.m. AWST, with a full day of action expected for the opening match-ups.
In the women’s division, Gabriela Bryan (HAW) has arrived in Western Australia wearing the Yellow Leaders Jersey for the second season in a row. Bryan is coming off a massive victory at the opening event of the season, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, where she rang the famous Bell for the first time. Now, the back-to-back Western Australia Margaret River Pro winner is looking to continue her hot streak and create a large lead in the World Title race. Out of four events in which Bryan has competed at this location, the 24-year-old has made the Final three times. Her next-level power surfing, honed at home in Kaua‘i, is the perfect match for the open ocean swells of the West.
“It’s amazing to be back here in such a happy place for me,” Bryan said. “To win at Bells and be on such a high and then come to one of my favourite places in the world is a bit of a trip to be honest. I feel so lucky to do what I do and it be part of my work to come to a place like Margaret River.” Bryan hopes to make history at the break, noting, “I’d love to know what it feels like to win an event three times in a row.” The Hawaiian surfer highlighted how the wave suits her style. “The power of this wave really allows me to put my back foot into it which I love. It reminds me a lot of home. It’s been a strong start to the season for sure and I’d love to say this could be my year to go all the way but it’s a long season and I don’t want to get ahead of myself.”
The only surfer to defeat Bryan in a Final at Margaret River is Isabella Nichols (AUS), who claimed victory in 2022 to provide the exact results that both surfers needed to avoid the Mid-season Cut. The two seasons following saw Nichols fall victim to the dreaded Cut at the event, before she rebounded to take out the inaugural GWM Aussie Treble in 2025, leaving Margaret River with a brand new GWM Tank 300. With the Cut now removed, the 28-year-old is off to a flying start in 2026, coming off her best season yet.
“I’ve had so many massive emotions at this place, it’s wild,” Nichols said. “The biggest highs and lowest lows, so I have plenty of life experience here.” Having built a support network in the area, she added, “I have family here now and just feel right at home. I could easily live here and just enjoy good food and wine and amazing waves for the rest of my life.” Nichols noted her strong form leading into the event. “I felt good at Bells and am keen to keep building momentum here. It’s really cool to be starting the year in Australia like this so hopefully I can get a roll on.”
On the men’s side, South African Jordy Smith is looking to defend his Margaret River title. In 2025, Smith tapped into a new level, winning back-to-back events in El Salvador and Margaret River. These marked his first Championship Tour victories in eight years, allowing him to claim the Yellow Leaders Jersey and take out the GWM Aussie Treble. He carried that form through the season, finishing at No. 3 overall, which was his seventh Top 5 finish in 17 seasons on Tour. As the longest-standing member on the men’s side, Smith uses his large frame to aid his powerful approach at Main Break.
“It feels good to be back, I absolutely love the West,” Smith said. “It’s so similar to the Western Cape in South Africa in terms of landscape and climate. There’s so much on offer here, obviously incredible waves, the people are so warm and welcoming, amazing food with lots of great wineries.” Smith feels confident at the break, stating, “The wave itself is a big heavy deep water wave that suits my style of surfing so I love it. Hopefully it’s a good week for us all over here.”
The highly anticipated opening heats will feature a mix of seasoned champions and rising talents taking to the water.
The Competitions has been called ON with heats now in the water
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)
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)
