The world’s best surfers have officially arrived in Whāingaroa Raglan as the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro Presented by Bonsoy prepares to kick off at Manu Bay this weekend.
The World Surf League Championship Tour event window runs from May 15–25, with competition expected to run across approximately four to six days depending on surf conditions. The event marks the first time Raglan has hosted a Championship Tour event and the first return of top-level WSL competition to Aotearoa in more than a decade.
Teams, event crew and supporters have begun arriving in Raglan ahead of the opening weekend of competition, with local groms already frothing as pro surfers begin appearing around town and at the points.
For Raglan local and nine-time New Zealand champion Billy Stairmand, the moment is something he has dreamed about for years.
“This is crazy and really surreal for me,” Billy said.
“I’ve been dreaming of competing on the CT, and to do it at home is just crazy.”
The event will see the world’s top 36 men and 24 women compete at Manu Bay as Raglan’s iconic lefthand point break takes centre stage on the international surfing calendar.
Local wildcard Billy will take on Australia’s Morgan Cibilic in Heat 2 of the opening men’s round, while fellow Kiwi wildcard Tom Butland faces South African rookie Luke Thompson in Heat 1.
On the women’s side, Raglan local Alani Morse will come up against Hawaii’s Bettylou Sakura Johnson in Heat 8.
“It was so cool to compete in front of my hometown and see all the support from the community,” Alani said.
“I’m pumped to compete against my idols and just soak it all in because it’s such a cool opportunity.”
The WSL’s Rising Tides and Local Grom Board Caddy programmes are also giving Raglan’s next generation of surfers the opportunity to work alongside and surf with some of the sport’s biggest names.
Supported by Māori Board Riders and Raglan Point Boardriders, 12 local surfers will paddle out with Championship Tour athletes during the official practice day at Manu Bay on Thursday, May 14.
Traffic management measures will be in place on competition days, including a managed checkpoint at Ngarunui Beach Road, stop/go traffic management at the one-way bridge on Wainui Road, and a spectator Park & Ride system operating from Raglan Airfield.
Updates on whether competition is officially ON each day will be shared via WSL channels and event alerts.
Visit worldsurfleague.com for more information.
