The World Surfing Conservation Conference is on next February at Rydges Gold Coast Airport Hotel.

We're inviting Save The Waves Coalition, World Surfing Reserves, National Surfing Reserves, Surfing Protected Zone Networks, Conservational International, Surfrider Foundation, Surfers for Climate, Ocean Impact Organisation, Academic Research Scholars, World Surf League, Surfing Australia & Surfing Qld to present their findings at this highly significant International Surf Conservation Conference.

A call for papers will be open to conservation academics across the globe via our webpage, including the program, accommodation, and social activities.

The host would kindly ask everyone interested to reserve a place in their diary for the last week of February 2026 and participate in this history-making event to protect surfing amenity and adopt coastal protection policies for the future of our surf breaks.

Also, Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve will be hosting a major World Surfing Conservation Conference at the Gold Coast Campus, Southern Cross University 23 – 26 February 2026.

“Traditionally February is a much better month for surf especially after the busy January holiday period," said co-organiser of WSCC 2026 Andrew McKinnon President of GCWSR Inc. "We aim to bring together all the like-minded and committed surf conservationists globally preserving surfing ecosystems and adopting coastal protection policies to safeguard our surf breaks for future generations."

CEO Experience Gold Coast John Warn. "Experience Gold Coast is proud to support the 2026 World Surfing Conservation Conference, welcoming the world’s best surfers while showcasing the Gold Coast’s natural beauty, thriving surf scene, and warm hospitality," 

"The Gold Coast’s world-class surf breaks, and vibrant local surf culture continue to inspire athletes and fans from around the globe and hosting the WSCC in this landmark year further reinforces the Gold Coast’s position as a global surfing hub,” said Mr Warn.

CEO Surfing Queensland Mark Flanagan. “It’s an exciting prospect to host a group of like-minded professionals from around the world here on the Gold Cold. With the common interest of working to safeguard our coastal environments at heart, surfers, beachgoers, visitors, and residents can unite to better understand practices to maintain beautiful coastal areas like we have here in Queensland, for now and into the future.”

“We are super excited to be hosting this major International Surfing Conservation event. There are so many impacts on our surfing environment that will be addressed by seeking sustainable solutions and better outcomes. It is such a critical time to come together and exchange workable ideas.” said Mr. McKinnon aka AndyMac, a former World Longboard Champion & recent Life Member of Surfing Queensland bestowed on him for services to the sport.

The 2026 World Surfing Conservation Conference is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Business Events Program (TEQ) & Experience Gold Coast. Other supporters include Southern Cross University, City of Gold Coast Division 14 & 13, EMRO and Brazilian Style Imports. Accommodation prizes have been offered from Matanivusi Resort, Fiji and Villa Santai, Rote, Indonesia for the lucky participants who attend WSCC 2026.

Contacts & further information:

• For further info: wscc2026.com.au

• www.goldcoastworldsurfingreserve.com. 

• Andrew McKinnon email andrew@andymac.net.au

• PCO (Professional Conference Organiser), Daniel Long

email daniel@wscc2026.com.au