The countdown to the first Wavepool Surf Tour event is underway, with registrations now open for the inaugural Alaïa Surf Challenge at Alaïa Bay in Switzerland.
Taking place from 1 August to 25 October 2026, the Alaïa Surf Challenge is the opening event of the 2026/27 Wavepool Surf Tour season and the first opportunity for surfers to earn regional ratings points and direct qualification to the inaugural Wavepool World Finals.
With a month remaining before the competition window opens, athletes are encouraged to register now, create their athlete profiles and explore the event information available at WavepoolSurfTour.com.
"We're excited to welcome our first athletes," said Wavepool Surf Tour founder Mark Fessler.
Registration
"The next few weeks are all about getting registered, learning how the event works and preparing for the opening of the season. We've built the platform to make competing as straightforward as possible, and we can't wait to see the first rides come through from Alaïa Bay."
Located in Sion in the Swiss Alps, Alaïa Bay has become one of Europe's premier wavepool destinations, attracting surfers from around the world with its high-performance waves and exceptional facilities.
The Alaïa Surf Challenge is open across multiple divisions, including Open, Junior, Masters, Longboard, Bodyboard and Adaptive surfing categories, offering competitive opportunities for surfers of all ages and abilities.
Once the event opens on 1 August, competitors will have until 25 October to complete their entries at Alaïa Bay before submitting their rides for judging. Scores will be awarded by the Wavepool Surf Tour's international judging panel using the Triple C judging criteria of Commitment, Creativity and Control.
Qualification Pathway
The Alaïa Surf Challenge is the first step in this season's qualification pathway. Winners in eligible divisions will secure direct qualification to the Wavepool World Finals, while competitors will also begin building valuable regional ratings points throughout the season.
Athletes interested in competing are encouraged to register early, complete their profiles and familiarise themselves with the event information well before the competition begins.
Full details, registration, divisions, FAQs and event information are available at www.wavepoolsurftour.com.
Event Summary
Event: Alaïa Surf Challenge
Venue: Alaïa Bay, Sion, Switzerland
Competition Window: 1 August – 25 October 2026
Registration: Now Open
Entries Close: 25 October 2026
Website: www.wavepoolsurftour.com
