Siargao’s iconic Cloud 9 has earned a historic promotion to the World Surf League Championship Tour, making the Philippines a first-time host of the world’s biggest professional surfing competition.
Nearly 120 longboarders from 24 nations are competing at Urbiztondo Beach in the World Surf League La Union International Pro, a key qualifier for the 2026 Longboard Tour.
![DANE HENRY (left) and Isla Huppatz. [photo credit: WSL/Cait Miers]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Isla-Huppatz-AUS-and-Dane-Henry-AUS_WSL-_-Cait-Miers-400x200.png)
Australians Isla Huppatz and Dane Henry conquered tricky conditions at Urbiztondo Beach to win the 2025 WSL World Junior Championships Philippines in La Union.
![Filipino surfers gear up to compete against elite international longboarders on home waves. [WSL photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/la-union_WSL-Photo-400x200.png)
The Philippines starts the year by hosting a first-of-its-kind World Surf League Longboard International Qualifying event in La Union, offering surfers a direct route to the 2026 WSL Longboard Tour.
![Ana Mae Alipayo carves her path as one of Siargao’s top surfers. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/f783e372-6b75-41d6-97c6-39b0f70dada2-400x200.jpg)
Siargao’s Ana Mae Alipayo is carving her own path in Philippine surfing, combining world-class skill with a mission to uplift community, culture, and the sport’s future.