16 – 19 February 2026 | Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Campus
The Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve is proud to host the inaugural World Surfing Conservation Conference (WSCC 2026). Running from 16–19 February 2026 at Southern Cross University, this four-day global event follows the legacy of the 2020 Global Wave Conference, bringing together the world’s leading voices in ocean conservation, surfing tourism, coastal engineering, wellbeing, and sustainable policy.
What to Expect
World-class speakers covering climate, conservation, surfing, and innovation.
Panel discussions with international NGOs dedicated to coastal protection.
Academic presentations from leading universities and PhD researchers.
Cultural and creative programs, including surf art exhibitions, film nights, and live Peruvian reedboard construction.
Finale Party Night with international guests, performances, and charity auction.
Surf Legends & Icons
Richard Harvey – Legendary surfboard craftsman
Josh Kerr – Recycled surfboards advocate
Nick Carroll – Author & surf writer
Felipe Pomar – Surf til 100
Carlos Ucanan Arzola – King of Caballito de Totora
Roberto Meza – Peruvian legend coach
Magoo de la Rosa – Peruvian Surf Museum
Belinda Baggs – Longboard legend & Surfers for Climate
João Macedo & Miguel Blanco – Portuguese conservation surf legends
Rod Brooks – Bells Beach Surfing Reserve pioneer
Craig Baird – Torquay Surf Museum
Conservation, Climate & Environment
Steph Curley – Chair, Surfrider Foundation Australia
Scott Atkinson & Marissa Miller – Ocean International
Laura Zumba – WSR Costa Rica
Carlos Antonio Ferrer – Huanchaco WSR
Ricardo Santa Cruz – Xala Foundation
Will Henry – Founder, Save The Waves
Zachary Plopper – Surfrider Foundation California
Hannah Bennett – Fiji representative
Austin Heimark – Surfline Coastal Protection
Dr Carolina Butrich – Surf breaks protection (Peru & Ecuador)
Larissa Rose – GG Enviro
Andrew McKinnon – GCWSR
Donna Liver – NSR Port Macquarie
Sam Elsom – Climate solutions innovator, 2025 Australian of the Year
Academia, Science & Research
Danny O’Brien – Bond University
Kirstin Benkendorf – Southern Cross University
Dr Ana Manero – University of Western Australia
Dr Rebecca Olive – University of Queensland
Kizzy Beaumont – Griffith University (PhD)
Tiago Falcoa – PhD researcher
David Revell – US coastal climate scientist
Wellbeing, Community & Inspiration
Kal Glanzig & Cooper Chapman – Mental health advocates
Robyn Harvey – Para adaptive surfing
Dave Pearcon – Shark attack survivor & Bite Club advocate
Jarrah “JJ” – Teenage conservationist
Storytellers & Creatives
Cliff Kapono – Hawaii
Giulio Pompei – Surf cartoonist
Dr Jason – Surf historian
Leaders & Innovators
Nik Strong – CEO of STW
Chris Homer – Mayor of Shellharbour
Troy Bottegal – Artificial Reef innovator
Registration
🎟️ Tickets available from September 2025 at wscc2026.com.au
📧 Contact:
Andrew McKinnon (President, GCWSR Inc & Chair WSCC 2026) – andrew@andymac.net.au
Daniel Long (Professional Conference Organiser) – daniel@wscc2026.com.au