MANILA — The Philippines will host its first International Longboard Qualifying event, the La Union International Pro, from January 20 to 24 at Urbiztondo Beach in La Union, organizers announced.
The competition will award four direct berths to the 2026 World Surf League Longboard Tour and will feature surfers from the World Surf League Longboard Qualifying Series worldwide.
World Surf League Longboard Tour Director Will Hayden-Smith said the event forms part of a new qualifying format designed to expand participation across regions.
“This new format is about creating more access and opportunities to longboarders from all WSL regions,” Hayden-Smith said.
The Philippine Sports Commission said the event aligns with the country’s sports tourism initiatives.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Patò” Gregorio said the competition will bring male and female longboarders to compete at Monalisa Point in San Juan, La Union.
The event is open to all eligible World Surf League Longboard Qualifying Series surfers, with seeding based on Challenger Series rankings.
Gregorio said the competition also provides Filipino surfers an opportunity to compete for World Tour qualification on home waves.
