The World Surf League (WSL) is undergoing a quiet revolution, one that's not just about catching waves, but also about catching babies. As the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach unfolded, it became evident that the WSL is increasingly becoming a family-friendly tour, catering to the needs of working parents. This shift is particularly notable in the men's and women's tours, where surfers are now bringing their children along for the ride.
Connor O'Leary, an Australian Japanese surfer, is one of the latest additions to this growing trend. With his baby Romii-Sakura by his side, O'Leary is navigating the tour with a new perspective. "I was watching her crawling around the competition site yesterday," he shared, "Seeing her crawling around, playing with Kelly [Slater], Steph [Gilmore] was grabbing her, it makes you appreciate the life that we live."
This sentiment is echoed by many other surfers, including Jack Robinson and Jordy Smith, who are also traveling the tour with their toddlers. The WSL's response to this trend has been to introduce a WSL creche, a dedicated space for children, and to implement parental leave policies.
The women's tour has seen the most significant changes. Carissa Moore, a five-time world champion, stepped away from the WSL in 2024 to start a family. She was granted a season-long wildcard to return to the tour in 2026, a move that has been hailed as a step in the right direction. Moore's return to the WSL after becoming a mother is a testament to the league's commitment to supporting working parents.
The WSL has also introduced a dedicated maternity wildcard, allowing surfers to return to the tour up to two years after taking a break to have children. This policy is particularly significant for women in surfing, who have historically faced challenges in balancing their careers and family life. "I think it is a huge step in the right direction," Moore said, "Not only for women in surfing, but for women in sport and women in general."
The WSL's family-friendly policies are not just about supporting working parents; they are also about nurturing the next generation of surfers. Sierra Kerr, one of Australia's best young female surfers, grew up on tour with her father, former pro Josh Kerr. This trend of surfing families is not new, but the WSL's recent initiatives are making it more accessible and inclusive.
However, not all surfers are encouraging their children to pursue professional surfing. Jordy Smith, for instance, is clear that his children will determine their own paths. "They will determine what they want in life," he said, "It’s just my job to give them the best opportunity that I can."
For Connor O'Leary, the arrival of his daughter has brought a new level of motivation and mental clarity. "It definitely provides an extra bit of motivation," he said, "I look at Romii and I want to be a good father figure, show her the discipline and the dedication, to be an influence for her."
The WSL's family-friendly policies are a reflection of a broader cultural shift towards work-life balance and family-friendly practices. As the tour continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these policies impact the future of surfing and the role of families in the sport. In my opinion, the WSL is setting a precedent for other sports leagues to follow, demonstrating that family-friendly policies can coexist with high-performance sports.
The WSL's journey towards becoming a family-friendly tour is a testament to the league's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. As the sport continues to grow, these initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping the future of surfing and the role of families in the sport. From my perspective, the WSL is not just catching waves; it's also catching the next generation of surfers.
