Cloud 9, Kelly Slater & The Desert Wave Pool: The Latest Thrills for Surfers and Photographers
While the 2026 WSL season is still shaping up, two headlines are already set to light up the surf world for photographers and riders alike. First, the iconic Cloud 9 break in Siargao will step onto the Championship Tour for both 2026 and 2027, as reported by Gold Coast Magazine. The event, slated for October 31 to November 10, brings a reduced postseason field of 24 men and 16 women to chase crucial ranking points before the season wraps at Pipeline. The Philippines Pro Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission has been upgraded from a QS 6,000 event, giving the world’s best surfers a chance to battle in one of the most coveted tubes on the planet. ‘We’re excited to welcome the Philippines to the Tour thanks to the support of the Philippines Government,’ said WSL CEO Ryan Crosby. ‘Elevating Cloud 9 to CT status reflects both the quality of the wave and the strength of our partnership.’
On the personal side of the sport, Kelly Slater is making a surprise return, earning a wildcard entry into next month’s Tahiti Pro. As covered by The Inertia, the 11‑time world champion—now 54—says he’s ‘really looking forward to getting myself locked in before August comes around.’ Slater’s presence at Teahupo’o adds a historic backdrop for any photographer hoping to capture a legend in his final competitive chapters. His past seven finals and five victories at the infamous break make this a must‑see event for anyone chasing iconic imagery.
And if you thought big waves were limited to natural breaks, California’s desert oasis is rewriting the script. The DSRT Surf lagoon in Palm Desert debuted earlier this summer with surfers like Jacob “Zeke” Szekely calling it the “best wave pool in the world,” as AOL.com reports. The facility can generate roughly 1,000 waves per hour, offering everything from beginner rollers to high‑performance barrels and even dedicated “air waves.” With a 139‑room luxury hotel and a lineup of top pros testing the system, it’s quickly becoming a hotspot for both athletes and image makers seeking year‑round desert action.
These three stories—Cloud 9’s CT debut, Slater’s wildcard comeback, and a world‑class desert wave pool—show why the surfing calendar never slows down. Whether you’re planning a shoot in Siargao, hoping to catch Kelly’s final tube, or scouting a new location for your next surf photography session, there’s no shortage of inspiration on the horizon.
