WSL Announces First Maternity Wildcard for Surfers: Weston-Webb & Defay
The World Surf League (WSL) is breaking recent ground with the introduction of a Maternity Wildcard, effective starting with the 2027 Championship Tour (CT) season. This landmark decision ensures that female surfers won’t forfeit their competitive standing should they choose to start a family, a progressive step mirroring similar accommodations increasingly seen in other professional sports.
The inaugural recipients of this groundbreaking benefit are Brazilian surfer Tatiana Weston-Webb and French competitor Johanne Defay. Both athletes will return to full-time competition on the CT in 2027, with Defay directly benefiting from the newly established Maternity Wildcard, and Weston-Webb receiving a WSL Season Wildcard.
“I’m super happy to get the first-ever Maternity Wildcard,” Defay stated, as reported by Surfer.com. “It’s such an honor. I really wanted to keep my spot on tour due to the fact that I love my lifestyle being a professional athlete and surfer. What we have is a new challenge for me that I really want to try. I’ve been competing for 20 years, and it’s part of who I am. To be able to share that with my daughter is such an amazing gift. I’m so excited to come back in 2027, and I’m excited to watch 2026 unfold.”
Weston-Webb echoed that sentiment, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to balance motherhood and her surfing career. “I’m incredibly grateful to have had this time off to pursue one of my lifetime dreams of creating a family, and now with this announcement, I feel so privileged to be able to say that another dream of mine is coming true; being a mother whilst being able to compete at the highest level,” she said. “It’s beautiful to be a part of the evolution and encouragement of motherhood in sport, especially surfing! I can’t thank the WSL enough for this opportunity.”
The announcement, made on , comes as the WSL prepares for the 2026 CT season, which is set to kick off on at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. This season marks the 50th anniversary of the World Tour and features an updated format, including a combined men’s and women’s 12-stop global tour and an expanded women’s field. The Lexus Pipe Masters will conclude the season, with a high-stakes World Title showdown awarding 1.5 times the points for the winners.
The introduction of the Maternity Wildcard places surfing alongside other prominent sports leagues – including tennis, basketball, soccer, and golf – that have implemented similar policies to support female athletes navigating motherhood. While maternity leave is becoming more commonplace in traditional workplaces, particularly in countries like those in Scandinavia known for their robust social support systems, its adoption within the often-demanding world of professional sports represents a significant cultural shift.
The WSL’s decision isn’t merely about accommodating individual athletes; it’s a statement about the league’s commitment to equity and the long-term health of women’s surfing. Retaining experienced and talented competitors like Defay and Weston-Webb not only strengthens the competitive landscape but also provides positive role models for aspiring surfers. The move acknowledges the evolving needs of athletes and recognizes that personal life choices shouldn’t necessarily preclude continued success in their chosen profession.
The 2026 CT field has been officially confirmed, featuring both top-ranking finishers from the 2025 CT and the 2025/2026 Challenger Series, alongside season and event wildcards selected by the WSL Tours and Competition team. WSL VP of Tours and Competition, Renato Hickel, expressed satisfaction with the finalized competitor list, signaling a season poised to deliver compelling competition and showcase the world’s best surfing talent.
With the 2026 season promising an updated format and an expanded women’s field, the WSL is clearly focused on elevating the sport and providing a platform for its athletes to thrive – both on and off the waves. The Maternity Wildcard is a tangible demonstration of that commitment, ensuring that the next generation of surfers can pursue their dreams without having to choose between a career and a family.