Portugal’s significant investment in surfing, particularly in its women’s program, is yielding global results following Yolanda Hopkins’ historic qualification for the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.
Frederico Teixeira, WSL Operations Chief for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, underscored that the sustained national investment empowers Portuguese athletes to reach elite world positions. This commitment includes hosting various international events in key surfing locations across Portugal, such as Costa de Caparica, Santa Cruz, the Azores, Ericeira, Peniche, and Nazaré.
Hopkins, 27, made history as the first Portuguese woman to qualify for the WSL’s premier circuit. She secured her spot by reaching the semi-finals of the Saquarema Pro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Teixeira highlighted a dedicated focus on women’s surfing, from grassroots to the professional level. He stated that Hopkins’ achievement demonstrates these efforts are “bearing fruit.”
Portugal is a prominent territory in global surfing, but Teixeira noted that all investment only makes sense with “heroes” like the surfers themselves. Only two Portuguese men, Tiago Pires and Frederico Morais, have previously qualified for the Championship Tour.
Hopkins’ qualification represents “the materialization of a dream,” ensuring Portugal’s representation in the elite circuit. Other Portuguese hopefuls, Francisca Veselko and Teresa Bonvalot, are also strong contenders for 2026 qualification.
The Saquarema Pro was the fifth of seven stages in the Challenger Series. In the semi-finals, Hopkins faced experienced Australian surfer Sally Fitzgibbons. The other semi-final featured Basque sisters Annette and Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri.
The Challenger Series continues in 2026 with the Lexus Pipe Challenger in Oahu, Hawaii, scheduled from January 29 to February 9. It will be followed by the Newcastle Surfest in Australia from March 9 to 15.