BELLS BEACH, AUSTRALIA – Nadia Erostarbe’s ascent to the world stage of professional surfing officially begins today at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, and the Spanish surfer is entering the Championship Tour with a unique boost of confidence – a gesture of support from eleven-time world champion Kelly Slater.
The 22-year-traditional from Zarautz, Spain, received what’s being called a “blessing” from Slater during a gala event marking the start of the 2026 World Surf League season and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the organization that governs the tour. Slater presented Erostarbe with a jersey bearing the number 72, a symbolic passing of the torch as she embarks on this new chapter in her career.
“I am very lucky to be part of all this,” Erostarbe expressed, reflecting on the whirlwind of the past two weeks since securing her spot on the Championship Tour on March 14th. She’s quickly transitioned from an aspiring competitor to a full-fledged member of the CT, navigating new sponsorship agreements, media requests, and conversations with established stars in the sport. “The dream begins here and now,” she added.
The debut at Bells Beach presents a formidable challenge right away. Erostarbe is slated to face Bella Kenworthy in the fourth heat of the competition. Kenworthy, 20, of San Clemente, California, is in her second season on the Championship Tour and is considered a rising talent in the sport. The competition format ensures that Erostarbe will be tested against top-tier surfers in every heat.
The 2026 Championship Tour schedule is a global undertaking, following the swells across multiple continents. After Bells Beach, the tour will move to Margaret River and the Gold Coast in Australia, then cross over to Raglan, New Zealand, before heading to Punta Roca in El Salvador. The tour continues with stops in Saquarema, Brazil. Teahupoo, French Polynesia; Cloudbreak, Fiji; Trestles, California; Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi (at a wave pool); Supertubos, Portugal; and finally, Hawai’i. The schedule is designed to mirror the men’s tour, with only July and November remaining open for potential adjustments based on wave conditions.
A key characteristic of the CT is the ten-day waiting period for each event, allowing organizers to ensure optimal wave conditions for competition. The elimination of traditional repechage rounds adds immediate pressure, making each heat a “sudden death” scenario. A total of 24 surfers will compete in each event.
Erostarbe’s debut coincides with a moment of celebration for Basque Country surfing, as Adur Amatriain and Janire González Etxabarri recently secured the European Championship titles. The Basque Team duo earned their victories at a competition near Agadir, Morocco, and were honored with a celebratory event on the beach in Zarautz. Amatriain, 20, and González Etxabarri, 22, will now focus on qualifying for the CT through the Challenger Series.
González Etxabarri’s accomplishments are particularly noteworthy, having already claimed championship titles in Gipuzkoa, Euskadi, Spain, Europe, and at the world level. Her sister is similarly pursuing a path toward joining the CT.
For Erostarbe, the journey is just beginning. The support from a legend like Kelly Slater is a significant moment, but the real test lies in her performance in the water. Bells Beach, with its iconic wave and challenging conditions, will provide a dramatic backdrop for her first official heat on the Championship Tour. The competition promises to be fierce, but Erostarbe appears ready to embrace the challenge and pursue her surfing dreams on the world stage.
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is a pivotal event in the early stages of the 2026 WSL season. Fans can follow the action live as Erostarbe and the other competitors battle for valuable points and the opportunity to climb the rankings. The event’s unique format and the potential for world-class waves develop it a must-watch for surfing enthusiasts worldwide.
What’s Next: The World Surf League tour continues with the next event at Margaret River, Australia. Dates will be determined based on optimal wave conditions within the designated waiting period. Stay tuned to WorldSurfLeague.com for the latest updates and schedule information.
What are your predictions for Nadia Erostarbe’s performance this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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