The World Surf League Qualifying Series (WSL QS) is where surfing careers are made. It’s the battleground where hungry, talented surfers fight for ranking points, international recognition, and the coveted chance to join the WSL Challenger Series — the final step before the Championship Tour.
For the Philippines, the QS isn’t just a global competition circuit. It has become a symbol of the undeniable rise of Filipino surfing. With more athletes competing internationally and two major QS events held on home soil this year, Filipino surfers are making their presence felt across Asia and beyond.
Understanding the WSL Qualifying Series
The QS is divided into regional tours. Filipino surfers compete primarily in the Asia region, earning points by placing in events categorized by difficulty and prestige:
● QS1000 – entry-level
● QS3000/ QS4000 – mid-tier
● QS5000 / QS6000 – highest points, major events
At the end of the season, the top-ranked athletes from each region qualify for the Challenger Series, a global tour where Championship Tour spots are decided.
Why the QS matters for the Philippines:
It creates a real, accessible pathway for surfers from Siargao, Baler, La Union, Zambales, and beyond to reach the world stage.
Filipino Athletes on the Rise: 2024–2025 QS Rankings
From seasoned competitors to new breakout talents, the Philippines is fielding more QS athletes than ever before. Their performances across Indonesia, Korean, Japan, and the Philippines reveal one thing clearly: Filipino surfers are no longer underdogs — they are contenders.
Here are some standout athletes to watch this season:
John Mark “Marama” Tokong – Cloud 9’s powerhouse and one of the Philippines’ most dominant QS surfers.
Nilbie Blancada – A multi-title champion leading the charge for Filipino women on the international stage.
Daisy & Kaila Dela Torre – LU/Baler mother-daughter duo bringing experience, style, and heart to the tour.
Roger Casugay – longboarding with strength, style and true sportsmanship.
Edgar Calvo Jr. (“Taybo”) – Rising Waray (Samar) talent quickly making his international mark on the longboarding scene.
THE PHILIPPINE QS STOPS: A NEW ERA FOR LOCAL SURFING
The Philippines is now home to two official stops on the WSL Asia Qualifying Series — a monumental milestone that strengthens the country’s role in global surfing.
These events give Filipino athletes accessible QS points, international exposure, and home-crowd support, while also boosting local surf economies and tourism.
1. WSL BALER INTERNATIONAL PRO — ROOTED IN HISTORY, AIMED AT THE FUTURE
Location: Cemento Reef, Baler
Event Category: QS4000+ LQS1000
Baler is the birthplace of Philippine surfing, and Cemento’s long, powerful right-hander makes it a perfect QS battleground. As a QS4000, it is one of the highest-value events in the Asia region — meaning big points, big stakes, and big opportunities for Filipino surfers to climb the rankings.
Why Baler Matters:
● Extremely high point potential for PH athletes
● One of the Asia region’s key QS stops
● Strong women’s representation and longboard divisions
● A surf town rich in culture, heritage, and community support
The return of the WSL to Baler has revitalized local pride and created a massive platform for homegrown talent.
2. SIARGAO INTERNATIONAL SURFING CUP — THE PHILIPPINES’ PREMIER QS EVENT
Location: Cloud 9, Siargao
Event Category: QS6000 (Men), QS3000–5000 (varies by year)
Season: September–October
The Siargao International Surfing Cup is the crown jewel of Philippine competitive surfing. Held at the world-famous Cloud 9, one of the best right-hand barrels on the planet, it draws a global field of elite surfers.
As one of the highest-point QS events in the entire Asia region, Siargao provides a massive opportunity for Filipino athletes to score career-changing results.
Why Siargao Matters:
● International prestige + iconic wave quality
● Home event of Marama Tokong, who earned his Challenger Series qualification through a historic Siargao performance
● Inspires thousands of young surfers in the Philippines' #1 surf destination
● Reinforces Siargao as a world-class surf and tourism hub
Together with Baler, Siargao positions the Philippines as a true regional powerhouse in competitive surfing.
The Numbers Behind the Movement
These stats show more than performance — they showcase momentum. The Philippines is steadily climbing the ranks in Asia, with more athletes competing, more making heats, and more breaking into top-50 and top-20 positions.
Why This Surge Matters for the Philippines
The impact of QS success extends far beyond competition:
● Inspiration: Local groms see real pathways to pro surfing
● Growth: Surf towns gain visibility and tourism
● Support: More brands, sponsors, and training programs invest in Filipino athletes
● Representation: Filipino surfers become recognized on the world stage
With Cloud 9, Cemento and other surf spots producing world-class talent, the Philippines is emerging as a surfing nation to watch.
Kudo Surf: Supporting Local Talent from Day One
Kudo Surf stands behind the development of Philippine surfing — from grassroots communities to international tours. Through athlete support, event involvement, and high-quality gear designed for tropical surf, we remain deeply committed to elevating Filipino surfing.
Our mission is simple:
Support local talent.
Conclusion: The Journey Has Only Just Begun
The WSL Qualifying Series is shaping a new era of Philippine surfing — one defined by passion, grit, and world-class performances. With two QS stops in our own backyard and a growing roster of competitive athletes, the Philippines is rising fast on the global surf map.
Kudo Surf is proud to stand with every Filipino surfer chasing the dream.
The world stage is within reach — and the next generation is ready.
