The Vigo and A Coruña surfers win the trials and qualify for the main draw of the World Surf League (WSL) championship, which brings together more than 200 athletes across the men’s and women’s fields from all over the world
This qualifying event, organized by the Galician Surf Federation, also crowned this year’s Galician open champions
PANTÍN, AUGUST 24, 2026.
It carried a double prize. The trials of the World Surf League (WSL) QS 6000 International at the Abanca Pantín Classic Galicia Pro 2026, organized by the Galician Surf Federation, crowned this year’s Galician open champions and granted them access to the main draw of the event’s flagship competition. Daniela Alonso, in the women’s category, and Manuel Fernández, in the men’s, prevailed on the beach in the Concello de Valdoviño under tricky conditions, with the Atlantic swell dropping as the hours went by. The Vigo and A Coruña surfers adapted well to this difficult situation and lived up to the forecasts that placed them among the big favorites of the event.
Manuel Fernández put together an almost flawless run to the final. He led all his heats except in the semifinals, where he crossed paths with a name that has made — and continues to make — waves in international surfing: Eric Rebiere. The French-Brazilian, a past competitor on the Championship Tour (CT), the elite of world surfing, wanted to test himself once again against the community’s young talents. Rebiere came out on top in the last step before the final, but Fernández got his revenge in the decisive heat, accumulating 10.63 points from his two best waves, against Rebiere’s 8.66. In third position finished Sebastián Bamonde, with 7.50 points; and fourth, Alejo Ferreiro, with 5.67. “I’m really happy, because conditions were very tough for everyone and now I’m looking forward to enjoying the main draw,” the winner said.
For her part, Daniela Alonso had a superb championship. From the very first moment she dominated the competition, and in the final she asserted her strength. With 8.77 points, the Vigo surfer left A Coruña’s Ana Piñón (6.23) in second place, Lara Rico (3.73) in third, and Pepa González-Valerio (1.63) in fourth. “Really happy with the result,” said Alonso, adding: “Everyone did an incredible job, because conditions were difficult, but I can’t wait to give it my all at the QS 6000.”
The QS 6000 International starts tomorrow
The event resumes tomorrow with the first heats of the World Surf League (WSL) QS 6000 International. The flagship event arrives, with 144 surfers in the men’s draw and 80 in the women’s. The championship regains its international spirit with athletes from more than 20 nationalities.
Tomorrow’s schedule, Tuesday, August 25:
WSL Competition
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
QS 6000 International
Market Area
11:00 AM
Opening of the official store, skate area and Corresponsables
12:00 PM
Opening of the various stands
For the full schedule of the Abanca Pantín Classic Galicia Pro 2026, check classicsurfpro.com