ECAT 2026 Wrap-Up

Written and supplied by Organiser Andrew McKinnon:

Following in the wake of the World Surfing Conservation Conference (16–19 February), hosted by Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Inc., the East Coast Activation Tour (ECAT) from 20–26 February proved to be far more than a travelling roadshow.

Twenty-two surfers representing Peru, Costa Rica, Rapa Nui, Chile, Mexico, Spain, USA, Indonesia, and Australia packed into three vans and one car. With more than 30 surfboards — including the iconic Caballito de Totora (Peruvian reedboard) — the convoy headed south on a coastal mission, linking National Surfing Reserves (NSRs) from the Gold Coast to Sydney over five action-packed days.

The theme was simple: connecting community, culture, and conservation — with a good old-fashioned surf safari.

Although Wave God Huey was missing in action, it didn’t deter the delegation from enjoying the ride, engaging with local culture, and experiencing the beauty of Australia’s surf coastline. The mission was to spread the word about the global surfing conservation movement and how to protect its surfing ecosystems.

This ambitious and historic project would not have been possible without the support of COALAR (Council on Australia Latin America Relations) and PROMPERÚ (Peru’s leading tourism agency). The delegation received warm welcomes at NSR designations including Lennox Head, Angourie, Port Macquarie, Norah Head, Manly and Bondi.

The Peruvian team, sponsored by LATAM Air, included four of the country’s most promising junior surfers, visiting Australia for the first time after competing in Rabbit’s World Club Championships at Snapper Rocks. The Bartolo Club made history as the first South American team to compete in the Championships, finishing a creditable 17th out of 40 clubs.

Australian Government Assistant Minister for Immigration, Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite — a surfer and lifesaver born in Maroubra — joined the entourage on the Gold Coast for the Conference paddle-out at Greenmount and again for the finale at Bondi.

The tour was not without incident. An early morning dual shark sighting (a tagged White Pointer and a Bull Shark) at Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie caused alarm, though it was later confirmed as a false alert via the Shark Smart App.

A more serious moment occurred when one of the vans, loaded with surfboards and the Peruvian reedboard strapped on top, lost its roof load after the straps broke. Fortunately, a potential disaster was narrowly avoided and the tour continued south to Sydney — only to face another unexpected drama when the media team became trapped in a hotel lift for an hour. Thankfully, Northern Beaches Fire Brigade freed the stressed crew with crowbars.

They say bad luck comes in threes — thankfully, no more followed.

The final day delivered magic sunny conditions at Manly/Freshwater, the third World Surfing Reserve (designated in 2012). A welcoming ceremony at Mid Steyne was attended by Manly Mayor Sue Heins, the Peruvian Ambassador to Australia H.E. Vitaliano Gallardo, and Peru’s Senior Trade and Tourism Commissioner for Australia and New Zealand, Soledad Campos de Parry, alongside local dignitaries, and onlookers.

International delegates addressed the crowd before vibrant Peruvian traditional dances — Marinera and Festejo — were performed by Alison and Luis of Tarpuy.

The ceremony concluded with a historic first: a surfing demonstration by Carlos Ucanan Arzola, aka “Huevito,” King of the Caballito. The Peruvian reedboard rode Manly’s waves for the first time — a fitting addition to the beach’s famous surfing history. Huevito has since become an international internet sensation, attracting millions of social media followers.

The finale farewell BBQ was hosted at Bondi by Peter Strain, barrister and owner of Tracks Surfing Magazine, and his wife Leanne. Well-known Australian actor Michael Caton (The Castle) presented awards to Nik Strong-Cvetich, CEO of Save The Waves Coalition (the governing body of World Surfing Reserves), along with a certificate of appreciation for Huevito.

It was also announced that the handcrafted Caballito de Totora — constructed by Huevito during the Conference and demonstrated throughout the Tour — will be gifted to Robbie Page’s Royal Indigenous Surfing Museum in Kempsey South, on the road to Crescent Head on Dunghutti Country. A most fitting way to conclude an “beyond” epic week.

A short feature film by The Edit Suite will document the legendary tour and be submitted to the global Save The Waves Film Festival 2026, premiering in June/July.

It would be remiss of me not to give credit to former Australian Ambassador to Peru, Maree Ringland who had suggested the idea of an Australia - Latin America tour.

Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, officially endorsed in 2016 by the Queensland State Government, City of Gold Coast and Save The Waves Coalition as the 8th World Surfing Reserve, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026. The milestone was marked in style at The Collective, Palm Beach, Gold Coast on the final night of the Conference.

Many (Mucho) thanks to everyone who made WSCC & ECAT 2026 such a success.

A wrap-up of WSCC 2026 will follow.

We look forward to the next tour in 2027. Stay tuned for updates via GCWSR.

ECAT 2026 Delegation List (22)

Catalina Zariquiey – Peru, Brianna Barthelmes – Peru, Alejandro Bernales – Peru, Bastian Arevalo – Peru, Carlos Antonio Ferrer WSR Huanchaco – Peru, Carlos Ucanan Arzola “Huevito” – Peru, Roberto “Muelas” Meza – Peru, Magoo De La Rosa – Peru, Patricio Mekis “Pato” – WSR Punta de Lobos, Chile, Roberto Araki - Rapa Nui, Chile, Nik Strong Cvetich & son Jack – CEO STW/WSR Santa Cruz, California, Efrain Olachea - WSR Bahia Todos Santos, Mexico, Almendra Gomezleyva- WSR Puerto Escondido, Mexico, Laura Zumbado - WSR Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, Ana Manero WA Uni (Spain), Josh Hamilton Cameraman Edit Suite Gold Coast, Lisette Drew media liaison, Ida “OE” Wijaya, Indonesia, Robyn Harvey NSR Crescent Heads/Organiser – Southwest Rocks, Andrew (AndyMac) & Megan McKinnon – Organisers (GCWSR).

Special thanks to the following; Chris Gibbs Stewart (COALAR board), Andrew Martin ( Australian Ambassador to Chile), Rachael Moseley ( Australian Ambassador to Mexico), Benjamin Krieg Embassy of Australia in Mexico, DFAT officials Diana Nelson, former Australian Ambassador to Peru, Director of the Latin America and Caribbean Section Robin Hooper, COALAR Secretariat and Trudy McGowan, Director of the DFAT office in Brisbane, Sinead Fischart DFAT Canberra, Eleesa Hodgkinson DFAT Sydney, Paola Vicente Australian Embassy Peru, new Australian Ambassador, James Yeomans, Jennifer Pizarro Prom Peru & Brenda Pompilio Prom Peru.