World Surf League Embraces Family-Friendly Policies

Maternity Wildcards and Paternity Leave Redefine Parenthood in Professional Surfing

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a deconstructed surfing competition, with surfers and waves broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color, capturing the raw energy and movement of the sport.The World Surf League's progressive family-friendly policies are redefining the balance between parenthood and professional competition, empowering athletes to thrive both on and off the waves.Anchorage Today

The World Surf League (WSL) is leading a cultural shift in professional sports by implementing groundbreaking family-friendly policies, including maternity wildcards and paternity leave. This move is empowering athletes like five-time world champion Carissa Moore to balance their careers and families, while also inspiring the next generation of surfers who are growing up on tour.

Why it matters

The WSL's progressive approach challenges traditional gender roles in sports and could serve as a blueprint for other organizations looking to support their athletes' multidimensional lives. By acknowledging that parenthood can enhance an athlete's performance, the WSL is redefining what it means to be a professional in the 21st century.

The details

The WSL's maternity wildcard policy allows women athletes to take time off for pregnancy and childbirth without losing their spot on the tour. Meanwhile, the introduction of paternity leave for male surfers normalizes the idea that fathers can be both high-performing athletes and present parents. Surfers like Jordy Smith are now traveling with their children, blending competition and family life.

  • The WSL introduced the maternity wildcard policy in 2025.
  • Paternity leave for male surfers was implemented in 2026.

The players

Carissa Moore

A five-time world champion surfer who is returning to the tour after starting a family.

Jordy Smith

A professional surfer who is traveling with his two children, actively involved in his kids' lives.

Connor O'Leary

A surfer who credits his daughter, Romii-Sakura, with giving him greater mental clarity and enjoyment of the sport.

Sierra Kerr

One of Australia's top young surfers who grew up on tour with her father, Josh Kerr.

Josh Kerr

A professional surfer who brought his daughter, Sierra Kerr, on tour with him.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like I'm enjoying surfing more, because I have less time to think about it.”

— Connor O'Leary

“My kids will choose their own paths.”

— Jordy Smith

What’s next

The WSL will continue to monitor the impact of its family-friendly policies and explore ways to further support its athletes as they navigate the demands of parenthood and professional competition.

The takeaway

The World Surf League's progressive approach to supporting athletes with families is not just about surfing—it's about redefining what it means to be a professional athlete in the 21st century. By acknowledging the multidimensional lives of its competitors, the WSL is setting an example that could ripple across the sports industry and beyond.