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San Clemente Today
By the People, for the People
San Clemente Surfers Escape Australia Hotel Fire
Kolohe Andino and team narrowly avoid danger during World Club Surfing Championship
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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A group of surfers from San Clemente, California, including prominent surfer Kolohe Andino, escaped a hotel fire that broke out while they were in Australia for the World Club Surfing Championship. The fire occurred at their hotel on the Gold Coast, but no injuries were reported as fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze. Despite the incident, the San Clemente Boardriders team went on to secure second place in the overall competition.
Why it matters
The hotel fire incident highlights the risks and challenges that professional surfers can face while competing internationally. While no one was harmed, the event raises questions about safety protocols and emergency preparedness for major sporting events held abroad. The San Clemente team's strong performance at the championship also showcases the talent and dedication of the local surf community.
The details
According to reports, the fire broke out at the hotel where the San Clemente surfers were staying during the World Club Surfing Championship at Snapper Rocks. Kolohe Andino, a prominent member of the San Clemente Boardriders, shared news of the incident on social media, stating that they were 'grateful and blessed to be back on our feet again.' Images showed the hotel building engulfed in flames, with fire visible on multiple balconies. Fire crews were able to extinguish the blaze by 1:00 AM local time on February 19, 2026, and no injuries were reported.
- The World Club Surfing Championship concluded on February 15, 2026.
- The hotel fire occurred on February 19, 2026, in the early morning hours.
The players
Kolohe Andino
A prominent member of the San Clemente Boardriders and a professional surfer with a decorated career, including winning multiple National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) titles and qualifying to represent the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics in surfing.
San Clemente Boardriders
A surf club from San Clemente, California, that competed in the World Club Surfing Championship, finishing in second place overall.
Torquay Boardriders Club
The surf club that won the World Club Surfing Championship, defeating the San Clemente Boardriders in the finals.
What they’re saying
“Shit got real. We are grateful and blessed to be back on our feet again. Thanks for everyone who has reached out.”
— Kolohe Andino (Instagram)
“What a privilege to be able to represent our city San Clemente in the inaugural @worldclubchampionships at pumping Snapper Rocks. So proud of our team for rising up and competing at the level they did in this event. Our club took 🥈 in the world out of an incredibly stacked field and well done to @torquayboardridersclub for putting on an amazing show in the finals and winning the event.”
— San Clemente Boardriders (Instagram)
What’s next
The cause of the hotel fire is currently under investigation by local authorities.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the risks and challenges that professional surfers can face while competing internationally, but also showcases the resilience and talent of the San Clemente surf community, who were able to overcome the hotel fire scare and deliver a strong performance at the World Club Surfing Championship.
