Corona Cero New Zealand Pro

May 13, 2026

Finally the World Tour gets a performance left hander.

Words: Joel Gray Photos: WSL

Amongst the goofy-footed fraternity, it’s an often-grumbled fact that the elite World Tour has been missing a true performance left for many years. Finally, they have one with the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro.

This represents a chance to balance out the hi-fi action of the Snapper and El Salvador events, along with the open-face right-handers of Margaret River and Bells Beach. Sure, they’ve got Pipe, Cloudbreak and Teahupoʻo, but those barrel-focused reef breaks still tend to favour the regular footers due to the advent of full-body tube-stall techniques.

The multiple-manoeuvre walls of Manu Bay at Raglan will provide a super exciting canvas for spectators and competitors alike. After the packed beaches, boardshorts and bikinis of the Gold Coast, it’s back to full suits and chilly morning coffees. There’s a real element of the unknown as to how the World Tour’s established top dogs and bottom feeders will fare on this new addition to the tour.

Carve’s five to watch — men and women.

Gabriel Medina

There's no doubt that the returning Medina has been the onform surfer over recent events. It’s like he’s accessed a new level of calm maturity and the depth of flow to his surfing, his read on individual waves is unmatched. 

Rio Waida

If he can adjust to the morning chill and the full wetsuits then this could be a great opportunity for Rio to shine. Growing up predominantly surfing with his back against the wall on the long lefts of the Bucket Rio’s back hand is his forte and not something we’ve seen much of to date.

Griffin Collapinto

One of the few regular footers able to put down real variety and throw tail without sacrificing flow. At his home break, Trestles his backhand is as good as his forehand and his performance in last years final 5 at Coudbreak was only bettered by goofy footer Yago.

Italo Ferreira

When judges and spectators alike are open minded to the possibilities of goofy footed surfing at this new canvas, we can fully expect Italo to be the electric cat amongst the pigeons. Expect a big wave count and a wide variety of attempts. 

Ramzi Boukhaim

The rocking Moroccan is in real need of a big result after three shockers so far — largely due to too many falls. Despite being known for his backhand attack, Ramzi has a tight forehand carve that stands out and could suit the Kiwi walls well. While most eyes are on the right-handers on tour, don’t be surprised if Ramzi puts up huge numbers here.

Erin Brooks
 
It’s safe to say Erin Brooks will be super excited to surf on her forehand. From what we’ve seen so far at Cloudbreak and other peeling lefts, her relentless critical attack stands at a level above all others. If she can overcome the pressure she’s under for a good result (following three throwaways), then Erin’s performances should make her the clear favourite.
Caity Simmers
 
Too good not to be a pick at every event. The only thing that sometimes gets Caity, due to her size, is looking overpowered by certain conditions such as Margaret River and Bells. That shouldn’t be the case at Raglan, and expect a high-fi approach akin to Griffin Colapinto — something we likely won’t see from many, if any, of the other regular-footed women.
Nadia Erostarbe
 
Proud Basque (aren’t they all?), Nadia had a breakthrough performance and result on her backhand at Snapper. But let’s not forget she’s more than used to jamming things on the forehand, as she has more experience than most at Mundaka. Add in the comfort that comes from growing up in wetsuits, and this really could be a great end to the Australasian leg for the powerful goofy-footer.
Carissa Moore
 
It’s been the return that so many wanted to see. An invested and powerful return from Carissa Moore, who looks as comp-savvy and skillset-heavy as she ever did. As ever, she will have done her homework, lined up the right local support crew, and will likely go deep into the event.
Steph Gilmore
 
Take away Steph’s fairytale Snapper win and it’s been an awkward return to Tour life for Steph. There’s a chance that the recent win gives her the belief and motivation to click into ultra mode for a full title run. There’s also the chance that it was a home-break anomaly and that her first two events of the year showed genuine competitive and skill-level rust. Add to that the fact that Steph is actually pretty weak on her backhand, and it’s not a radical thing to suggest that it would be a surprise if she makes it through her first heat.