East Coast Activation Tour celebrates culture and conservation
International surfers toured Australia’s coast during ECAT 2026, connecting surf reserves, culture and conservation.
What’s happening?
The East Coast Activation Tour (ECAT) 2026 brought together an international surfing delegation for a coastal journey from the Gold Coast to Sydney between 20 and 26 February.
The tour followed the World Surfing Conservation Conference held from 16 to 19 February, hosted by Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Inc.
Organiser Andrew McKinnon, the wrap-up described the tour as far more than a travelling roadshow.
Twenty-two surfers representing Peru, Costa Rica, Rapa Nui, Chile, Mexico, Spain, the United States, Indonesia and Australia travelled together along Australia’s surf coast.
The group packed into three vans and one car, carrying more than 30 surfboards, including the traditional Peruvian Caballito de Totora reedboard.
The convoy headed south on a coastal mission linking National Surfing Reserves from the Gold Coast to Sydney over five action-packed days.
Mr McKinnon said the goal was clear.
“The theme was simple, connecting community, culture, and conservation with a good old-fashioned surf safari.”
Although surf conditions were limited, the tour continued with strong participation and engagement.
“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.”
Mr McKinnon said the mission focused on raising awareness of surfing conservation.
“The mission was to spread the word about the global surfing conservation movement and how to protect its surfing ecosystems.”
Delegates received welcoming receptions at several National Surfing Reserve designations, including Lennox Head, Angourie, Port Macquarie, Norah Head, Manly and Bondi.
The Peruvian delegation included four promising junior surfers who travelled to Australia after competing in Rabbit’s World Club Championships at Snapper Rocks.
The Bartolo Club also made history during the event.
“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 joined the group on the Gold Coast for the conference paddle-out at Greenmount and later again for the finale at Bondi.
Local impact
The week also included a farewell event hosted at Bondi.
Barrister and owner of Tracks Surfing Magazine, Peter Strain, hosted the finale barbecue with his wife, Leanne.
Australian actor Michael Caton presented awards to Nik Strong-Cvetich, CEO of Save The Waves Coalition.
Huevito also received a certificate of appreciation.
A special announcement was also made during the finale.
The handcrafted Caballito de Totora, built during the conference and demonstrated throughout the tour, will be gifted to the Royal Indigenous Surfing Museum in Kempsey, South.
The museum is operated by Robbie Page and sits on the road to Crescent Head in Dunghutti Country.
Why it matters
The tour strengthened international cooperation within the global surfing conservation movement.
Delegates travelled together across several surf reserve communities, promoting the protection of surf ecosystems and coastal environments.
The project also strengthened cultural exchange between Australia and Latin American surf communities.
Support from international partners helped make the initiative possible.
“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 Peruvian team also received sponsorship support from LATAM Air.
By the numbers
22 international surfers and delegates travelled together during ECAT 2026, representing nine countries across the global surfing reserve network.
More than 30 surfboards were carried in the convoy, including a handcrafted Caballito de Totora reedboard demonstrated throughout the tour.
Six National Surfing Reserve locations welcomed the delegation, including Lennox Head, Angourie, Port Macquarie, Norah Head, Manly and Bondi.
Zoom in
The tour concluded with a special ceremony at Manly and Freshwater, the third World Surfing Reserve designated in 2012.
Sunny conditions welcomed the delegation for the final day celebrations at Mid Steyne.
Manly Mayor Sue Heins attended the ceremony alongside the Peruvian Ambassador to Australia, Vitaliano Gallardo and Peru’s Senior Trade and Tourism Commissioner for Australia and New Zealand, Soledad Campos de Parry.
Local dignitaries and onlookers joined the crowd as international delegates addressed attendees.
Peruvian culture was also shared during the ceremony.
Traditional Marinera and Festejo dances were performed by Alison and Luis of Tarpuy.
The event concluded with a historic moment.
Peruvian surfer Carlos Ucanan Arzola, also known as Huevito and widely recognised as the King of the Caballito, demonstrated the traditional reedboard in Manly’s surf.
The Caballito de Totora rode Manly waves for the first time.
Huevito has since attracted millions of followers online.
Zoom out
The road trip included several unexpected moments.
An early morning shark alert occurred at Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie after sightings of a tagged White Pointer and a Bull Shark.
The alert was later confirmed as false through the Shark Smart App.
Another incident occurred when one of the vans carrying surfboards lost its roof load after the straps broke.
The Peruvian reedboard was also strapped to the vehicle at the time.
Fortunately, a potential accident was avoided, and the tour continued toward Sydney.
The group later faced another unexpected situation when the media team became trapped inside a hotel lift for an hour.
Northern Beaches Fire Brigade eventually freed the crew using crowbars.
“They say bad luck comes in threes; thankfully, no more followed.”
What to look for next
A short feature film documenting ECAT 2026 is currently being produced by The Edit Suite.
The film will be submitted to the global Save The Waves Film Festival 2026 and is expected to premiere in June or July.
Mr McKinnon also confirmed that another international tour is already being planned.
“We look forward to the next tour in 2027. Stay tuned for updates via GCWSR.”
