Top female surf judge named WSCC 2026 Youth Ambassador
WSCC 2026 picks Phoebe Kane as Youth Ambassador. Event runs 23–26 Feb 2026 at SCU Gold Coast, Bilinga QLD.
What’s Happening?
Australia’s highest-ranked female surf judge, Phoebe Kane, has been officially named Youth Ambassador for the World Surfing Conservation Conference 2026 (WSCC 2026).
The decision was made at the latest committee meeting of WSCC2026.com.au, where Phoebe received unanimous endorsement from organisers.
She represents the Snapper Rocks Surfriders Club and is a graduate of the Palm Beach Currumbin High School Sports Excellence program, which produced legends like Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning.
The WSCC 2026 will take place at Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast Campus, Bilinga from 23–26 February 2026.
“On behalf of the WSCC committee, we welcome Phoebe into this new and exciting position,” said Andrew McKinnon, President of Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve and Chair organiser of WSCC2026.
“Her achievements are super impressive and will add to our goals of ocean conservation and protecting our surfing ecosystems.”
Why It Matters
Phoebe is a passionate voice for sustainability and a role model for young surfers, especially women in surf culture and conservation.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity,” said Phoebe, who turns 21 this weekend.
“I look forward to sharing my experiences and knowledge in the surfing environment, with particular focus on the role that women can play in conservation of the oceans and beaches.
From cosmetics and sunscreen use to the development of ocean-friendly surf equipment, I am excited to see where women could take this.”
Her early leadership at global conferences and in national competitions positions her uniquely to inspire the next wave of change.
Local Impact
Phoebe has roots in the Snapper Rocks Surfriders Club, known for its family-oriented yet highly competitive culture.
She was also part of the Palm Beach Currumbin High School Sports Excellence Program, a breeding ground for world champions.
“It goes without saying that it takes a village to contribute to the success of one of its own,” she said.
“This journey, although tough at times, has been truly rewarding, made easier by the support I have received.”
She hopes to continue judging at elite levels while encouraging more women to enter roles beyond surf competition.
“My aspiration for the future is to hold a regular judging position with the WSL and ISA at the elite level, in Australia and Internationally.
More importantly, it is a passion of mine to continue to inspire women to consider the myriads of roles that they can play in the surfing industry aside from competition.
I’d love to see, going forward, a 50/50 balance in most events of women and men sharing these roles.”
By the Numbers
Phoebe is Australia’s highest-qualified female surf judge, in a field traditionally dominated by men.
At 15 years old, she spoke at the 2020 Global Wave Conference, presenting her "1 Pop 2 Save Bubble Wrap" microplastics project.
In 2024, she was the only Australian selected for the ISA Women’s Judging Program in Puerto Rico, and the youngest woman in the program with the highest judging qualifications.
Zoom In
Phoebe began surfing at age 9, driven by her passion and support from her community.
In 2019, she won the U/16 Queensland Junior State Surfing Titles (Girls Division), earning a spot at the Nationals.
Her name was engraved on the Palm Beach Currumbin (PBC) High School Perpetual Trophy in 2021 as the Open Girls Champion.
Phoebe is now certified as an ISA Level 4 Judge, a top qualification.
She earned a spot as spotter at the 2024 Gold Coast Pro Burleigh, marking her first judging appearance on a World Surf League World Championship Tour panel.
Her judging resume includes:
Burleigh Boardriders Annual Single Fin
Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) National Clubs Title
Australian Titles
WSL Qualifying Series events
Queensland State Titles (Junior and Groms)
Multiple Pro Junior and grommet competitions across Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW
She also represented women’s judging during the Surfing Australia press release announcing $1 million in funding toward Women’s Surfing.
Zoom Out
Globally, the surfing world seeks stronger conservation leadership and greater gender equity.
Phoebe stands at the forefront, merging expertise in elite judging with advocacy for cleaner oceans and equal representation.
Her unique voice gained national attention after she confidently addressed the 2020 Global Wave Conference at Southern Cross University, showcasing her innovation in microplastic awareness.
“Possibly be on the international judging panel for the 2032 Olympics potentially held on her home break of Snapper Rocks,” the committee speculates.
What to Look For Next?
Phoebe’s next goal is a regular judging position with WSL and ISA at the elite level.
With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon and likely to include Snapper Rocks as a venue, her path appears perfectly set.
For updates, visit wscc2026.com.au.