Local surfer Alyssa Spencer’s return to the "Dream Tour" was officially sealed during her dominant run at the Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST in New South Wales, Australia in March. A pivotal victory in the round of 16 confirmed her promotion back to the world's most elite circuit. With that momentum behind her, she surged through the bracket to win the competition, marking her third career Challenger Series title. This victory makes her just the second American woman ever to top the podium at this historic event.
Understanding the Surf Ladder
To understand Spencer’s achievement, you have to look at the professional surfing hierarchy. The World Surf League operates on a three-tiered system:
Championship Tour (CT): The Major League of surfing. Starting in 2026, this elite field has grown to 24 women, featuring the previous season's top 14 finishers, seven promoted athletes from the Challenger Series, and three wildcards.
Challenger Series (CS): The high-stakes battleground where athletes fight for a promotion. Across a five-stop international tour, only the top seven women in the final standings earn their way onto the following year's Championship Tour.
Qualifying Series (QS): The essential entry-level pro circuit. Competitors battle within seven global regions to earn the high rankings required to graduate into the Challenger Series.
Why This Move to the Top Tier is a Big Deal
Spencer’s journey back to the Championship Tour is a testament to her grit. After falling below what is called “the mid-season cut “ in 2024, she had to return to the Challenger Series and beat out the world's most hungry up-and-coming talent to reclaim her spot. Her 2026 qualification means she is officially ranked as one of the top 24 most elite female surfers on the planet.
Currently ranked No. 18 in the world, she is competing this week at the Championship Tour event, Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia. Follow her progress here, and learn more about her journey with Her Sports San Diego’s exclusive Q&A with Spencer.
You’ve spoken before about how difficult it was to fall below the mid-season cut in 2024. What was the biggest mental shift you made this past year to fight your way back onto the Championship Tour?
I think the biggest mental shift I made this past year was truly believing in myself and having confidence in who I am. I did a lot of inner work and personal growth that helped me unlock my full potential mentally. Instead of putting pressure on myself to get “results” as the main goal, I shifted my focus to asking: What can I do today to become a better version of myself tomorrow? Focusing on the hard work and preparation that’s within my control helped me reframe those high-pressure moments. When I do that, I can show up fully, trust my process, and have fun competing.
What’s the first thing you do when you get home from a long stint on tour?
When I first get home from a long stint on tour, I love taking a day just to relax and reset. I unpack, do laundry, snuggle with my dog, and spend quality time with family and loved ones. Giving myself that first day to recharge is so important—it helps me recover both physically and mentally. I try to completely shut off the surf and contest brain for a full day.
For the San Diego surfers watching you, what is one thing about the climb through the Qualifying Series and Challenger Series that people don’t realize?
It’s truly a grind. We’re incredibly blessed to travel to and experience amazing places, but it can also be exhausting. We’re packing up and moving to new destinations almost every two weeks, and finding that mental and physical balance to keep my mind and body sharp is one of the toughest parts of what we do. With the highs and lows of competing, we’re constantly resetting for each event. There’s also the other side of the job—keeping up with social media, planning travel, booking flights, and managing life at home—all while staying focused on performing at our best. I am so lucky to have so many people who support me and are there to help me keep my life balanced amidst the chaos.
Now that you’ve secured your spot back with the world’s elite, how has your approach to training evolved? Is there anything you’re focusing on differently this time around to tackle the Championship Tour?
Now that I’ve secured my spot back with the world’s elite, my approach to training has evolved since the last time I was here. I’m focusing not just on physical performance, but also on building confidence in myself and strengthening my mental game—trusting my abilities and staying calm under pressure. At the same time, the intensity of training has ramped up to match the higher level of competition on the Championship Tour. I’m also paying attention to the little details—recovery, nutrition, and consistent skill work—so that when it comes time to perform, everything clicks naturally. Ultimately, it’s about showing up stronger, mentally sharp, and confident, ready to have fun in every heat knowing and trusting I’ve done everything to prepare.
