Asian Games 2026 Surfing 1st Competition – 25 September
September 25 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Asian Games 2026 Surfing competition, which has a historic significance as surfing is an official Asian Games medal sport for the first time, kicks off on Friday, 25 September 2026. The first day kicks off five days of world-class competition, as Asia’s strongest surfers race head-to-head for continental success in Japan.
From Japan’s most famous surfing spot, Pacific Long Beach (Akabane Long Beach) in Tahara, Aichi Prefecture, the contest begins at 07:00 JST.
Surfing Schedule – 25 September 2026
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Sport | Surfing |
| Competition Day | Day 1 |
| Competition Date | Friday, 25 September 2026 |
| Official Start Time | 07:00 JST |
| Competition Period | 25–29 September 2026 |
| Venue | Pacific Long Beach (Akabane Long Beach), Tahara, Aichi Prefecture, Japan |
| Events | Men’s Open (Shortboard) & Women’s Open (Shortboard) |
| Competition Phase | Opening Heats / Qualification Rounds |
Event Format
According to the international surfing discipline rules, shortboard surfing is the surfing discipline adopted as the event of the 2026 Asian Games. There are men’s Open (Shortboard) and women’s Open (Shortboard) medal events in the tournament.
How Will the Surfing Competition Be Played?
A surfer can ride any number of waves, but only top 2 of their best waves will count towards their final heat score. The judges will look for the following criteria to score:
- Wave selection
- Commitment and degree of difficulty
- Speed and power
- Flow and style
- Variety and innovation of maneuvers
- Overall execution and control
Participating Nations
A final roster of the athletes who will compete in the Games will be decided by the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Organising Committee before the Games. However, strong performances are expected from several of Asia’s leading surfing nations, including:
- Japan
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- China
- Chinese Taipei
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Hong Kong, China
- India
- Other qualified Asian National Olympic Committees
Host Country
The Asian Games 2026 will take place in Aichi Prefecture and neighboring cities in Japan from 19 September to 4 October.
Venue
Surfing events take place on Pacific Long Beach (Akabane Long Beach), Japan, and on Tahara City (Aichi Prefecture), Japan.
How to Watch
The fans will be able to watch the surfing event via proper channels and digital multiple outlooks.
- Please watch from the official broadcasters of the respective Asian countries.
- Details of what can be live-streamed are announced in the run-up to the Games, closer to the date.
- Please contact the official Asian Games website or social media for any schedules, heat draws, and results.
- Please check with the official broadcaster of your country for TV updates.
- Results will be posted daily throughout the tournament, and there will be live score updates.
Confirmed Schedule Update
Based on the official 2026 Asian Games competition calendar, Surfing on this date: No gold medal finals on this date (Qualification rounds). Across the full Surfing competition, 2 gold medals are awarded in total, with finals on 28 September.
Source: Wikipedia (2026 Asian Games competition calendar) / AINAGOC.