Tatiana will soon don a jersey for the first time since 2025. Photo: Beatriz Ryder // ISA
The WSL has announced Tatiana Weston-Webb as a Wildcard for the VIVO Rio Pro. This will mark her first return to competition since giving birth to her daughter, Bia.
“Returning to the Tour in Saquarema will have an even more special meaning because the last time I was there, Bia was still inside me,” said Weston-Webb. “Now she’ll be with me, feeling all the vibe and energy of the Brazilian fans up close. Being able to return to the CT at the VIVO Rio Pro, feeling the energy of everyone cheering me on, is something very emotional for me.”
Weston-Webb also explained that motherhood has changed not only her personal life, but her approach to surfing. “Today, I paddle out with a different mindset, someone more mature, emotionally stronger, and much more grateful,” she continued. “Bia brought out a strength in me that I didn’t even know existed. I think I’ve learned to respect my own process more, listen to my body, and compete in a lighter way without losing my intensity or desire to win.”
The Kauai-based surfer has been on competitive hiatus since 2025. She announced her withdrawal halfway through a disappointing season that had her staring down the mid-season cut, citing mental health reasons. Not long after that, she announced her pregnancy alongside plans to return to competition in 2026.
This wildcard finally gives her a chance to make good on those promises, and at a wave that Weston-Webb says has special significance to her. “Saquarema has always had a unique energy for me,” she added. “It’s a place where I truly feel the love from the fans, and that makes a huge difference during competition. Coming back as a wildcard would already be special on its own, but experiencing this in Brazil, at Praia de Itaúna, makes it even more unforgettable. I’m really excited to reconnect with the fans, feel that energy up close, and share such an important moment in both my career and personal life with them.”
