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Story summary
- The World Surf League has expanded family policies, introducing a maternity wildcard and allowing male surfers to take paternity leave.
- The 2026 Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach highlights this shift as Connor O’Leary, Australian-Japanese surfer, competes with his daughter Romii-Sakura.
- Carissa Moore can return after childbirth thanks to the maternity wildcard.
- The changes reflect a broader evolution in women's surfing and emphasize the importance of family in the sport.
