Do you enjoy World Surf League events and want to try something new? You are in the right place! At NXTbets, we are devoted to helping sports enthusiasts from all over the United States engage deeply with different sports and their favorite athletes. We offer in-depth resources, guides, and insights for a long, successful, enjoyable, real-money gaming experience. We understand that California is among the few states in the US that have yet to legalize gambling fully. For surfing enthusiasts in California, Underdog Fantasy offers WSL Daily Fantasy Sports, an exciting, upgraded version of traditional Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). Continue reading to learn more about this engaging activity and how to join millions of existing participants.
Draftkings DFS
Get 3 Tickets to Play Free for Your Shot at a Share of Millions in Prizes!
You can begin playing WSL DFS on Underdog Fantasy through the following steps:
Step 1- Create and Verify Your Account
Opening an Underdog Fantasy account is the first step to enjoying World Surf League DFS.
Visit the Underdog Fantasy website or download the platform’s app. The App is available for iOS and Android users.
Click the signup button on the top right side. This action will reveal several empty fields.
Enter relevant details, such as your email address, username, and password. Remember to enter an active promo code to cash in on Underdog Fantasy’s offers during this stage.
Read through and confirm the Terms and Conditions. For example, you must be at least 18 and in California to play.
To guarantee your safety and uphold best DFS practices, Underdog Fantasy will ask you to verify your identity. When prompted, upload your government-issued ID and provide any other required information for faster verification.
Step 2- Deposit Funds for Real Money Gaming
After opening and verifying your Underdog Fantasy account, activate it by depositing funds. As a leading DFS Platform, Underdog Fantasy supports several deposit methods, including credit/debit cards, direct bank transfers, and e-wallets like PayPal. The minimum deposit threshold is $10. Before funding your account, check out WSL DFS real-money gaming insights to learn how to maximize your deposit and gameplay strategy.
Check the platform’s signup promotion or offer before funding your account or settling on the minimum. Underdog Fantasy usually offers a deposit match bonus, i.e., you earn a bonus equivalent to your deposit up to a certain amount (usually $1,000). Therefore, the “larger” your deposit, the bigger your bonus.
Consider the built-in safe gaming tools like deposit and spending limits for responsible future gaming.
Step 3- Selecting Athletes Based on "Better/Worse" Criteria
The third step in Underdog Fantasy DFS gaming is to select athletes based on the platform’s “better/worse” format. Remember, Underdog’s WSL DFS operates differently from traditional team-based fantasy sports, as predictions are based on individual performance. Here is what to do:
Navigate to the PlayWSL DFS section to view upcoming events and qualifying surfers.
Skim through the qualifying events.
Review the surfers participating in every event.
Make an informed decision using your knowledge and analysis of surfers’ strengths, performances, and wave compatibility.
Choose based on the better/worse format by considering the surfer’s ability to perform better or worse than the set rank.
Do not rush the selection process. Before making a prediction, find out more about the athletes, expected weather conditions, and prior developments.
Step 4- Submit and Track Your Entries
The last step is to submit and track your entries. After selecting your preferred surfers:
Review your selections for accuracy.
Submit your entry before the deadline. You also have to confirm payment.
Use Underdog Fantasy’s live scoring feature to track live updates as the surfers compete. This will help you monitor your predictions against the results.
Tips for Success in WSL DFS
The following tips may increase your chances of success in WSL DFS:
Analyze Surfer Performance Metrics
Research extensively before participating in a WSL DFS contest or choosing athletes. Remember to:
Review every surfer’s track record at similar events.
Contrast the surfer’s style with the prevailing or expected wave conditions.
Check weather forecasts and consider their potential impacts on surfer performance.
To further enhance your strategy, our Ultimate Guide to WSL DFS provides in-depth insights into gameplay techniques and expert picks.
Maximize Your Potential
The best way to maximize your WSL DFS potential is to participate in a higher/lower contest, as it is easier to make an educated guess. Always ensure your prediction is backed by adequate data and research.
Avoid Common DFS Mistakes
Here are some common DFS mistakes and how to avoid them:
Basing your selections on popularity: Prioritize surfers’ performance metrics rather than popularity or fame.
Placing all your hope/bankroll on one surfer: Instead of over-investing in one surfer, spread risks by diversifying your picks.
Ignoring rules and regulations: Familiarize yourself with DFS rules and regulations and contest terms and conditions to avoid being disqualified.
Legal Landscape for WSL DFS in California
Is DFS Legal in California
Yes. Daily Fantasy Sports is classified as real-money gaming in California and not gambling. It is legal and subject to the regulations discussed below. Residents must use reputable platforms like Underdog Fantasy for safe, fair, and responsible gameplay.
Important Regulations to Follow
As you consider enrolling for Underdog Fantasy WSL DFS, consider the following:
You must be at least 18 years old.
You must not confuse Daily Fantasy Sports with betting. Instead of “betting,” use terms like “real money gaming” and “play.”
You must embrace responsible gameplay. For example, set spending and time limits, avoid chasing losses, and take breaks when necessary.
Remember, the World Surf League DFS should be a recreational activity, not a primary or full-time engagement. Scan through NXTbets’ website to learn more about responsible gameplay.
Conclusion: Get Started with WSL DFS in California
California is home to professional surfing. While cheering your favorite WSL athlete may be fun, consider engaging with the sport even deeper by participating in . Underdog Fantasy is home to amazing DFS contests. It offers millions of sports fans a chance to interact with their favorite sports, events, and players, especially in jurisdictions where gambling is prohibited. After opening an Underdog Fantasy account, verifying your identity, and funding it, you can join any DFS contest of your liking.
Yes. California residents can legally play World Surf League DFS thanks to platforms like Underdog Fantasy. While the state prohibits most forms of gambling, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is among the regulated real-money gaming options.
How Do I Start Playing WSL DFS on Underdog Fantasy?
Playing WSL DFS on Underdog Fantasy is simple. Just open an Underdog Fantasy account, verify your identity, make a qualifying deposit, choose an athlete, select your preferred outcomes, and submit your entries. Remember to track your entries and performance using the platform's live scoring feature.
What is the Difference Between Traditional Fantasy Sports and WSL DFS?
Contestants draft teams in traditional DFS, while predictions are based on individual finishing positions in WSL DFS. Instead of a draft, you choose whether a surfer will perform better/worse than a set threshold.
What Are "Better/Worse" and "Higher/Lower" Options?
Underdog Fantasy simplifies Daily Fantasy Sports gaming through its better/worse or higher/lower contest formats. Players choose whether surfers will perform above or below specified thresholds or ranks.
Are There Limits on How Many Surfers I Can Select?
Yes. However, they largely depend on the contest. Consider flexibility before choosing a contest.
Can I Play DFS For Other Sports on Underdog Fantasy?
Yes. Underdog Fantasy covers various sports, including F1 and Supercross. Do not limit yourself to World Surf League contests if you enjoy other sports.
Do I Need Special Knowledge to Succeed in WSL DFS?
You stand a better chance of succeeding in WSL DFS contests when conversant with World Surf League events, players, and rules. However, do not feel discouraged if you have recently been interested in WSL DFS. You can succeed with extensive research and strategic decision-making.
Is There a Limit on Winnings in WSL DFS on Underdog Fantasy?
Underdog Fantasy limits or winning caps are majorly contest-based. Keenly review any terms and conditions before joining a contest.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Eight Australians will compete on this year’s men’s World Surf League Championship Tour after five — George Pittar, Oscar Berry, Morgan Cibilic, Callum Robson and Liam O’Brien — secured qualification at the final Challenger Series event at Merewether Beach in Newcastle. For most it marks a return to the CT, with Oscar Berry’s finish described as a breakthrough; Levi Slawson and Dimitri Poulos also pushed close to qualification at Newcastle.
Australia has not produced a men’s world champion since Mick Fanning in 2013, and Brazilian surfers largely dominated men’s world surfing over the past decade, with Hawaiian John John Florence a notable exception. Organizers say the expanded Australian contingent brings proven firepower to the Tour even if not every qualifier is viewed as an outright title favorite, and combined with a revived full-year points system the influx of qualifiers could make the title race more open and increase expectations for an Australian resurgence. Liam O’Brien singled out Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing as the Australians most likely to end the title drought under the revived system.
Liam O’Brien became the fifth Australian man to qualify through this season’s Challenger Series after a shaky Round of 64 heat that left him nervously awaiting his fate. He is preparing for his fifth full CT season and said he does not set “massive goals,” remaining unsure exactly what to expect from the upcoming year. O’Brien also released a 10-minute surf edit titled “Amalgam” that stitches together clips from South America, heavy slabs in Western Australia, footage from Cyclone Alfred and a solo run at XL Burleigh, spotlighting his precise forehand rail work and making a case that he can contend for and win CT events.
The World Surf League quietly sold its stake in Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch in Central California, several sources confirmed. The transaction was not publicly announced by the WSL or by Kelly Slater Wave Co., and the league did not respond to requests for comment. Kaniela Neves, president of the Surf Ranch, acknowledged the transaction and said the company had not yet formally released acquisition details. It remains unclear who now owns the Surf Ranch, although Los Angeles investor Joseph Self updated his LinkedIn profile to show a partnership beginning in February 2026.
The move followed the WSL’s hiring of CEO Ryan Crosby in 2024, under whom the league refocused on core surf audiences and adopted a revamped tour format. The prior era under Erik Logan emphasized non-endemic audiences and included a reality show.
The WSL shifted its wave-pool efforts to the Middle East, building Surf Abu Dhabi in 2024 and adding it to the Championship Tour in 2025 and 2026. That change signaled a move away from the Surf Ranch as the centerpiece of the league’s wave-pool activity.
Kelly Slater first revealed the Surf Ranch in December 2015 and the WSL majority-acquired the facility in May 2016. The venue hosted Championship Tour events in 2018, 2019, and 2021, and it has continued to operate commercially, reportedly renting for as much as $70,000 a day.
If you are a surfing enthusiast interested in making money from World Surf League athletes or events, you should try Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). DFS is the best real-money gaming activity in Rhode Island. To play World Surf League DFS in Rhode Island, create an Underdog Fantasy account, fund it, and follow the steps we …
Jake Marshall and Sierra Kerr won their first US Open of Surfing titles at Huntington Beach, capping a week that began with strong hurricane swell and favorable summer conditions before smaller 3- to 5-foot waves on the final day pushed the contest toward aerial surfing. Marshall, of Encinitas, called his victory over hometown favorite Kanoa Igarashi in the men’s final a dream come true after a difficult competitive year that left him needing Challenger Series points to stay in World Tour contention. The win also moved him into the Challenger Series lead and gave him 10,000 extra points.
Kerr beat fellow Australian Isla Huppatz in the women’s final to claim her first US Open title. She said she finally felt healthy again after dealing with illness in 2025 and used the waves to show her return to form. Her victory was described as an emotional comeback after she battled Lyme disease.
Igarashi reached the final after beating Griffin Colapinto in the semifinals and Mateus Herdy in the quarterfinals. The final-day conditions were much smaller than the larger surf seen earlier in the event, changing the style of the competition and setting up a day that favored above-the-lip surfing.
How to Play World Surf League DFS in California
Do you enjoy World Surf League events and want to try something new? You are in the right place! At NXTbets, we are devoted to helping sports enthusiasts from all over the United States engage deeply with different sports and their favorite athletes. We offer in-depth resources, guides, and insights for a long, successful, enjoyable, real-money gaming experience. We understand that California is among the few states in the US that have yet to legalize gambling fully. For surfing enthusiasts in California, Underdog Fantasy offers WSL Daily Fantasy Sports, an exciting, upgraded version of traditional Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). Continue reading to learn more about this engaging activity and how to join millions of existing participants.
How to Play WSL DFS on Underdog Fantasy
You can begin playing WSL DFS on Underdog Fantasy through the following steps:
Step 1- Create and Verify Your Account
Opening an Underdog Fantasy account is the first step to enjoying World Surf League DFS.
To guarantee your safety and uphold best DFS practices, Underdog Fantasy will ask you to verify your identity. When prompted, upload your government-issued ID and provide any other required information for faster verification.
Step 2- Deposit Funds for Real Money Gaming
After opening and verifying your Underdog Fantasy account, activate it by depositing funds. As a leading DFS Platform, Underdog Fantasy supports several deposit methods, including credit/debit cards, direct bank transfers, and e-wallets like PayPal. The minimum deposit threshold is $10. Before funding your account, check out WSL DFS real-money gaming insights to learn how to maximize your deposit and gameplay strategy.
Check the platform’s signup promotion or offer before funding your account or settling on the minimum. Underdog Fantasy usually offers a deposit match bonus, i.e., you earn a bonus equivalent to your deposit up to a certain amount (usually $1,000). Therefore, the “larger” your deposit, the bigger your bonus.
Consider the built-in safe gaming tools like deposit and spending limits for responsible future gaming.
Step 3- Selecting Athletes Based on "Better/Worse" Criteria
The third step in Underdog Fantasy DFS gaming is to select athletes based on the platform’s “better/worse” format. Remember, Underdog’s WSL DFS operates differently from traditional team-based fantasy sports, as predictions are based on individual performance. Here is what to do:
Do not rush the selection process. Before making a prediction, find out more about the athletes, expected weather conditions, and prior developments.
Step 4- Submit and Track Your Entries
The last step is to submit and track your entries. After selecting your preferred surfers:
Tips for Success in WSL DFS
The following tips may increase your chances of success in WSL DFS:
Analyze Surfer Performance Metrics
Research extensively before participating in a WSL DFS contest or choosing athletes. Remember to:
To further enhance your strategy, our Ultimate Guide to WSL DFS provides in-depth insights into gameplay techniques and expert picks.
Maximize Your Potential
The best way to maximize your WSL DFS potential is to participate in a higher/lower contest, as it is easier to make an educated guess. Always ensure your prediction is backed by adequate data and research.
Avoid Common DFS Mistakes
Here are some common DFS mistakes and how to avoid them:
Legal Landscape for WSL DFS in California
Is DFS Legal in California
Yes. Daily Fantasy Sports is classified as real-money gaming in California and not gambling. It is legal and subject to the regulations discussed below. Residents must use reputable platforms like Underdog Fantasy for safe, fair, and responsible gameplay.
Important Regulations to Follow
As you consider enrolling for Underdog Fantasy WSL DFS, consider the following:
Remember, the World Surf League DFS should be a recreational activity, not a primary or full-time engagement. Scan through NXTbets’ website to learn more about responsible gameplay.
Conclusion: Get Started with WSL DFS in California
California is home to professional surfing. While cheering your favorite WSL athlete may be fun, consider engaging with the sport even deeper by participating in . Underdog Fantasy is home to amazing DFS contests. It offers millions of sports fans a chance to interact with their favorite sports, events, and players, especially in jurisdictions where gambling is prohibited. After opening an Underdog Fantasy account, verifying your identity, and funding it, you can join any DFS contest of your liking.
Don’t forget to play responsibly and stay updated on upcoming events or developments. To save time and effort, subscribe to NXTbet’s newsletter for expert sports betting insights, legal updates, and exclusive offers. Remember, NXTbets’ is home to real-time action, sports betting data, insights & picks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. California residents can legally play World Surf League DFS thanks to platforms like Underdog Fantasy. While the state prohibits most forms of gambling, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is among the regulated real-money gaming options.
Playing WSL DFS on Underdog Fantasy is simple. Just open an Underdog Fantasy account, verify your identity, make a qualifying deposit, choose an athlete, select your preferred outcomes, and submit your entries. Remember to track your entries and performance using the platform's live scoring feature.
Contestants draft teams in traditional DFS, while predictions are based on individual finishing positions in WSL DFS. Instead of a draft, you choose whether a surfer will perform better/worse than a set threshold.
Underdog Fantasy simplifies Daily Fantasy Sports gaming through its better/worse or higher/lower contest formats. Players choose whether surfers will perform above or below specified thresholds or ranks.
Yes. However, they largely depend on the contest. Consider flexibility before choosing a contest.
Yes. Underdog Fantasy covers various sports, including F1 and Supercross. Do not limit yourself to World Surf League contests if you enjoy other sports.
You stand a better chance of succeeding in WSL DFS contests when conversant with World Surf League events, players, and rules. However, do not feel discouraged if you have recently been interested in WSL DFS. You can succeed with extensive research and strategic decision-making.
Underdog Fantasy limits or winning caps are majorly contest-based. Keenly review any terms and conditions before joining a contest.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Related Posts
Revived points system, eight Aussies lift Robinson, Ewing
Eight Australians will compete on this year’s men’s World Surf League Championship Tour after five — George Pittar, Oscar Berry, Morgan Cibilic, Callum Robson and Liam O’Brien — secured qualification at the final Challenger Series event at Merewether Beach in Newcastle. For most it marks a return to the CT, with Oscar Berry’s finish described as a breakthrough; Levi Slawson and Dimitri Poulos also pushed close to qualification at Newcastle.
Australia has not produced a men’s world champion since Mick Fanning in 2013, and Brazilian surfers largely dominated men’s world surfing over the past decade, with Hawaiian John John Florence a notable exception. Organizers say the expanded Australian contingent brings proven firepower to the Tour even if not every qualifier is viewed as an outright title favorite, and combined with a revived full-year points system the influx of qualifiers could make the title race more open and increase expectations for an Australian resurgence. Liam O’Brien singled out Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing as the Australians most likely to end the title drought under the revived system.
Liam O’Brien became the fifth Australian man to qualify through this season’s Challenger Series after a shaky Round of 64 heat that left him nervously awaiting his fate. He is preparing for his fifth full CT season and said he does not set “massive goals,” remaining unsure exactly what to expect from the upcoming year. O’Brien also released a 10-minute surf edit titled “Amalgam” that stitches together clips from South America, heavy slabs in Western Australia, footage from Cyclone Alfred and a solo run at XL Burleigh, spotlighting his precise forehand rail work and making a case that he can contend for and win CT events.
WSL Sells Stake in Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch
The World Surf League quietly sold its stake in Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch in Central California, several sources confirmed. The transaction was not publicly announced by the WSL or by Kelly Slater Wave Co., and the league did not respond to requests for comment. Kaniela Neves, president of the Surf Ranch, acknowledged the transaction and said the company had not yet formally released acquisition details. It remains unclear who now owns the Surf Ranch, although Los Angeles investor Joseph Self updated his LinkedIn profile to show a partnership beginning in February 2026.
The move followed the WSL’s hiring of CEO Ryan Crosby in 2024, under whom the league refocused on core surf audiences and adopted a revamped tour format. The prior era under Erik Logan emphasized non-endemic audiences and included a reality show.
The WSL shifted its wave-pool efforts to the Middle East, building Surf Abu Dhabi in 2024 and adding it to the Championship Tour in 2025 and 2026. That change signaled a move away from the Surf Ranch as the centerpiece of the league’s wave-pool activity.
Kelly Slater first revealed the Surf Ranch in December 2015 and the WSL majority-acquired the facility in May 2016. The venue hosted Championship Tour events in 2018, 2019, and 2021, and it has continued to operate commercially, reportedly renting for as much as $70,000 a day.
How to Play World Surf League DFS in Rhode Island
If you are a surfing enthusiast interested in making money from World Surf League athletes or events, you should try Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). DFS is the best real-money gaming activity in Rhode Island. To play World Surf League DFS in Rhode Island, create an Underdog Fantasy account, fund it, and follow the steps we …
Sierra Kerr, Jake Marshall win first US Open titles
Jake Marshall and Sierra Kerr won their first US Open of Surfing titles at Huntington Beach, capping a week that began with strong hurricane swell and favorable summer conditions before smaller 3- to 5-foot waves on the final day pushed the contest toward aerial surfing. Marshall, of Encinitas, called his victory over hometown favorite Kanoa Igarashi in the men’s final a dream come true after a difficult competitive year that left him needing Challenger Series points to stay in World Tour contention. The win also moved him into the Challenger Series lead and gave him 10,000 extra points.
Kerr beat fellow Australian Isla Huppatz in the women’s final to claim her first US Open title. She said she finally felt healthy again after dealing with illness in 2025 and used the waves to show her return to form. Her victory was described as an emotional comeback after she battled Lyme disease.
Igarashi reached the final after beating Griffin Colapinto in the semifinals and Mateus Herdy in the quarterfinals. The final-day conditions were much smaller than the larger surf seen earlier in the event, changing the style of the competition and setting up a day that favored above-the-lip surfing.