SEBRING, Fla. (Sept. 16, 2026) – The 2026 MotoSurf Games delivered international competition, overnight visitation and community experiences to Sebring in August, and the excitement continues this weekend as the event takes center stage on CBS Sports Network.
A 30-minute recap of the MotoSurf Games, held Aug. 29–30 at Pier Beach on Lake Jackson, will premiere on CBS Sports on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 AM (EST), with an encore airing Sunday, Sept. 20 at 4 PM (EST).
The event attracted 30 racers representing eight countries, including the United States, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Chile, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Mexico. According to a post-event report provided by MotoSurf, racers, guests and event staff generated 266 room nights and approximately $47,880 in estimated direct lodging and dining spending. The estimate does not include additional spending by spectators and visitors on fuel, shopping, entertainment or other purchases.
The late-August timing is particularly valuable for the destination, generating overnight visitation during a traditionally slower tourism period for the area.
“Events like MotoSurf give us a win-win-win return on our investment,” said Casey Hartt with Visit Sebring/Highlands County Tourist Development Council (TDC). “MotoSurf generated hotel stays and visitor spending in August when our businesses can really benefit from it, offered a free and unique experience for our community through #SurfSebring, and now the CBS Sports broadcast will showcase Lake Jackson and Sebring to a national audience long after race weekend is over.”
The community benefit began before the actual competition with #SurfSebring, a free public experience held Aug. 26–27. Sixty-four locals attended and tried the motorized surfboards, with instruction, at no charge. Based on MotoSurf Academy’s stated lesson value, the complimentary experiences represented approximately $9,600 in recreational programming for the community.
MotoSurf also demonstrates how the destination’s existing natural and recreational assets can be used to generate tourism. Lake Jackson provides a distinctive competition venue in the heart of downtown Sebring, while the CBS Sports broadcast provides another opportunity to showcase the area’s lakes, outdoor recreation and racing heritage to television viewers.
The event is part of Visit Sebring’s ongoing effort to recruit sporting events that generate overnight visitation, particularly during shoulder-season periods, while also creating experiences residents can enjoy.
The 2026 MotoSurf Games were brought to Sebring through Visit Sebring/Highlands County Tourist Development Council (TDC).
For more information about visiting Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Placid and upcoming events, visit VisitSebring.com.
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About Visit Sebring
Visit Sebring is the destination marketing organization managed by the Highlands County Tourist Development Council (TDC). The mission of the TDC is to contribute to a positive quality of life for the residents of Highlands County through destination promotion, tourism development, advocacy and resource management, which are foundational pieces for future economic growt
