World Surf League Reveals Finals Location, Confirms Season Start
The World Surf League (WSL) today announced Lower Trestles, CA will be the location of the WSL Finals in September 2021.
The world-renowned surf break of Lower Trestles is back on the WSL Championship Tour (CT) calendar in 2021, this time as the stage of the first-ever WSL Finals. The men’s and women’s World Titles will be decided in a single-day competition, where the top five men and top five women ranked during the CT season will battle for their respective titles in a new surf-off format at one of the world’s best waves. The WSL Finals waiting period will run from September 8 - 17, 2021.
“Putting on an international tour amid a global pandemic is not an easy task, but the dedication and work of the entire organization, gives us confidence that we can safely execute these competitions on behalf of our athletes, staff and the local communities,” said Erik Logan, WSL CEO.
It's ON! Hawaii to Kick-Off CT Season
The road to The WSL Finals will start at the Maui Pro presented by ROXY with the women competing at Honolua Bay in Maui, Hawaii from December 4 - 15, 2020 (changed from the previous date of Nov 25 - Dec 6). The men will compete at Pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii at the Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask from December 8 - 20, 2020 in Oahu, Hawaii.
“I am so excited about WSL’s announcement to start the 2021 Championship tour this December in Hawaii,” said 4x reigning WSL Champion, Carissa Moore. “Honolua Bay, Maui for the women and Pipeline, Oahu for the men. Hawaii is such a big part of surfing history and culture and there is no better place to start a season and end a challenging year on a positive note. I want to express my appreciation to everyone involved in making these events happen including the WSL, state of Hawaii and all the amazing fans for your support. As we all continue to navigate these unprecedented times and adapt to a new norm, we are so grateful for your support and good vibes from home this year in order to keep everyone safe. Hope there is some good swell on offer and we can put on a great show for you!“
This season’s Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask will be the 50th edition of this legendary contest, which has crowned World Champions such as Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, and reigning WSL Champion, Italo Ferreira.
The WSL is working closely with the State of Hawaii and local government agencies, to implement the WSL’s COVID safety plans for each broadcast-only competition, which were developed in collaboration with the State of Hawaii and the counties of Honolulu and Maui.
New Tour Stops Added to Opening Leg of 2021 Schedule
The next stop of the season will see both men and women of the Championship Tour remain in Hawaii for the newly added Sunset Open, January 19 - 28, 2021. Typically a location for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, this will be the first women's CT event on the North Shore since 2010.
In February, the Tour will trade boardshorts for fullsuits as they hop across the Pacific to Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, California. The last time the iconic cold-water pointbreak appeared on a CT schedule was back in 2012, and now the Santa Cruz Pro will run from February 2 - 12, 2021. A prime season for large northwest swells, the big, unruly surf and frigid water temps will present a host of intriguing challenges for competitors.
Because of continually changing conditions in communities around the world, flexibility is going to be a key component of the season after the Santa Cruz Pro. The WSL remains steadfast in its commitment to the health and safety of its surfers, staff and fans, and will make its decisions based on guidance from experts and authorities.
"Putting on an international tour amid a global pandemic is not an easy task, but the dedication and work of the entire organization, gives us confidence that we can safely execute these competitions on behalf of our athletes, staff and the local communities," WSL CEO Erik Logan explains.
Opening Leg of 2021 Championship Tour*
*All tour stops and dates subject to change due to applicable COVID-19 related restrictions, including global travel restrictions.
- Maui Pro presented by ROXY: Maui, Hawaii | Dec 4 - 15, 2020
- Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask: Oahu, Hawaii | December 8 - 20, 2020
- Sunset Open | January 19 - 28, 2021
- Santa Cruz Pro | February 2 - 12, 202
With the current focus on running the opening leg of the tour in the United States, additional changes to the 2021 season include the postponement of the MEO Pro Portugal until later in the season, shifting the dates for the Corona Open Gold Coast presented by Billabong to May 3 - 13, 2021, and moving the Oi Rio Pro presented by Corona to June 11 - 20, 2021.
Based on the global nature of the CT and the unknowns around COVID-19, the WSL will share updates on the remaining schedule in the new year.
Comments
It'll be interesting to see how many surfers can actually make it to Hawaii. Though, if it works, it's a smart plan to run a second event in Hawaii and then a third in mainland USA.
For Australian surfers currently in Australia, as of 30th October, per Smart Traveller, "There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs."
You can apply for an exemption, and the only broad category that applies is "your travel is essential for your business/employer".
SmartTraveller also advises: "Do not travel to the United States of America, including Alaska, Puerto Rico and the Hawaiian Islands. If you do travel, get professional security advice. Your travel insurance policy might be void. The Australian Government may not be able to help you."
Anyway, once you've got through that hoop, then you've got to book flights. The US embassy says "Short term availability is very limited... In some cases, you will need to book at least 8 weeks out to secure a seat."
If you get a flight, then, according to Expedia, "Anyone travelling to Hawaii is required to have a government Safe Travels account and self-quarantine for 14 days. Some travellers may be exempt from quarantine with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure."
A quick search for flights shows five carriers operating, but with no-one offering a direct service. Every flight I could find was long haul, two days (or more!) with two stops i.e.
62h 11m: BNE - DOH - LAX - HNL
45h 46m: MEL - HKG - LAX - HNL
43h 10m: SYD - HKG - LAX - HNL
So... erm... that'll be fun!
But, how about surfers from other countries?
They Didn’t stop MF from going to US.
OK, other countries: The US's Centers for Disease Control and Preventention says (last updated Sep 14):
"With specific exceptions, foreign nationals who have been in any of the following countries during the past 14 days may not enter the United States. China, Iran, European Schengen area (including France, Portugal, Spain), United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil".
It's a little tricky to navigate the US's rules and regulations to find where exemptions might be.. anyone skilled at this want to take a look?
But, would I be correct in assuming that (for example) a Brazilian surfer currently in Brazil would need to leave now, and travel to a country not listed above - wait there for 14 days - and then they'd be able to travel into the US? That'd mean an arrival into the US around Nov 26th, with - if required - another 14 days self isolation taking them up to Dec 10th.
What a pain in the arse for one person, let alone the entire WCT tour and its entourage.
A little birdy flying over the lineup whispered that this whole shenanigan had been preplanned by the WSL...one flight booked with the whole Aussie CT contingent onboard, departing and returning via Sydney after the battle, quarantining together, faces glued to instatok, with not a single professional surfers brow furled worrying about the minutiae of Google flights or travel exemptions...
Really? Wow.
Not familiar with the cost of private jets, but a quick search shows that you can pick up a 14-seater from LA for US$120,000 return.
That's half the flight time from Sydney (5 hours vs 10 hours).
Wonder how many boards you can squeeze in the cargo hold? I'd recommend a regular shorty, a fish for the small days, and a step-up for the bigger days.
Oh hang on, this is the WCT.
Pack me two dozen 5'10"s, and a 6'4 stepup. I'll borrow a gun if its required.
May not necessarily be a private charter but yeah, hhmm...logistically this all seems tough and I don't think their are enough Aussie CT surfers to justify the expense at that rate, but the owners are billionaires and OS travel for people of that wealth is an entirely different experience. Interesting to see how this plays out and I wonder if any will be left behind...
A lot of CT surfers are doing a lot of Googling this morning.
Will be interested to see what countries do what. There will be a lot of hotel quarantining!
Another observation: I assume it's going to be beneficial for all surfers to remain in the US for the duration of these three events (i.e. rather than travelling home, having to quarantine over and over again etc).
This will mean more than two months - possibly closer to three months, for those who arrive early in Hawaii - spent overseas, including Xmas/New Year.
A couple of points: this is pretty expensive (not sure about the USA, but domestic tourism is booming in AU thanks to Covid-19 with reduced accomodation, higher prices etc). Normally, cheap flights have allowed surfers to spend as little time at each destination as possible, often returning home between events. This might not matter for the top 10, but there's quite a few guys at the bottom end of the tour that aren't on big sponshorship dollars, and who lack the team-support infrastructure offered by some of the big surf brands. The AUD-US exchange rate isn't quite as bad as it's been in the last year or so, but it's still not a particularly cheap place to travel to.
Also, I imagine those surfers with kids etc won't be able to travel as a family (cost, visa restrictions etc). Because this 2-3 month period will roll through the Xmas period, I imagine that'll put a strain on things. Personally, I struggle to be away from my kids for more than a couple of days. But.. a couple of months?
Anyway, just a bunch of other things to consider that might influence each surfer's ability to concentrate on the job at hand. The travelling pro surfer lifestyle might look glamorous, but it's also a lot of hard work.
Also a question of whether Aus will allow overseas people in for our leg. There is a time gap before Bells so they could all come in and quarantine. Can’t see the top athletes and their bag carriers holed up in a Melbourne hotel for two weeks. Perhaps they could do a deal and stay at the Melbourne airport hotels and have access to Urbansurf?
If a reasonable percentage of athletes can't compete (because they're not allowed into each country), is the tour then viable?
For example, Brazilian surfers might be able to get access into the USA. But what if they're then denied entry into Australia in March (prior to Bells kicking off April 1)?
Tennis will face this shortly with Australian Open in the last 2 weeks of Jan. Athletes & entourages will be converging from around the world needing to get into Australia & quarantining for 2 weeks. They will then be training & competing in lead up events across mulitple states. Golf will be facing similar challenges. Cycling events have been cancelled.
Who's going to have the cash/patience and time to execute this?
And to have the title possibly decided at Trestles, yawn.
Definitely agree with the Trestles yawn.
Oz Stewardship of ASP of the 80-90’s has definitely been lost to WSL America.
Absolutely loving the addition of Sunset. Will really sort them out.
Jack Robbo would be smiling
love Sunset on the QS (four man heats), but with man on man in the CT there'll be so much down time between waves it'll be a snore fest
They usually do the 4 man overlap heats at pipe, so I guess could be a possibility at Sunset too?
So will Kelly ?!?
too many unknown variables at present with the virus rife in the US. unless I was really scratching to make a living, cant see the risk/reward in travelling overseas, not just the US but the whole of Europe, Africa South America and certain areas of Asia
Yeah I agree, struggling with personal buy-in as a viewer / consumer. And from a competitor perspective if you're scratching financially and/or a newcomer trying to set yourself up for the future, then there will be higher than normal travel costs as per Ben's analysis, are WSL going to chip-in for these 'athletes'.
Julian, guessing family no thanks.
Steph, been there done that, no thanks.
Both seem set-up for life.
So perfectly Seppo, like all their 'world champion' leagues, MURICA!
Finishing at Trestles is an anti climax, great wave but not worthy for a title showdown like Pipe or other heavy water waves
A true world champ needs to perform in heavy water waves otherwise they are not worthy, IMHO
Yep I can have fun at Trestles but I am not going out at 12' pipe.
Shame they can't finish the tour at G-land.
Trestles? I echo that yawn above.
I've always thought for all the wrongs of pro surfing, finishing at Pipeline was awesome. It feels like a 'grand final' wave for sure. Trestles......no. I can't see Kelly Slater getting a 10 at Trestles in my wildest imagination that would even compare to the backdoor wave from last year.
Swapping one of the most mental waves on the planet for one of the tamest? No thanks. But I'm not the demographic, so all the best to them and the people involved.
"But I'm not the demographic, so all the best to them and the people involved."
Who the fuck IS the demographic these days cause it sure aint us.
Ring you should listen to Dirty Water and Ian Cairns, the last of the relics from the 70's discuss this issue. Hard to agree with a lot of what he says about pro surfing.
Sounds like the American Surf League with a few international guests. I doubt many will have the means to do this long stint in the US. Watching the woz flail around and scrap for content is probably more fun than watching a final at trestles.
They needed a slam dunk finish.
Cloudbreak with a decent waiting period was the obvious choice. Big barrels, turns and a majestic, open ocean challenging line-up. Not to mention the beautiful blues of the South Pacific.
September is still prime time.
Trestles with a 9 day waiting period is too limp.
Maybe WSL can do a virtual event like some other sports. Each surfer (or if there are a few in the same country/state) surfs a chosen/nominated local break (or maybe any break within a nominated area) with live footage over zoom. Have, say, a 3 day period to complete each round to allow for timezones.
I agree with this - a small silver lining of covid is that pretty much every business (and that’s what pro surfing is - like it or not) in the world has had permission to experiment, take some risks with new formats, try new and interesting ways to do things -
I think they’re missing an opportunity to do that , going with pretty much status quo and their plan looks pretty impractical, expensive etc for a fringe sport
Who's excited about Steamer Lane, and the final at Trestles? Yeah, me neither.
Good observations, Ben, about the logistics and family issues.
Hang on, what about the elephant in the room - The Pipeline Masters, brought to you by hydro-flask? So, basically, the WSL is so hard-up that the best they can do for major sponsorship of the marquee event of the surfing calendar is a water bottle?
Is this the WSL's Four Seasons (landscaping - not the hotel) moment?
In 2016 Hydro Flask sold $137,000,000 in water bottles.
Yep, that water bottle company was bought for $210m by a subsidiary of consumer giant Helen of Troy in 2016 (owner of Brut and Revlon amongst other consumerables).
Haha, if you can be fucked with this short read, an interesting story on how one and his misses may get rich one day if they have the foresight:
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/insider-qa-hydro-flask-ceo-scott-a...
Six stop tour , make it pay per view, run in Indo where it’s affordable to hole up for 5-6 months in 1 to 5 star digs.
Run it at
Lakey peak,
Keramas,
Uluwatu,
2 Stops Ments
Final stop GLand.
Would pay to watch, but fuck that it would do a disservice to all those that make to Indo in 2021.
Let them slop it out in the states.
May or way not watch.
Like it
100% agree i said something very similar not long ago, only difference is i think you could add at least two stops in Hawaii at Sunset and Pipe to finish it off.
This schedule is realistic and would minimise quarantine needed etc, and also pretty much be a dream tour so people would actually watch it and sponsors actually get exposure.
Only thing its missing is a beachie.
But it has everything barrels, turns, air sections and the tour would have a fair even mix of left and rights
But yeah as good as it would be, it would also suck for anyone in Indo and just the added Indo exposure.
BTW. I think the two comps in Ments one should be Macaronis as super consistent and offers everything, with the other comp being a mobile comp determined on conditions and logistics but surely can be streamed from almost anywhere in this day and age
A strike mission tour based in Indo sounds amazing.
But how about crew that (post-Covid) plan their every-three-year-surf-trip, only to find out the week before they arrive that there's a pumping swell on the way, and the WSL have hit the green light for the same spot?
Post Covid would be problematic, but for 2021 you would think it would be a good time to try something different in a dream tour type format.
Maybe Indo will be open 2021 but even if it is i doubt us Aussies will be allowed out and we still make up the biggest chunk of surfers in most areas of Indo.
Removing any Covid references from my earlier post, it's a worthy discussion in its own right, I reckon.
Strike mission WCT events throughout Indo (or many other places, for that matter) sound like a fantastic idea, until one of their events coincides with your own surf holiday. Remember, it's not just the event wave that is affected - there's a lot of freesurfing going on at surrounding breaks from everyone else travelling with the circus.
Sure, every surf trip is a bit of pot luck as to the crowd mix, but imagine the situation of a regulation mid-season lineup at eight foot Nias, supercharged with a hundred or more extra surfers, most of whom are amongst the best in the world? Ain't a lot of options for regular blokes and girls.
If the WSL were to book out specific locations well in advance, that's a different thing I suppose. Keramas and Ulus were never really a problem either due to the sheer number of Balinese waves, and the cheap, readily available transport across the island to other breaks. But the rest of Indo is a much different story.
It's a challenging situation. I've always loved the idea of a strike mission tour, but the more I think of it, the more I disagree with the premise. I don't think it's a problem for some locations under some swell events (i.e. 15ft Cloudbreak), though that works better as a freesurf broadcast rather than an actual competition anyway.
Yeah it’s such a paradox, I really enjoy watching the best competitive surfers in the world competing in quality waves but at the same time I’ve been in zones when a comps been on and had a number of sessions ruined with the appearance of a few car loads of said surfers only to move to another location to find more pros at the next spot all in contest mode. Most of them were there for a few weeks then gone, I was there for much longer so it wasn’t so bad and the parties made up for it. Haha.
To be fair I’ve surfed remote spots with pros outside of contests and they’ve been generally respectful even while dominating the lineups.
Strike missions are great viewing for those that haven’t busted there ass to get a spot only to have the WSL appear just as payday hits.
theyll cancel the 2021 tour. logistical nightmare plus you need to run the WQS as well otherwise the same surfers will run in 2022. may as well cancel 2021 and pick it up later. its an optimistic plan but realisicly wont go ahead. its secured spots and a plan for the 2022 season thats all
Pfizer begs to differ!
"...plus you need to run the WQS as well otherwise the same surfers will run in 2022."
Great point.
In a season where more cyclones are predicted than what is typical for the east coast snapper gets moved to May.....
Trestles is “one of the worlds best waves”. Fck me who writes this shit.
Come on great fun for me but it is a pussie wave for the worlds best. Worlds best is about maxed out size and hairy conditions not flipping and flying on a skate ramp.
Yep, finishing at trestles is very disappointing, and not very inviting to travel to the US with record daily COVID cases & on the brink of a civil war... no thank you, you can have the US...
A 2 stop final of G-Land and HT's would be fitting to crown a world champ, Trestles nah
There's no way the tour will run in the way mentioned in the presser. If even one country's "athletes" can't attend ALL of the events, the playing field is no longer level and the legitimacy of the so called winner is called into question.
Instead, they should just have a WSLII - World Surf League In Indo, with 4 or 5 legs and a travelling quarantine circus. I can think of at least 5 excellent, CT-worthy waves in the Ments, let alone the whole archipelago.
I'm really not sure i'll tune into a grand final at Trestles. Maybe but pretty anticlimatic, considering they do have access to Pipe anyway...but for now, happy to take whatever they can conjure up. Agreed with above, Sunset is a great inclusion. Brings out true lines, rails and ocean knowledge. Anyone know what happened to the proposed Margs event for November? did i miss something and it's already been run or has that just dissappeared like this proposed tour possibly may.
Waiting period for WA event ran out before they could run it.
ahh cheers Ben.
Put all your Bitcoin on Toledo now
From the presser: "additional changes to the 2021 season include the postponement of the MEO Pro Portugal until later in the season".
Working back from the Finals, and the only gap in the schedule they have is after J-Bay and before Surf Ranch (between Jul 10 and before Aug 11, though less than this allowing for travel). Of course, Covid-19 quarantining at either end could chew up almost this entire time frame.
There's another possible gap in the schedule between the Gold Coast and Brazil, which is currently "TBD" for the Quik Pro G-Land (between May 13 and before June 11), though once again, even running just a single event within this one month period will be tight if Covid-19 quarantining is to be considered. Two events will be impossible (even without Covid-19 quarantining), especially in different countries on the opposite sides of the world.
Otherwise, the WSL are placing enormous faith in the ability for all competitors and event staff to get from Brazil to South Africa in five days, from the USA to Tahiti (i.e. France) in eight days, and from Tahiti (i.e. France) to USA in six days, without Covid-19 quarantining restrictions.
I don’t think the majority of countries with events have quarantining requirements, unless you test positive
The nightmare is for surfers with families
Fair point (and things may change next year too).
But, based on the USA's continuing rapid upward ascent of Covid-19 cases (130K per day!), not many countries are going to allow people in from the US without some form of restriction and/or quarantine.
200,000 yesterday and climbing...sheesh.
Wow, out of control. No one will be allowed in or out at that rate, that’s crazy. This could well change the current situation
The slow miserable death of the WSL seems to be accelerating day by day.
I hope it doesn’t die. The local lineup is a lot friendlier when you remove the ego.
Maybe they should extend it? Multiple tours?
Does that mean mike and Leonardo still battle it out in the first 3 comps for a spot .
Just run the whole season at Bondi?
run it on sunny coast, pumps everyday, lots of swell here haha
Anyone able to post a meme of a train racing towards a massive ravine at high speed but the tracks finish right at the edge.
Oh my, May as well announce that Gary G, ringmaster, shoredump and Vic Local will be battling it out for the champion of the world at Bells on June 1.
That's got about the same probability of happening as the 2021 schedule.
Easy win for Gary G, the way he fondles you as the sets approach make him difficult to beat
And if you wear a cricket box and heavy duty chastity belt to stop Gary G, it's really hard to bend over enough to fit in those tight Bells Barrels.
Gary feels that this Victorian version of 'Unboxing things' would be significantly more interesting than the WSL's
If Gary G's in it, conditions of entry will be nude (except for your rashie). Will be shifted to August as well.
So basically like the Umgawa Nude Surfing Classic at Southside except with WSL backing, grandstands, $5 parking, a bar, and a merchandise tent.
If that doesn't attract Major Event Status in Victoria, the minister for sport is a fucking idiot.
Portugal is done.
Olympics surfing rescheduled back into July, heart of summer and likely flat. Done.
Like as in so many other parts of life, covid has exposed the weaknesses in the system.
Let’s just run the triple crown and call the winner the world champ.
So they are going from 11 (planned) events in a little over 9 months for 2020
to 13 events in a little over 9 months in 2021, a year with potentially lengthy travel restrictions. 3 events for mainland USA ... none of them back to back like they are here ... how inconvenient (especially with covid19) for the competitors to slip into and out of the USA three times over the event schedule.
There's some great test cricket scheduled this summer. I'll be watching that I reckon. WSL can lick my salty nutsack.
Yeah should be great.....
India without Kohli. Will be a one sided whitewash to us.
I didn't realise he's not touring. Bummer. Should still be a great series though. Australia should have the edge, but of course India have a good pace attack these days.
Kohli's here for the first test, then back home on paternity leave.
No news yet on how long for, or whether he'll rejoin the tour later.
I still wouldn't underestimate India without him - they've got a bloody good attack and a few other blokes who can weild a willow. Aus should win the series, but I'll be surpised if we don't see some good contests.
The top four or five teams are pretty even at the moment. Makes for some competitive cricket, which as a fan is what we're after.
I'd like to see Australia tour SA again. That would be a good series. India are pretty much unbeatable at home at the moment. I can't see that changing for a while.
Really what are the chances of this going ahead?
It’s seems like a logistical nightmare.
I’ll be very surprised if they run a contest.
Snapper in May? This year was sick, but I wouldn't back that happening again...
Covid-19 in the USA is going to have a huge impact on the viability of the 2021 tour, seeing the WSL is based there and the first three events are on US soil.
Here's a graph from three days ago, from someone much smarter than me (been tracking these graphs all year, and they've been very useful). Current rate on November 9th was for a DOUBLING of Covid-19 cases in 12 days. It's worsened since then. Frightening stuff.
Why can't the whole tour just get on kelly slaters private jet and fly around the world all together ?
Kelly doesn’t really play that well with others. Most of the new crew on the tour regard him as fairly odd
Steamer Lame
Personally I feel that the world title should be decided in at least double over head surf at a powerful wave with the opportunity for tubes and manoeuvres. It seems to delegitimise the World Champ and diminish the credibility of a world tour when the champ need not excel in the type of waves that surfers truly respect.
Trestles might be a fitting climax to the WQS but certainly not the Championship tour.
exactly if it doesn't challenge an elite surfers full skill set then it's not a worthy venue to decide a World Champion.
Yep. Trestles may be a valid place for a tour stop - it does test a certain part of a surfer's skillset (ripping in small waves), but not for a winner-takes all finale.
As for the tour itself, I wonder if (or if not, why not) WSL considered a conference type arrangement. I.e. a mini tour in each country/region (Aus, USA, Europe, etc), {edit: with only surfers from that region competing} with the top however-many people from each region to go to a final to be held somewhere they'd all be allowed to go to? At least as a stopgap during the pandemic.
That way you could also get some of the QS guys involved.
Maybe they'd already got arrangements with sponsors in place that they couldn't get out of?
No France sucks
wow a tour with almost all right’s! Both Gland & Tahiti have no benefit being frontside, im seeing a very uneven, unfair tour... why cant they make it 50/50 rights and lefts??
and before someone comments ‘Trestles, pipeline, margs!!!’ nah mate the points are on the rights, we all know it
Yeah, its time goofy footers, along with SUP’s and bodyboarders, were treated a little more inclusively.
Most people think the “G” in LGBTQ stands for goofies, but it doesn’t, left out once again. It’s high time we changed it to LGBTQG, and some waves were added to the tour for anyone who stands the wrong way on their board.
I’ll stand up for you mate
Gary is the G in the middle of all the LGBTQs
But who really cares about seeing the top surfers in the world rip small waves. I know I couldn't give the proverbial about it at that level. There are so many guys flipping and flying in wave pools, you can just watch it at those events (I won't be one of them). I want to see waves I wouldn't go out in or if I did I wouldn't be turning too much. We are talking about the best surfers in the world, and they need to be decent watermen as well. The surf Italo is surfing on his instagram is depressing in the extreme. They guy is obviously ripping but it is wave pool stuff. Got to be best in the best. I still can't see why they can't have a final 12 guys in mega quality surf. I am watching long way up and seeing what they can do with very few hard core people is awesome. Strip it right back and send them to indo somewhere in winter. Secret destination and only film when it is 6 foot plus. Make the final in 8 foot plus. They can live on bananas and fish for a few months and slap mossies at night. Toughen the bastards up, make them really something to oooo and ahhh about. Add real drama and cull the rest.
Edit: Reminder to self, read before posting...
I think the Trestles event is a designated "finals", rather than just the last stop on tour. Or did I read the presser wrong?
Yes your correct Pops. I assumed (without reading the article) that it would be a similar format to the past. That certainly makes my original question/comment void! Haha! Cheers.
Heaps of excellent updates there Ben...
16 Oct- WSL Grand Slam got Slammed against the WA hard border.
WSL "We have the potential to continue the waiting period into November, so will continue with our plans while monitoring the ever changing restrictions!"
Tourism WA : "The event window remained open for November as well."
So..is WSL WA Grand Slam still on the radar!
https://thewest.com.au/news/augusta-margaret-river-times/wa-hard-border-...
22 Oct - Grand Slam not looking good
https://www.pressreader.com/
SWA : Unfortunately the 3rd Slam was unable to run within Comp window.
Can the crew share if this event has been cancelled or is it Upcoming?
tbb searched everywhere & cannot find a WA cancel sticker!
WSL / WA Govt last agreed & said yes! 100% green lights for Nov.
WSL : WA Grand Slam > [ Status ] > Upcoming!
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/series/4/2020/australian-grand-slam-mens
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2020/spec/3571/margaret-river-pro...
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Oz Pro Surfer Exemptions are in the National Interest.
Surf Olympians + WSL OZ Tier 1 Sport Events / Export industry promotion
https://www.ais.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/955437/Overseas-trave...
Consider States shower $5m / year to get a selfie with a Pro Surfer.
Reckon they'd queue to sign exemption forms or risk losing Tier 1 Tourism Events.
All State Developers FIFO Lib Donor's tradies > no quarantine...start tomorrow.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-01/tas-construction-workers-exemptio...
Essential exemptions would include Lib' Picture Straighteners to Cushion Joosherz.
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Hawaii
13th Oct - Hawaii Gov. extended Emergency to end of Nov.
https://www.khon2.com/coronavirus/gov-ige-extends-covid-19-emergency-per...
Airlines are busting Hawaii's arse to establish a Continental Air Bridge.
Air Bridge : ( VIP Bubble Wrap or a Covid Door Mat for Jet Setters).
United passengers are gifted False Negative Golden Tickets for $400 a pop.
Spreaders showered 1,100 covid cases over Hawaiian Islands in last few weeks.
But 100,000 perfect zero test results from the Airport...( VIP jet setters cure Covid!)
Yes Maui is in a State Emergency & has additional 3 day lockdown.
https://www.mauicounty.gov/
$5,000 fine for not wearing a WSL Maui Beach Mask.
https://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2020/11/beach-bound-on-maui-don...
2021 WSL [ Emergency Alert ] Hawaii opener ill timed.
WSL have no right to impose on Hawaii during an Emergency.
WSL has no right to use Hawaii as a door Mat to endorse VIP jet set scams.
WSL continued bullying of Lockdown States for VIP Covid Comps must stop.
WSL do not represent surfers...
WSL crossed the line in the sand & tbb will consider boycotting Hawaii Comp.
After applying for exemption in case of Perfect Maui Lines...
Sure...Hawaii Emergency may or not lift to suit new Comp Date...
The fact of the matter remains WSL bullied Hawaii in darkest hour...
Adding 2019 WSL Pipe Comp breaching Olympic / WSL sportsmanship rules.
This proves that WSL use Hawaii as their toilet the first chance they get.
WSL are not fit & proper to hold a Comp licence in Hawaii or trade slaves with Tahiti.
Aussies also ask them to stop corrupting our Oz Triple Crown Sites & Planing Laws.
In Oz we call out Bullies like WSL ....Ok! So we never do that...but it sounds tough!
Tresles champ. Just add a catwalk, swimsuits evening gowns.
No one will be going to Indo next year from here lol.
Kelly already did right ? He got to Australia when other couldn’t, then went off to Bali for ages and then to the US and I assume already in Hawaii
With steamers and trestles on the card Toledo will be in good position to get a title.
Worse schedule in history. This after the winki "lookout"..... No wonder I hardly tune in
What a lot of crap, How long will people keep believing in this bullshit. wake up. scamdemic. bah bah bah.
Even the ever self confident Kelly must realise he can’t win with the Finale at Trestles. He does have a good chance of making a strong start in Hawaii though before the tour falls apart.
Listening to Lakey Petterson on Lipped today and she said something like “I’m glad it’s now official and we can talk about it” or in other words the WCT surfers have known for a while this was the plan and I bet they are mostly already booked and approvals to travel are already done
This is the tour professional surfing deserves. Yee hah!
Coupla recent developments.
The Sunset Open has a sponsor - Shiseido.
"Shiseido offers the highest quality products in brightening and anti-aging skincare, makeup and fragrance with 145 years of technology."
https://corp.shiseido.com/en/company/
And, G'land has disappeared from the calendar.
Will they have to quarantine when they get to Oz?
Of course they will, as per any other international traveller.
Fortunately there's around seven weeks between Santa Cruz and Bells. So, plenty of time.
I see