WSL cancels Sunset Open, Santa Cruz Pro, Big Wave Jaws Championship Pe'ahi

As a result of Hawaii's suspension of all surfing competitions until further notice, the upcoming Championship Tour (CT) event, the Sunset Open -- scheduled for January 19 - 28, 2021 -- and the Big Wave Jaws Championship Pe'ahi have been canceled.

The World Surf League (WSL) has also decided to postpone the CT Santa Cruz Pro, which had been scheduled for February 2 - 12, 2021.

The decision to postpone the Santa Cruz Pro, the last planned event of the US leg of the Championship Tour, is based primarily on the surge of COVID-19 cases in California. The postponement is also heavily influenced by the length of time our athletes have been away from home, and by the complexities of global travel during this pandemic, which would have caused significant logistical challenges for athletes and staff to travel home and return to California for the event.

It is a testament to our surfers, staff, and the local community of Hawaii that we were able to successfully complete both the men's and women's opening CT events of the 2021 season, and we would like to thank the communities in both Maui and Oahu for their support. We look forward to safely continuing the 2021 CT season with the Australia leg starting at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in April.

Comments

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 6:08am

No great surprise. 

"The postponement is also heavily influenced by the length of time our athletes have been away from home, and by the complexities of global travel during this pandemic, which would have caused significant logistical challenges for athletes and staff to travel home and return to California for the event."

Pretty much as foretold in the comments back in November when they announced the 2021 tour.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 6:23am

So, to recap - following yesterday's revelation that G'land has mysteriously disappeared from the calendar - it would appear the 2021 tour consists of:

  • Pipe (completed)
  • April/May - Three events in Australia - I can't see any reason why they won't go ahead
  • June - Oi Rio Pro - I'm skeptical this will run
  • June/July - Corona Pro J Bay - I'm also skeptical this will run, as Covid-19 cases are accelerating, and it's the source for the new variant which "may not be as vulnerable to vaccines as other strains"
  • August - Surf Ranch Pro - too early, but USA's Covid-19 trend doesn't hold much promise for a rapid improvement within 6 months (well, within 4-5 months as they'll have to make a decision by then)
  • Aug/Sep - Outerknown Tahiti Pro - Covid-19 caseload looks OK there right now, but will they allow a couple of hundred surfers from all over the world into the country?  
  • Sep - WSL Finals Trestles - too early, but USA trend don't hold much promise for an improvement within 6 months

If I were a betting man, I can't see how any part of the tour (excluding Australia) will run this year.

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halleys-comet Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 8:59am

Ben, I'd also doubt the Margies leg will go ahead, our WA state premier loves a hard border and this is popular with local residents. I got caught out in July returning to WA, by having to fly into Sydney (no direct flights to Perth from NZ anymore), did 2 weeks quarantine in Sydney, then flying to WA and having to do another 2 weeks "self isolation". I'm guessing 2021 being more rock n roll than 2020. I run a tourism adventure company in WA and have to plan for either; another WA locals season only, or our busiest season yet if customers can fly in from eastern states without 2 weeks self isolating or quarantining.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 9:00am

Agree 100% (I changed my thoughts on this earlier, see below).

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 9:14am

"June/July - Corona Pro J Bay - I'm also skeptical this will run, as Covid-19 cases are accelerating "

You couldn't script it.

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Taylor John Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 8:27am

If you ask me they blew it, should've started in Australia and got the first three events completed (snap, bells, WA) and then potentially tried to get a couple of events nearby maybe NZ, or the pacific. They would've got half a dozen under their belt.
Either way its a bummer, made the WSL look a little kookish, but they can't control COVID I suppose!!!

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 9:04am

Hindsight is 20/20, though the fact is that you can't run a global sporting tour on the fly. There's an enormous amount of planning required to make things happen, most of which has to be done the year prior.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 9:48am

How so Ben ?

Why is it so hard to organise a few boat loads of pros cruising the ments and getting filmed for online content ? So what if it’s not the live stream format ?

Stab did it and they didn’t do it on a billionaire’s budget. WSL couldn’t organise their way out of a wet paper bag.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 10:01am

Filming a bunch of blokes free-surfing is a little different to setting up a World Tour.

Also, there has to be a biz model underneath. The WSL are having ongoing issues trying to sell an established series of international events right now. Selling a random list of 'maybe' events at 'possible' locations with an 'approximate' schedule of deliverables? Yeah, nah.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 10:16am

Who said anything about free surfing ? Why couldn’t an event be held like the stab high or the old OP pro in the Ments ? Still running heats with judges except not a live stream . You reckon it’s a better business model to just keep filming KOA Smith unboxing toys for a year ?

Come on Ben. It’s called adaptation. If a business can’t adapt to new circumstances it fails.

PS You didn’t like the surprise party joke ?

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 10:16am

I wasn't passing comment on whether it was good or bad. I was commenting as to whether it's viable to do so. And, it's not.

Yeah, the unboxing stuff sucks.

A strike mission WSL format? I have mixed views, which have changed a little over the years (and have been discussed before).

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 10:22am

Not necessarily a strike mission. Just organise a date and get them there for a couple of weeks same as any event.

If the WSL can’t organise that you know it’s a shit show. I could organise it from home on my phone if they are that f#$&en useless.

How is it not viable ? They’re already doing it in Hawaii it’s just bureaucracy and permitting holding it up . So go somewhere with bureaucracy which is easier to negotiate with ....how hard is that ?

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 10:20am

Isn't that the same as the current tour, but with diff locations?

Or are you talking about a bunch of boats cruising through Indo, creating content?

If that's the case, then it's essentially a surf label fashion shoot, but with points, isn't it?

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 10:26am

Yep. The same as the current tour only different locations and without all the pitiful excuses why they can’t do it.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 10:30am

So what's the biz model?

After twenty years or more flying as 'World's Best Surfers, World's Best Waves', what's the pitch to advertisers or broadcast networks for this next phase? Needs to be a point of differentiation that makes commercial sense.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 12:18pm

Well what was the business model previously when they were bleeding money ? Was it seeking funds from national tourism bodies ? Was it loss leading for the wave pool business ? Was it building a tour to sell at a capital gain ?

Or was it simply building a fan base upon which to frame a saleable advertising demographic ?

If it was the latter - and you’d have to assume it was as the others either didn’t make sense or were predicated on the latter anyway - then it’s in the WSL’s interest to produce some content, any content , which is referential to the entire premise of their claim to produce a champion.

Only one way to do this and sitting around with their thumbs lodged in their arses bemoaning lack of permits won’t cut it. As I said before I reckon that if I had 2 million dollars I could get 60 crew ( men’s and women’s CT tours plus judges plus crew and gear ) on a handful of boats in the Ments from a starting point in Hawaii within a month no dramas.

Probably way less money and way less time if I’m honest.

So how come a professional WSL crew can’t do the same ?

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 12:22pm

You make it all sound very easy.

It ain't.

But, and I mean this sincerely, if you can genuinely make it work, and really believe it's something that should happen, then why not make a pitch for a job (with the WSL, or someone else) doing just that?

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 10:03pm

When I get to Indo it’s not going to be sharing the lineup with the best 50 surfers on the planet. Leave that headache for someone who wants it.

lost's picture
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lost Monday, 18 Jan 2021 at 7:51pm

Hey Ben, It’s gotten worse since then. A complete shit show. With all the money and ‘professionalism’ and government support for a massive event like tennis....and they can’t get it right ? Well zero chance now I would say of there being a Bells comp happening anytime soon. States will probably still be playing politics with borders never mind the challenges of international visitors

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Ted from the moon Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 6:37am

Ace and Owen will be feeling very pleased / relieved.

Maybe its time to just get the top 16 after the Australian leg and put them on some of the underutilised boats and do a one month Indo trip with 3 or 4 two day events. Winner takes all.

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savanova Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 7:38am

Screw the top 16 throw me on a month long boat trip with a couple 3 or 4 day benders. I'm sure there would be some cracking highlights for the viewers at home.

spelled3's picture
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spelled3 Thursday, 7 Jan 2021 at 2:33pm

Both excellent ideas. I'm in for idea No.2.

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neilridgway Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 6:39am

Sunset is a bummer, that would have set it up well. I never thought that Santa Cruz would happen. Like all things Covid - each day is new challenge. I agree on Brazil, and JBay too, Ben. To kick off at RC Pro Bells and into the Aussie Leg in Margs and Goldy a lot will have to go right across three states. I'd love to ring a Bell at Easter his year, but we will see. how it rolls. No use crying over it one way or another and I wish the WSL all the best of luck in pulling it off. I know the are working hard on it.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 6:52am

I mistakenly hadn't considered interstate travel throughout Australia (was only looking at the likehood of international athletes entering the country), and you're absolutely correct - a lot needs to go right across those three states - WA in particular have been very stringent.

I think it's quite likely that the current border restrictions will be lifted well before then, but as what we saw on the Northern Beaches just prior to Xmas, things can change dramatically within just a few days.

brownie48's picture
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brownie48 Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 3:41pm

I think they will throw the whole WSL crew and athletes on Rottnest as they can surf and isolate there as the WA govt is hell bent on supporting the WSL

NDC's picture
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NDC Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 7:28am

Im an advocate of a vibrant comp/pro scene despite its pitfalls- but I would be happy if our governments were more cautious about allowing hundreds of competitors + administrators + media etc from offshore to enter Oz and travel around than they’re currently being

Petulant professional cricketers who appear to break their own bubble rules and then start making noisy demands about boycotting planned events because they are likely to have to self isolate can fuck off as far as I’m concerned ... I have no confidence that people in the pro surfing scene will be any less entitled or more in touch

Sydney is on a knife’s edge as far as covid is concerned right now ... it seems our contact tracing is keeping a lid on numbers but these clusters have spread geographically across sydney, into regional nsw and Vic ... the genesis of both the NB cluster and the Berala cluster were from Intl travel ... the Berala cluster spawned despite people involved in managing Intl travel quarantine arrangements apparently following the existing regulations appropriately...

I don’t believe we can be confident of managing the risks of the wsl circus coming to Oz in April 2021 based on current info - and what is the benefit? Immaterial economic activity levels and digital surfing eye candy for enthusiasts of a niche sport

Time will tell I guess - armchair expert signs off

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velocityjohnno Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 9:19am

You've captured a zeitgeist I reckon. Agree.

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JackStance Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 10:54pm

here here. agree

crg's picture
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crg Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 7:46am

Agreed NDC.
Was really looking forward to seeing maxing Sunset though.
Was particularly interested in seeing how Medina surfed out there as you’ve never seen any footage of him before and I’d reckon it would’ve suited his power.

Ben Harding's picture
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Ben Harding Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 9:17pm

He surfed it 2015 and pulled a fairly hefty floater out there, think he went alright overall:

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kookfactor Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 8:05pm

Floater sans backhand layback, the mans a freak, Great to watch when things get challenging, gone are the days of the Brazilians failing in big solid waves. Take Gabby, Italo on their backhands to any slab and they will rewrite the place.
Thanks for the lookback.
footnote...cept maybe Filipe who still looks spooked by Pipe/Chopes/Sunset.

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Ben Harding Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 8:41pm

Agreed, Gabby is a beast, none can deny that anymore. Ive been listening fairly intently to a few of JJFs interviews and podcasts to try gain a better understanding of what makes someone that good, probably the best ever dare I say it, tick. Without fail he mentions Gabby as his only driving force on the CT and it appears in surfing in general. Even mentioned how good it was to have him in the pipe final in both post interviews and then an insta post. His success marker is clear. Gotta feel for Italo haha. All the emotional noise surrounding Gabby from armchair specialists is just that really, when you got someone like JJF repeatedly saying those things about him then that will do me. Ive never had an issue with him though.

Italo is wild but I reckon competively the two big dogs will have him. Happy to be proven wrong. But yes, all three when it gets serious, left or right, are pretty much unbeatable, along with KS if he is firing.

Filipe didn't want a bar of it hey. I actually felt a tad uncomfortable watching him for some reason. Almost like watching a public humiliation haha. I don't understand, he got the talent/ability he's just gotta sack up, make a drop and hang on..

jetson.rover's picture
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jetson.rover Sunday, 10 Jan 2021 at 3:32am

And also the Box for Toledo.
Will never forget that heat where he let Jack Robbo basically free surf it on his own.

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maxmaunsell Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 10:10pm

Recall him doing a next level floater on an 8 foot bowl a few years ago in the QS there

lost's picture
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lost Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 7:55am

If Tahiti is doing well (anyone know ?) they would be absolutely mad to let a few hundred surfers drop into such a small community where the consequences for a country could be disastrous.

Victoria and WA have been super tough on state border closures might be hard to allow surfers from around the globe in. Will they want to do 14 hotel quarantine? Cricket and Football and (possibly) tennis happening so I guess they can do if the want. But those events make money whereas Rip Curl Pronat Bells not so much.

How many events to make it a tour ? Min 4 or 5 ? Maybe just make John John the new world champ based on the turn in the clip that has been all over socials. Don’t thing their would be too many arguments :)

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soz_punter Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 7:57am

The rollout of the vaccines at the moment may make it a bit easier for the tour to get across borders in the coming months.

wbat's picture
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wbat Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 12:44pm

That's what I think too.
Aust vaccination kicks off in March and at some point I would think event personell will get a priority over some aspects of society to get that part of the financial sector rolling.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 12:47pm

Erm... which "parts of the financial sector" are WSL events associated with?

wbat's picture
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wbat Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 3:48pm

I think anything which is going to be an event that draws financial benefit to a region/industry could be considered for a priority supply of vaccine.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 4:15pm

The benefits of WSL events to each region are somewhat questionable under normal circumstances. Supposedly, it's either actual short term income during the event, or there's the estimated long term revenue potential by way of national/international tourism exposure. 

But, under Covid-19 restrictions, audiences won't be allowed to sit and watch. So, there won't be the standard formula of x-thousand visitors spending x-thousand dollars each on local businesses, accomodation, restaurants etc during the two weeks the tour is in town. I'm not sure if that formula is accurate anyway (but that's another discussion).

Long term tourism benefits? Right now that industry is dead, and doesn't have an ETA for resumption.

Therefore the financial benefit of the WSL in 2021 wouldn't be much at all. So, I'd be disappointed if WSL staff and surfers received "priority over some aspects of society".

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Jamyardy Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 4:50pm

How they come up with "financial " benefit to regions having such events is a bit of a stab I reckon. The times recently reported the 2019 margs event brought $6M to margs area, with 35,000 spectators and 5,000 visitors from outside the SW. They also said a multi million dollar commitment to the SW region was effective given the WA Govt and WSL signing up margs for another 3 years. As for tourism in margs, given cheap holidays to Bali are out, its jam packed.

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wbat Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 5:49pm

A stab for sure. Still there must be some logic in the investment.

Yes Margs is packed for sure but that will change as restrictions ease.

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wbat Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 5:50pm

You could be right but it is still food for thought.

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jetson.rover Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 3:00pm

The roll out of the vaccines is going to take too much time to save the tour this year.
It'll have only just started by the Aussie leg,and only with the first stage of eligible people,not the majority of people who are not deemed high risk to covid.
I would imagine if the Aussie leg gets cancelled because things are too hard,then 2021 will be a very similar story to 2020 for the tour.
Things could be ok later in the year,but by then most of the season is gone and the list of cancelled events is outnumbering the ones that aren't yet and there's no longer any legitness in the title race.
Well actually it's not even a title race anymore with the changes they made for this year.
JJF could of won every event up until Trestles then someone else that had done average all year could win Trestles and be crowned world champ.
To me that would be a farce but anyway.........Perhaps they'll just run that event for the world title in the end,which would still be farcicle i reckon.
Otherwise,2021 is vaccine roll out year,and by 2022 enough people will have had the jab and there'll be enough information and clarity as to whether things will be back to normal enough to carry on.

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simba Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 8:05am

So how can you crown a champ now anyway...might as well scrap this year and possibly just have a few novelty events if the chance arises......was looking forward to the sunset and gland comps....but its no different now than it was last year.....uncertainty and no one knows where this viris is going.

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Solitude Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 8:32am

Reckon the north shore locals will be happy the circus has to pack up.

geek's picture
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geek Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 8:33am

"We look forward to safely continuing the 2021 CT season with the Australia leg starting at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in April."

International sport in Australia is becoming a bit of a political minefield, I can't see it happening imo. They would need to organise private charter flights and special quarantine hotel arrangements for all competitors, staff and hanger-on's like the Aus Open has. This will cost hundred's of 1000's which is a lot for a company that can't make a profit. Then throw in potentially more quarantine in WA/QLD, spectator restrictions etc and it won't be worth it. Even the F1 which is a much more professional org with experience running covid-safe events through 2020 put Australia in the too-hard basket.

I would like to see all go ahead but my prediction is the 2021 season will go exactly the same way the 2020 season did

belly's picture
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belly Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 8:46am

I agree, can't see a 2021 tour happening.

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freeride76 Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 8:48am

Pipe and Trestles.......it takes a tour to make a champion.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 8:53am

At what point does a 'World Tour' scale down to become a 'Coupla Speciality Events'.

Based on what we know right now, I really can't see anything happening this year. Truth be told, 2022 would be optimistic too.

And even if international travel starts to open up, the economy isn't in a great place for live sports events, let alone an already-challenged business model.

If Dirk ever wanted an easy, justifiable exit from this WSL project, Covid-19 (phase 2021) is it. 

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Bob Sacamano Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 8:54am

I cant see many of these events running, and how do you crown a champion at trestles when you've cancelled half your events? I was looking forward to seeing Sunset, Pipe reminded me that competitions in heavy waves make good viewing. Aus, Rio, J-Bay and Tahiti surely are all off the cards.
Surely Elo knew the challenges ahead of him and they fell on the first hurdle.....morons. The logistics have been like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Time to get creative with ideas and earn the big bucks chump. And don't fucking unbox things. I wonder how deep Ziff's pockets are when the wozzle isn't producing quality content to flog off? I assume without competitions the wozzle becomes a real unbalanced top heavy organisation in need of a cull.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 8:59am

I suspect Dirk's pockets are deeper than most people can imagine.

But there has to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. That's obviously what's got them through the last six years. If you've got the resources, it's a better strategy to play a very long game.

But.. what little light there previously was showing, has likely been extinguished in the last few months.

Bob Sacamano's picture
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Bob Sacamano Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 10:05am

How's the saying go?

'The light at the end of the tunnel is just the light of an oncoming train.' haha

D-Rex's picture
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D-Rex Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 9:30am

Not wishing to nitpick, but I'm sceptical of your skepticism, Ben.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 9:46am

It's legit, I promise.

bluediamond's picture
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bluediamond Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 9:53am

Standings post 2020 Pipe comp. 1.JJF 2.Medina 3.Slater 4.Italo. If they can make a place like Trestles a grand final event, then i reckon they could call the Pipe comp in hindsight a grand grand final event.
Give the 2020 title to JJF. He earnt it and he's surfing the best in the world in freesurfs.

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theolderIgetthe... Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 10:02am

saves a lot of jet fuel... and petrol... just let all the pros keep on dropping clips (as so many do). Have someone judge it - if you don't really care that much (like me) - don't tune in...
go for a surf

theolderIgetthebetterIwas's picture
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theolderIgetthe... Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 10:07am

I lost a lot of interest in pro surfing after Gabi's intentional and strategic drop in (encouraged by Charlie) on Caio at Pipe a year or two back

Surfalot67's picture
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Surfalot67 Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 10:34am

Who would actually think the US will be able to get a lid on Covid by Trestles? The place if full of anti-mask freedom fighting dickheads who still don't believe 300,000 plus people are dead and 3000 more are dying every day. The Wozzle's lame effort at running Pipe with a "filming" permit and knowingly allowing a positive Brazilian to compete shows they're not too serious about this either. I would suggest it was ultimately the Wozzle's insurers who pulled the plug, but E-Lo never misses an opportunity to virtue signal on behalf of the sport.

Gra Murdoch's picture
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Gra Murdoch Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 10:57am

Not the same but I guess we'll get our fixes from clips outta the north shore for now. How about 'Battle of the Filmers' –  ie: JJf's filmer and Jackie Robbo's filmer both have to post the best half dozen rides their master has every day, for the next 30 days. Clips go up 7.00pm every night like clockwork. Us idiots vote or something. I dunno, it's media methadone.

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 11:09am

Depending on how things roll into March at Noosa (and if the WSL pull the pin thereafter), it could be an opportunity for Spangles and Chloe to make it two in a row.

https://www.swellnet.com/news/ding-alley/2020/03/23/the-unlikely-2020-wo...

bluediamond's picture
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bluediamond Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 11:25am

Hahahaha!!

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Gra Murdoch Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 12:17pm

Which would make em world champs for 14 dog years running or something, which in some way would eclipse Slater / Beachley et al. But does the mainstream media report on this? No. (Which is why I get all my news and opinions from the You Tube)

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 1:01pm

The second wins proving the first were no fluke.

Go Aussies!

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goofyfoot Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 11:30am

There’d have to be a lot of pro surfers at the moment worried about their futures yeah? How can companies justify paying these guys and gals if they don’t get to show their talents on a world tour?

geek's picture
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geek Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 1:26pm

That's why so many shitty vlogs are popping up I think

bipola's picture
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bipola Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 11:32am

hey bob thats a good one, i have never heard of it before,at my next crazy meeting
when they always say there light at the end of the fnnn tunnel i will just add on the train bit cheers mate

zenagain's picture
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zenagain Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 12:50pm

You've never heard that BP?

I've always known it as " There's a light at the end of the tunnel but knowing my luck, it's a train coming the other way."

Been saying that for yonks.

Anyway by the looks of it the tour is another train wreck this year.

ringmaster's picture
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ringmaster Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 12:59pm

Pro surfing might be the least of everyone's worries in a few months the way COVID (in particular these new variations) is hammering Europe and most of the rest of the world again right now.

Everyone going 'thank fuck 2020 is over, now it's back to normality'. Possibly not for a real long time yet...... With the level of people movements around the world in this day and age it's pretty naive to think that because Australia is surrounded by water that we are immune from an even bigger wave of this fucking virus.

Thanks again China!

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zenagain Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 1:05pm

别客气

greg-n.williams's picture
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greg-n.williams Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 1:13pm

It's a Pandemic, people are dying in droves everyday. Pro surfing is really small-time in the scheme of things compared to main steam sports like Golf etc. The pros can survive via sponsors if they offer enough exposure of their products. A new world order is on the precipice of forming as we face a number of challenges as a human race & the W.S.L. needs to consider its options in the very near future.

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seaslug Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 2:55pm

They can keep the fuck out of WA IMO

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michaelperry Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 3:23pm

A World Tour was never on the cards in 2021, any intelligent person just had to read the news, year 2 of the pandemic and countries are experiencing record cases and deaths, borders closed, struggling to get a vaccine out. The WSL needs to take its head out of the sand, but I guess when you live in a privileged bubble you have no idea of the real world.

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tubeshooter Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 3:54pm

No surprise at all , and faark those elitist Wozzle company retards, no junkets for you.. Get a real job.
And maybe 'some' of these pro's might just realise they really aren't that important in the grand scheme of things .

andy-mac's picture
andy-mac's picture
andy-mac Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 4:42pm

2022 would be optimistic in my view.
Vaccines may have impact but just read that the existing ones they are rolling out may not be effective against the new Covid strains. Also national roll out from March to Oct unlikely logistically in Oz if they are effective.
I hope i am wrong, but reckon this Covid shit is with us for a while yet and professional surfing is a pretty low priority in scheme of things. Hope the shit is not about to hit the fan in Australia, no spectators at SCG would be a start.
Just keep John John and Jack Robo dropping clips!
Peace....

goofyfoot's picture
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goofyfoot Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 5:11pm

Yeah Andy it’s beyond me how they think that spectators at the scg is a good thing? That’s insane

andy-mac's picture
andy-mac's picture
andy-mac Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 5:38pm

Yep, nuts I reckon... Not worth the risk by any measure.
Seeing what is going down in USA and UK, do not want that here!
Horrifying...

simba's picture
simba's picture
simba Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 5:33pm

As this is being typed, mainland US, and in particular its trouble-plagued health system, is struggling under the weight of a giant surge of cases. There are even reports in the news this morning of Ambulance Officers in California being ordered to refuse transport to a hospital for patients they believe are likely to die due to the disease. Therefore the WSL has decided to postpone the event, which is to take place in that state.

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 7:07pm

1 in 50 have COVID in the UK.
No guarantee these vaccines will even work.
The End WSL 2021.

Over60yrs's picture
Over60yrs's picture
Over60yrs Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 7:37pm

And somewhere in there is the Olympics in Japan - really doubt we will see any events this year in Oz (hard borders, political, even local residents not wanting blow-ins)

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 7:52pm

Wow, completely forgot. Starts in a little over 6 months. 

Wonder what the chances are of it being pulled again? Covid-19 cases and deaths are accelerating in Japan too.

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 7:56pm

If I was a betting man I reckon they'll cancel.

Corona is surging here in Japan.

crg's picture
crg's picture
crg Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 8:30pm

I'd think they'll cancel the Olympics all together...just run it back on its normal four year cycle and skip Japan 2020/1.

theolderIgetthebetterIwas's picture
theolderIgetthebetterIwas's picture
theolderIgetthe... Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 7:55pm

100%

Swany's picture
Swany's picture
Swany Wednesday, 6 Jan 2021 at 9:22pm

Hard to justify a travelling circus this year. Those guys in Tahiti could be a disaster and a stretch for SA/USA/Brazil to safely manage.
No reason why the top 16 couldn’t moor off an uninhabited island/islands at the end of the year and battle it out over a few weeks though? A few legs at different spots. Would be fun!

eel's picture
eel's picture
eel Thursday, 7 Jan 2021 at 2:38pm

Shack up at Tavi and Namotu for 3 weeks. Have 1 comp at the lefts when the winds are Sth-East (Cloudbreak and Restaurants) and 1 comp at the rights when the winds are more North (Wilkes, Tavi Rights, Swimming Pools if desperate). Goofies and Natural footers both get opportunities to surf on the forehand and backhand and there are opportunities for both barrels, turns and airs all within a couple of km of each other.

Or stay up at Playgrounds in the Ments. Same kind of deal.

evosurfer's picture
evosurfer's picture
evosurfer Thursday, 7 Jan 2021 at 8:29pm

Call me a sceptic but I really cant see a bunch of spoilt pro surfers
are going to except two weeks in quarantine for the Australian leg.
I think wct is done for 2021 just like a lot of us.
I hate those Chinese rats.

vicbloke's picture
vicbloke's picture
vicbloke Friday, 8 Jan 2021 at 12:03pm

the on again off again nature with Covid in Australia, especially now with the new virus strain hiting our shores I really cant see the Oz leg proceeding

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Friday, 8 Jan 2021 at 12:40pm

Totally. 

What's happened in Brisbane today essentially shuts the door on anything happening in Australia in the next few months. Greater Brisbane has already been declared a hotspot by Tasmania and the NT.

It also won't take much for 'Greater Brisbane' to be expanded to the Gold Coast, and for more states to declare the entire SE Qld region a hotspot and thus shut down interstate travel (the ABC is already reporting "Quarantine-free travel from Qld to WA is in doubt").

And how's this - despite being on the Northern Rivers - 1,300km by road to the Vic border at Albury-Wodonga - I can't travel to Victoria without undertaking 14 days quarantine.

However, I'm only 15km from the Qld border, and 80km from the Greater Brisbane hotspot (i.e. Logan LGA), yet I can freely travel into Qld after filling in an online form.

I totally understand the reasons why this is the case, but it just shows that the logistics of running a national tour of surfing events will be very difficult to achieve for a long time.

vicbloke's picture
vicbloke's picture
vicbloke Friday, 8 Jan 2021 at 3:10pm

just read WA has closed the border to Qld. McGowan doesn't stuff around. someone sniffs and he shuts up shop

Robo's picture
Robo's picture
Robo Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 11:36am

How's the crowds up there Ben with the mass exodus out of Brisvegas yesterday lol?

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Saturday, 9 Jan 2021 at 11:39am

Looks about the same as the last few days TBH.

seaslug's picture
seaslug's picture
seaslug Sunday, 10 Jan 2021 at 10:55pm

From Tatiana Weston Webb Instagram

"From so bummed with the news of the cancellation of the WCT event at sunset due to the Hawaiian government. I was so looking forward to having two events back to back in Hawaii to start off the season. Such a bummer that the Hawaiian government can’t support surf events even though we are practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and everyone was tested during the events. the CT international surfers have missed precious holidays with their loved ones to make a living during this pandemic and the governor retracted the permitting for WSL. "

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Sunday, 17 Jan 2021 at 8:12am

"47 Australian Open players forced into quarantine after COVID-19 cases detected on flights".

Really, is there any chance the WSL will be able to run in Australia? Hard to imagine. 

simba's picture
simba's picture
simba Sunday, 17 Jan 2021 at 8:45am

yeah i think they are kidding themselves too

Distracted's picture
Distracted's picture
Distracted Monday, 18 Jan 2021 at 3:38pm

Currently the Honolulu Sony Golf Open is under play.... so sporting events must be happening again. Too late to call Sunset back on? No lack of surf at the moment.

seaslug's picture
seaslug's picture
seaslug Monday, 18 Jan 2021 at 8:46pm

Don't think the Margs Pro will be on (yippee) after this comment in todays West regarding the Australian Open

Despite his muted comments on Mr Andrews’ decisions, the WA premier is clear when it comes to WA: international athletes are too great of a risk.

In September last year, he said he was “not concerned” that WA would lose out on international cricket due to the State’s hard border.

“People coming from overseas are a risk, they’re the biggest risk,” he said.

Speaking this morning, Liberal leader Zak Kirkup agreed that international sporting events are “risky.”

“I think when you have international travellers coming in to our cities and states it presents risks and problems,” he said.

“I don’t think any of us want to see anything that might compromise the hard work we have done here already.”

Jamyardy's picture
Jamyardy's picture
Jamyardy Monday, 18 Jan 2021 at 9:10pm

Pretty smart how the govt just signed up the WSL Margs comp for a few more years at so many $$$$$$, and now they say they are not keen for international athletes. Hopefully they have a caveat where they don't have to pay if the show doesn't go ahead.

truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher Monday, 8 Mar 2021 at 12:29am

Jamyardy might recall Qld's Gold Coast also paid WSL for 3 CT events.
Last Goldie CT was way way way back in the 'Chix can't surf Era'.
Qld Tourism Minister was #1 Oz Popular Pollie Kate.
Paid the WSL 3 year ransom demand + surrendered our Coastline as terms dictate.
Kate got waxed up for WSL VIP wave pool party invite
Forgot to log the re-entry in her Diary
Wins the Jeep Mountain Top Jop for WSL pool Licence
Qld Premier took the bribe for WSL CT Wave Pool Tour
Qld Surfing washed it's hands & started drinking from the Wave Pool Fountain.
Kate drew the line in the sand at minding Anna & Don's Matching Tea Towels
Refused to donate more blood for The Blue Heart Attack.
Threw the WSL baby out with the Hot Tub water.

WSL switched Old School Pollie bribe format for VIP Quarantine Tour.

Dole Bludger Reefer Pro ~ Layday 29
Goat Track Course Hole No. 9
Jeep Model 1 " Wotz Quarantine bro? "
Jeep Model 2 " Fink Ya get booted outta the beach resort after Day 14! "
Jeep Model 1 " Wot! Just for doin' nuff'n! "
Jeep Model 2 " Yep! ...even when there's no swell on the Horizon. "
Jeep Model 1 " This Covid Wave sounds pretty heavy dude! "

Fore! (Ouch!) Fore! (Double Ouch!) Oopsie! Sorry Kelly.
see below! tbb also says Sorry Kelly! Get well soon!

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Sunday, 7 Mar 2021 at 7:14am

Three months to go until the Oi Rio Pro presented by Corona. Really can't see this happening - Brazil's Covid cases and deaths are still going up (yesterday recorded new peak in daily deaths, 1,800).

​​​​​​​

South Africa is doing very well though.

And the USA is also improving steadily.

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Sunday, 7 Mar 2021 at 10:28am

Caroline Marks unable to board flight to Australia dud to positive Covid-19 test.

truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher Monday, 8 Mar 2021 at 2:20am

Crew are stoked with international Girls can't Surf Day!
Oz surfer dudes also wish Caroline a speedy recovery.

Gonna celebrate with a Chiko Roll and..."Don't forget the Coffee Milk!"

Back to Secret Men's Business
Think we already did this GOAT story...did we?
Anyhow! The GOAT is out > Lifesaver Mikey is in!
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/posts/464111/kelly-slater-injury-update

Now Reporting 120 pass on this Quarantine flight...that's a brewery!
Fuck runnin' two planes, just squeeze them into one & share the masks.
Current 75 passengers is max count for o/s VIP Quarantine flights...

VIP mile high Lap Dancers will melt Border Patrol's Heat Guns.
Dutto Decides who surfs at our [ Locals Only ] Hot Spots.
Wot! Oh! Alright then...it's already sorted is it.