Surfing Queensland sidelined in WSL dispute
When the WSL released its schedule for the 2020 Championship Tour, keen observers may have noticed a change at the top of the page. No longer is the season opener called the Quiksilver Pro, as it has since 2002, but is now the Corona Pro.
Less obvious are changes happening behind the scenes of the Corona Pro. Changes that have the capacity to upset the longstanding arrangement between the WSL, Surfing Queensland - and potentially all the other states - and ultimately grassroots surfing in Australia.
For many years, Surfing Queensland have been the event managers of the Quiksilver Pro, contracted to set up the infrastructure, oversee operations, and make sure the whole thing runs smoothly. A similar arrangement exists for Surfing Victoria and Bells, and Surfing WA and the Margaret River Pro.
Each stop is supported by the WSL and any relevant sponsors, plus additional financial input from the state governments in a quid pro quo arrangement: while the event benefits CT surfers, state surfing branches are employed with the income funnelling back into their development programs.
For instance, the income generated by the Quiksilver Pro allows Surfing Queensland to hire two staff who work on the contest when it runs, then spend the rest of the year organising club and state level events.
Swellnet has learned that, as of next year, the WSL will no longer use Surfing Queensland to run the Corona Pro, but will instead do the whole thing themselves, effectively cutting them out of the deal.
The change has come as a huge shock to those involved and negotiations are underway amongst all parties to remedy the situation.
During the ASP era, and early years of the WSL, the events were licensed with the WSL accrediting each event. However, the WSL has increasingly been taking full or part ownership of CT and QS events. The Challenger Series, for instance, which will debut next season, is owned by the WSL.
That trend is now starting here, beginning with the Corona Pro. Surfing Vic and Surfing WA are contracted to run their CT events, which protects them, for now.
Of all the surfing nations, Australia stands to be most affected owing to the degree of public money spent on CT events. That money, plus historical arrangements with the ASP and WSL have underpinned an established business model. A model that’s now in jeopardy.
More news at it arrives.
Comments
just one more reason to hate the wsl basically
Id like to see surfing Australia run a series on home turf with all the Aussie pro’s. invite a few internationals As well to rival the wsl contests.
wsl distancing themselves more and more from the actual surfing community... Looking forward to when it all falls in a heap.
Surely the state government would want to see money directed back into local and grass root organisations? Maybe time for the pros to boycott the event in support?
It’s hard to complain too much about the WSL when it’s not making any money. If you love competitive surfing on a world stage you would be hoping WSL find a model that works for them and entertains the average punter. Otherwise it will disappear and with it any pro surfing. I’m not super fussed but have watched far more competitive surfing since the WSL took over mostly because you now get a consistent good live product. As for local funding if we could just funnel a little away from those government funded sporting clubs called Surf Lifesaving. Where I am they seem to be swimming in cash and facilities while council paid pro do most of the actual life saving. Queue a whole another can of worms for opening....
I agree with 1st part but maybe similar funding for AIS from the government could be organised. The amount of funding needed would be a drop in the water for them (I have no idea if this is already the case) perhaps olympics will change it if not. But still, if you can't surf without a coach and comp scene you aren't surfing for the right reasons
Yep Surf Life Saving is crooked. The actual life saving is done by council employees (white shirts), and SLSC volunteers (yellow shirts) who actually have to pay membership for the privilege of volunteering. The majority of the "swimming in cash" comes from the pokies, but that part of the business is a complete separate business from the actual life saving part of it. It's all sickening. Oh, and when clubbies are fund raising with their donation buckets, the majority of the money goes to the individual fund raiser and they get to spend it on their racing boards and plane tickets to events. After you know all the ins and outs, you will never donate to this corrupt organisation again.
And as for local "grass roots" boardriders clubs, they hardly need much in the way of funding. My club is run by volunteers, and on event days has half a dozen tents, a bbq, and a bit of electronics for scoring, that's it. I presume it's all paid for by membership fees and sponsorship, but I might be wrong.
Regarding comments below about taking the best banks etc, well I dunno about other clubs, but we always take the bank right out front of our usual setup spot, which is hardly the best bank, and there's nothing stopping anyone else from surfing it at the same time, but they usually don't, either out of curtesy, or because they know they'll be competing for waves with 4 or 5 local shredders and thus would get more waves on another bank.
It’s hard to complain too much about the WSL when it’s not making any money. If you love competitive surfing on a world stage you would be hoping WSL find a model that works for them and entertains the average punter. Otherwise it will disappear and with it any pro surfing. I’m not super fussed but have watched far more competitive surfing since the WSL took over mostly because you now get a consistent good live product. As for local funding if we could just funnel a little away from those government funded sporting clubs called Surf Lifesaving. Where I am they seem to be swimming in cash and facilities while council paid pro do most of the actual life saving. Queue a whole another can of worms for opening....
I agree with first part. Perhaps the comp scene will get government money with the Olympics, similar to AIS - if they aren't already.
I like watching the comps but what's worse than a bunch of comp heads rocking up with a camera when you were out in an uncrowded lineup.
I can't see the business model in jeopardy, deals with Govt money are inked for a while.
what may change are the Australian "grassroots" organisations being cut out , as Stu mentioned.
What is interesting is who are the permit holders who can take over public space for private profit and enforce that. My understanding was Surfing QLD was the permit holder.
Does that transfer to an American based opaque private organisation with zero transparency?
The real questions is can they actual stop anyone using the lineup during a competition?
Or.
Is it just one big bluff?
I think the groundswell is building for recreational surfers to give it a test.
Sadly, yes they can. They have an exclusive use permit from the City of Gold Coast. The City of Gold Coast “bathing reserve” extends to 1km offshore from the HAT (highest astronomical tide). As such they have the power to remove someone from their exclusive use zone, hence why they used to use water police to enforce the exclusion zone. Now, whether a new permit has been granted to the new entity running the contest without Surfing Queensland is an interesting question....
This wont end well. The Hawaiians had their run in with ASP/WSL over local surfers in contests and waiting period issues, and this seems like an Australian version where the WSL is muscling in on the customs of the Aussie competitive scene.
It's hard to feel sorry for the WSL regarding their financial losses. Apart from the Pipe Masters, at every CT comp in the world the infrastructure is enormous, and it has very little to do with actual surfing.
The athlete zones, event merchandise shops, grandstands, VIP tents, broadcast studios, etc etc etc must cost an absolute fortune and they don't change the spectacle of surfing one little bit.
It's a full on circus with a very revenue, and without government welfare the WSL would be making even bigger losses. The WSL are basically looking at every comp and trying to work out how to squeeze more cash out of the lemons. If that means cutting back on grass roots surfing, so be it.
Agree on the ridiculous infrastructure that only seems to create comfy athlete lounge areas and usually prevents the public getting a decent view. Take Bells for example where you have the small beach area which is not a good place to watch or the screen in the car park !
To make matters worse the WSL is trying to make the local council pay for a 65m elevated walkway so the "punters" (read VIPs) can watch the comp if it moves to Winkipop. It's perhaps the most ridiculous piece of infrastructure I've ever seen. A permanent eye sore that may get used 2 days a year. The WSL should just fuck off and stop trying to get us ratepayers to cough up the cash for a walkway nobody wants.
Yep Bells is a disaster with the wall of stands and buildings. AFL got wind of this years ago and made sure that the punters get the best seats and the boxes and hidden up the back. I won't go back to that comp as you just are not catered for which is a real shame. I remember the old days when the pros used to have beers with the punters down on the point. Now that was fun.
we are about to go to war with SCS/Surfing Vic/WSL as it's not an elevated platform , its actually a 60m viewing platform!
Don't really see an issue with them doing that, if the WSL think or feel they can do things cheaper or as good, thats business.
Im not a fan of all these state run or local run competitive surfing organisations anyway, nothing worst than the local board riders or state titles or some christian board riders etc claiming the best bank or even worse a reef break for the weekend.
Yeah sure the WSL does that, but atleast is worth watching and not half a dozen times at your local beach.
What amazes me when I moved to NSW is people just keep surfing when a local comp is on for the most part. Give way to a coloured rashie but otherwise ignore them.
The local boardriders can have the best bank on the beach because we are the locals. Why should we give up what's possibly the best bank on the beach, that we surf everyday, and know its there because we check it everyday, in a town that we support, on a beach we maintain, to a car load of instawankers? Wake up to yourself.
Maybe. Sometimes they arrive at a beach they never frequent and just take it over, despite the fact that other people also live in the area and are not part of a semi local club. They don't maintain anything (Parks Vic do it all) and some of them don't live in the town and I am fully awake.
Local boardriders clubs are no different to any any other sports club and all have a home ground . The home team always has better change rooms, when it comes to the beach we get the best bank. Not sure what happens in Vic but in nsw local boardriders are attached to a beach and that is where they run their events.
These events are not run to make money for a larger evil or to provide entertainment to the greater masses, they are part of the fabric of the local community as are football clubs, bowling clubs, scout groups, slsc etc. 90% of members within any club are not there to make a name for themselves, they just wanna get involved and hang with like-minded people. Almost like swell net but in an old school kinda face to face way.
Ironically happening right now at the pines with the peninsula boardriders
What about locals who aren't into comps?
Anyway my local border riders club is made up of lots of members from Melbourne same goes for other groups like Christian board riders.
Most of the people that are into comps especially young guys are more the type of guys to post surfing pics of themselves on instagram anyway, as comp surfing/surfers and instagram crowd are both generally ego driven.
I never realised Victoria had such a shortage coastline that everyone has to congregate on the same couple of beaches.
He Indo do you think it's ego that drives some people constantly share their opinion regarding every subject?
Instead of the ad hominem attack why don’t you answer Indo’s question?
In my local area we have 3 club on the 3 adjoining beaches, 2 of these clubs have been running for over 30 years one of which is attached to the local surf club and the other nearly 15 years. Nearly all of the locals have been have been involved in one way or another over the years whether it be point score or charity single fin comp where everyone is welcome. Those who haven't understand its only run 1 Sunday a month regardless of conditions and will quite happily share the beach and surf the next bank or next beach which could quite possibly be empty. When you surf your local and the best bank or reef break is crowded with locals and blowins do you still paddle out? or do you look elsewhere? Don't forget all of our hero come from boardriders clubs Occy, Parko, Fanning, Owen, Steff, Tom Carroll, etc. They all come from grass roots clubs. Do you have the same opinion regarding your local footy oval?
The footy oval is a man made facility. The ocean is the last bastion of freedom on Earth. Surf clubs are free to stage their little indulgent amusement and it’s always good if other surfers can make room , but if it’s the only option ,or the best option and a board riders thinks they’re entitled to sole access ......they’re kidding themselves.
PS The idea that good surfers and good surfing arose with the creation of organised competition is false. Surfers have been ripping without competition since surfing became a thing.
swellnet #1 Qld *****Stu..
It will be interesting to see if anyone has a crack at a "rebel tour" like Packer did with World Series Cricket.
The main thing that is stopping a breakaway tour is the fact the WSL is running at a big loss. If they start making some money, it wouldn't be too hard for an enterprising mob to lure away the "athletes" into a new league. There's only 34 men on tour and that's about the same number of cricketers as Packer carved away.
Who would actually care if the WSL (a private enterprise with very little social capital) was replaced by another organisation? Fans, Governments, and other sponsors couldn't give a toss. They would follow the athletic talent. Watch this space.
I've often thought the same thing. It would probably take some cashed up billionaire who doesn't care about losing a bit of dosh. (which is similar to the current situation really) I don't think they'd even need the entire top 34 either. The top 16 would be fine I reckon. Using this model they could go back to the original idea behind the dream tour. No pandering. This could be a good schedule:
Margs
Cloudbreak
Teahupoo
Keramas
Uluwatu
J-Bay
Arica
Puerto Escondido
Sunset
Pipe
Again Qld offers huge thanx to swellnet for the wake up call...right there staring at us.
tbb has done some digging and it gets real bad...you'll need a sick bag...(Seriously)
Starky is selling off the prime beach viewing locations as WSL corporate packs.
https://www.cmo.com.au/article/657803/how-world-surf-league-striving-rid...
No longer prime freeview, soon pay to see from #1 WSL licensed sites or piss off.
WSL / Air Asia Beach Club runs comps & offers multi day Corporate Passes
Offers up Deck chairs, Umbrellas, Coconuts to approved prospective clientele.
https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/airasia-takes-partnership-with-world-s...
Casa Corona is a prime Beach Front Bar flogging Brews & Mexican Food / Tunes
https://cub.com.au/corona-launches-casa-corona-at-the-quiksilver-roxy-pr...
[Price Check] 1977 Stubbies $1 >(2019-$6)+ 2020 Olympic Gold Medal Surfing-$40
Note: WSL Price List is for 'Public' Beach fees + (Private Ranch fees)
WSL Odyssey VIP beach clubs (Also lease out 3 Oz Pro Comp sites)
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/tickets
[AUD] Tickets reflect A List events eg (Pipe Masters-shown as high figure)
$220-$440 day heats (Ranch $150-VIP $290) Huntington VIP $635)
$585 weekend FINALS -(Ranch $290- VIP $730)
$700-$1165 (Full Event) (Huntington -VIP $3,600) Ranch VIP $13,850- incl 1hr Pool
VIP: Shade,TV,Gift (Lunch is on prime viewing deck),Signed Jersey (Accom discounts)
Notice o/n Hut (Cabins-Pods) WSL bullies will soon run outta sand to kick in our faces!
https://beachgrit.com/2018/07/ultra-rich-wsls-vip-us-open-ticket/
https://www.surftotal.com/en/news-all/asia-mn-news/item/1934-want-surf-a...
GC mayor Tate is crazy mad keen to hurl deckchairs & Michelob our line-ups
Starky wins a 6 pack if he can flog whole site & hit up beachbums for a Corona.
Above Photo shows Crew ain't got long before we're moved on...
Bookend the Comp Buoys to line up with Beach Bar..[No admittance by order of WSL]
April 2019 tbb was told not visit or swim @ North Burleigh Beach (Junior Aussies)
Anzac Day B'Heads- Beach Bar Bouncers blocked beach stairs to tbb, Kidz & Ambos.
tbb had no shirt on,kid was underage,Ambos climbed rocks with foil wrap patient.
Beach disco then drowned out out the Shark alarm stranding basherz as shark bait.
Vacate Beach Flags for Movie Sets of Boats,Jet Skis,Drones,Boardriders,Dogs.
Govt /Council beach segregation is blatant.(Money buys beach) Wanna surf-get a Wave Pool
GC here one day gone the next...Our Mayor has been dreaming of this very day.
WSL can block 'contest arena'.(Access via WSL licensed foreshore venues only)
What's worse is competitors & officials stare you off 'their beach'...no longer a local!
GC Mayor will give Sophie the Keys to the city + free Penthouse to park her Wave Pool.
Mayor gets precedent for a dozen [NO ENTRY] Surf resorts up & down the strip.
tbb hints that maybe Quicksilver & Surfing Qld both walked out in disgust!
Anyhow! tbb is not making it up...this is already old news & almost a WSL condo.
Stu said maybe not now but - Qldurrz are urging other WSL comp breaks to wake up.
tbb is not saying it's too late to stop Starky but we've seen the Sunny Govt bribes.
Sucked in Surfing Queensland and all the other 'surfing' (insert state name) organisations. It shits me that tax I pay supports these crew who do NOTHING for rank and file surfers. Just focus on comps and pro development which caters to about 1% of all surfers. They've stooged the federal government by creating some sort of facade that they somehow represent and benefit all of us. Be good if they had their funding cut to a level proportionate to who they benefit.
I hope the WSL sets up the same model down here in Vic.
(Apparently Surfing Vic are all for the proposed raised viewing eyesore at Winki too)
Agree 100%. Surfing WA exactly the same ! A small group of cockroaches that all of a sudden sneak out from under the fridge (or Perth anyhow) come to town and take over your break all at the taxpayer (re local community) expense in the name of competitive surfing , take take take is the motto
(Apparently Surfing Vic are all for the proposed raised viewing eyesore at Winki too)
Hey Ringmaster. You may have found the only three local surfers who actually support the eyesore.
Must be pretty weird marching to the beat of the WSL drum. Makes me wonder what Surfing Vic have been promised / threatened with.
Surfing Vic are State Govt funded , have the contract for the easter event...did you know all the gate money goes directly to the WSL?
What the heck......that's just crazy.
WeaSeL....
So how do you fund a herd of cats ( the 99% who don't go in comps). A free block of wax for every surfer?.
"IF" there was, say, a 'recreational surfers association' money from government funding / grants could be applied for to benefit 'recreational surfers' ... for example:
Surfing etiquette awareness and training
First aide and surf rescue training
Surfing specific fitness and training programs
Funding a voice for recreational surfers into surfing issues (i.e. jetski codes of conduct)
Building clubhouse(s) or other facilities for recreational surfers
Leveraging membership for product discounts / sample / free goods
Plus many others ...
So, why isn't there a 'recreational surfers association'?
I love ur ideas, etiquette awareness campaigns would be great, I feel like most of the board riders are the first ones to make the spots chaotic, when they start to burn everyone
Fantastic idea, Wingnut.
And for the question above, "how do you herd 99% of cats?" I can imagine a flash mob style protest, get hundreds of locals via social media, form up in the nearby carparks that aren't off-limits to locals, then descend upon the lineup with boards all at once en masse, paddle right through it and sit in it, telling them to GGF. A convergence from all sides, testing the very important question "Are our open spaces still public spaces, or are they for sale to the highest bidder?"
Big thanx also to crew for unravelling this corporate greed.
Qldurzz will return the favour to the Bells crew...
(Tip) A new international comp inside Bells Comp! (No! Not the Heritage Hodads)
Quite the opposite in fact...read on...
(Background)
US National Ripcurl Gromsearch was recently held at Waco 'wave pool'.
https://sbcsurf.com/rip-curl-gromsearch-national-final-waco-tx/
(URBNSURF Ripcurl link) eg: Gromsearch was headed for Vic 'wavepool'
WSL Starky says not on my watch...Ripcurl Gromsearch signed to WSL.
International Ripcurl Gromsearch final is played out at 2020 WSL Bells Beach Pro.
https://www.ripcurl.com.au/news/event-news/the-2020-gromsearch-internati...
Ripcurl promos state behind every WSL Hero is a Ripcurl Grom...bound to happen!
Starky is blending WSL brand into festivals & events to sell us out for Corp boxes
Oz wide our Govts fork out our cash to rid us from our lineups for WSL timeshare.
Starky is a valuable asset as he can cherry pick events with max' Govt handouts
tbb will post a Qld Surf Event Calendar showcasing WSL seachange portfolio.
Not always about us! Qld wish Vic' a happy Easter with Bells international schoolies.
Cadbury are already knocking down Starky's door! (Cadbury Easter Bunny Classic)
2020 OZ leg...(*WSL Comps)
(Juniors listed here)
Gromsearch (4 + 2 Finals)*WSL final may filter down to series branding.
*WSL - 1,000 has 8 Junior Events on Oz leg with 123 Oz competitors.
Australian Junior Surfing Titles (Schools) Change location annually
2020 Australian Tour (*WSL beach events)
Jan 11-12, Burleigh Boardriders Billabong Single Fin Festival
*n/a Jan Maroubra Carve Pro WS-QS 3,000
*Jan 25 Port Stephens Toyota Wildcard trials WSL-QS 5,000
*Feb 5-9 Burleigh Heads Flight Centre Gold Coast Open WSL-QS 1,500
Feb 10-14 GC Global Waves Conference (GC Surf Council has outed WSL)
Feb 14-16 Byron Bay Surf Festival
*Feb 15-16 Newcastle Australian Boardriding Battle
*Feb 22- March 1 Noosa Festival of Surfing
*n/a Feb - RedBull Airborne Trials > GC Corona Open
*n/a Feb - Vissla Central Coast Pro Avoca WSL - QS 3,000
*March 2-5 (Approx) WSL Noosa Longboard Open (Tour)
*March 2-8 Mereweather Pro WSL- QS 5,000
*March 2-8 Newcastle (Surf Fest) WSL- QS 5,000
*March 16-24 Vissla Sydney Surf Pro WSL-QS 6,000
*March 17-22 (NZ) Phia Pro WSL- CS 10,000 (Kelly & Steph to compete?)
*March 26-April 15 WSL Corona Open Gold Coast + Red Bull Airborne
*April 8-18 WSL Rip Curl International GromSearch Final @ Bells.(see above)
*April 8-18 WSL Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
April 18-26 The Aussies Gold Coast.(Includes Nat' clubbies Surfboard riding Comp)
*April 22-May 2 WSL Margaret River Pro
*n/a May- ISA World Surfing Games < [WSL] > Olympic Games
n/a Southern Surf Festival SA + Yorkes Surfing Classic
May 29-31 Oz Rip Curl Indigenous Surf Titles Bells Beach
*May 30-31 Oz Longboard Open Kingscliff
*July 24 -Aug 9 ... Olympics (*WSL qualify)
n/a Aug - Oz Surf Championships Tweed (Juraki,Boogerz,Adaptive,short,long,logs)
n/a Oct WA Groundswell "Surf Boardroom Surf League Scarborough Beach"
*n/a Oct Mandurah Pro WSL- QS 1,000
*n/a Oct Cape Naturaliste Pro WSL- QS 1,000
*n/a Nov Phillip Island Vic. WSL- CS 10,000
If I am good enough a surfer I get on the WSL gravy train, great life or so it looks, I want Wazza's job, since I'm not I go to work 5 days a week, surf the other two if I'm lucky.
I don't pay any money to WSL, if the local Govt, state or federal give them a grant it comes from the whole population via our taxes and rates. Surfers and non surfers alike.
So now you ask who benefits, does a local government decide good for the local economy for a 3-4 week period non surfers in particular cafes, restaurants, hotels, airlines. So they really don't give a stuff about the recreating surfers, they are actually in the way and need to be moved out. Maybe they are making the right call for the greater majority unfortunately traffic on this web site is the effected minority.
I think good to see the elite, but if they are nearby and you've had your fill drive down the road and find a free bank, not that hard to do.
Is MR Ziff trying to profit from it or just makes ends meet, seems to date he has not made ends meet so the format/business model must morph into other forms to try and attain that goal. Money can't keep getting thrown down a black hole, it just does not like doing that.
That is the way of business uncompromising, unfair, no morals and non contributing victims be they individuals or organizations will be strewn along the way.
But for the greater part of the year I just want to find a free bank, I'm not sure the WSL stops me doing that?
Then why is there not a recreational surfers association Wingnut asks? Because we don't have to pay to surf, we don't need an association to prepare our ground, mother nature does that for us.
ditto
"Then why is there not a recreational surfers association Wingnut asks? Because we don't have to pay to surf, we don't need an association to prepare our ground, mother nature does that for us."
Missing the big picture.
Ohhh nooo, How will Surfing QLD, NSW, HPC [insert organisation] be able to produce champion after champion now?
Hmmm... when was the last champion out of Oz back in....
Note sarcasm.
I couldn’t care less for those organisations. In my opinion very little return for all the money that goes in
Wingnut you are onto something
Comps can't force recreational surfers out of the area. The council permits to use the beach don't extend into the water.
Every pro comp relies purely on the goodwill of local surfers to not surf in the comp zone.
If there not gunna use local staff the WSL might be in trouble.
Rebel tour.
Pick 3 venues each.
North america 3
South America 3
Europe 3
Africa 3
Hawai'i 2
Pacific 3
Australia 3
indo. 3
Awaiting the the new tour.
I.e.
Africa
Skelton bay
J bay
New pier.
IMHO realistic still 12 comps (13 if keep Bells)
Aust 2 (Snapper & Margs, keep Bells if you really have too)
Indo 2 (Keramas & G-land)
Pacific 2 (Tahiti & Cloud break)
Africa 1 (J-bay)
Americas 2 (Trestles and Puerto escondido)
Europe1 (France)
Hawaii 2 (Pipe and Haleiwa) Yeah over Sunset, Sunset is a challenging wave, but unless pumping is pretty boring to watch.
Thats realistic ditching Brazil and Portugal just too fickle to get good waves, the France comp still keeps the beachie thing in it, plus adding Puerto Escondido adds another better beachie, Bells is most of time boring, people just dint want to lose it because of the history and the very very rare chance it will get good solid waves like that 80 something day, but IMHO margs ticks that box, time to move on.
Hawaii needs to be the show down, Sunset sounds good, but argh lets be realistic unless pumping pretty boring, Haleiwa keeps it on Hawaii and consistent and suits comp surfing.
What else, pool comp ditched experiment done and failed bring back Trestles.
Oh and Keramas we need especially with lack of hollow rights and G-land is a no brainer as is cloud break, only issue is so many hollow lefts and lack of hollow rights, but that's nature for you.
In 2018 Brazil had some of the best waves of the year.
IMHO still too much of a flip of a coin though, the chances of getting average to poor surf in brazil are much higher than getting good waves.
Its like Bells, everyone is just crossing their fingers every year for the chance of getting that year in the 80s again, reality is it might never happen for Bells Easter comp again.
IMHO WSL have gone in the right direction with G-Land, its a comp where you have a very decent chance of getting perfect waves for days.
Stable bottom shape=no sand bank factor, generally offshore in season, swells generally long period, the only factors your need to roll the dice on are swell and tides to some degree but with a waiting period the chance of decent to perfect waves is pretty high.
Somewhere like brazil, you are rolling the dice on sand banks, winds, swell size and period etc too much dice rolling, too much chance of not getting good surf.
Yes indo, sand is fickle. The wosel have never skipped brasil.
Never.
I like your list indo,
Kerama just didn't really impress me this year, until Steph on finals day. She was the best surfer there.
This is a wish list though. So technically you can scratch any or all waves on tour.
That 10 she got has to be one of the most perfectly surfed waves I've ever witnessed in a competition.
Bells isn’t going anywhere. It has to be the most profitable ( or least unprofitable) event on the schedule. From parking to coffees, there’s WSL fingers in lots and lots of pies. Not to mention all the surf industry junkets happening in Torquay over Easter. I can see the WSL getting sold for $1 in a few years. The current owner must surely lose patience with the endless financial losses and incompetent management.
WSL are airing their dirty laundry on 'their' front porch.
Stu was right to bring this to our attention.
tbb will lay out the Beach rules as they stand for Gold Coast Qld.
Gold Coast Beach Laws vs WSL
[BEACH CLOSED]- WSL toss least able cam crew into Cyclonic Swell.
[No Jetskis near shore]- WSL run Jetskis inshore & flags whole event
[No Fly Zone] -WSL fly drones & over crowds of people every comp
[No Food Vendors on GC Beaches]-WSL sell Tacos + more on Beach
[No Pop Up Beach Bars]-WSL sell Coronas centre of Beach
[No surfing thru Flags]- WSL long rides continue thru Flags
On & On WSL breach more laws than any Event & all Beachgoers combined
Surely such contempt for GC Law prohibits idiots from holding a car license.
Never would a sane Govt authority let serial pests flick a towel near a Qld beach.
The same crook mob are now flogging off WSR Timeshare.(Welcome to The Goldie!)
Only one loophole exists that can, in part explain away such complete nonsense.
Sure a Casino or Airport or Major Event can excuse in part, but not that much lunacy.
Surf Clubs (Emergency Services) are exempt as default caretakers of the beach.
WSL would need a lawful SLSA alliance to excuse such beach bully behaviour.
Good article on WSL Cooly Drones/Jetskis/Drug Tests/D'bah switch/Penalties.
https://stabmag.com/news/d-bah-is-expensive-jet-ski-drivers-are-scoring-...
[News] WSL just signed a deal with Bond Uni...'Sports Event Management & Law'
Strangely highlighting the role Snapper Rocks plays as some weird trigger point.
https://asbmag.com/bond-university-to-become-official-higher-education-p...
Introducing the Oz Author of ASP / WSL [Rule Book] (The surfers New Testament!)
https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/features/6946-firm-profile-burgess-spor...
Matt advised GC Surfing Taskforce (re: Surf Rage > Wave Pools?)
https://bselaw.com.au/who-we-are/
Some rare insight into Matt's WSL Rule Book interpretation...
https://www.surfline.com/surf-news/a-closer-look-at-the-toledo-igarashi-...
Mal (GC '60's Surf legend) > (Matt @ Cooly office run WSL legals).
http://windanseaboardriders.com.au/windansea-reunion-currumbin-gold-coas...
Mal Chalmers is a Qld Surfing Board Member...a bit awkward in WSL context!
As luck should have it, Mal is also an honourary Solicitor at Point Danger SLSC.
By default the local Surf Club must accommodate WSL to ensure Comp safety.
Now reread the above naughty list & ask yourself - who really rules Snapper?
tbb reckons Mal knows more about WSL than they do! (Interview? tbb asks nicely!)
Sunny Pool site bribe & Beach Beer is so wrong & dumping Qld surfers is not on.
Qld Surfing's name is mud! We have every right to warn fellow Oz of dodgy WSL.
Whoever is hellbent on sabotaging Qld Surfing in Olympic year. You're not welcome!
WSL elitist and bad for the community and local surf organisations. I guess the profiteering of surfing is justr going to the next level but I say screw them and tell them to stick their WSL bullshit - local beaches for the local community - not these hordes of profiteering corporates.
They're not breaking laws if GCCC gives them an exception. Such an exception would come with requirements attached that overcome (or at least, give the perception of doing so) the problems that laws seek to resolve in the first place (i.e. any ol' muppet using a drone willy nilly).
Not saying I like the WSL. I think I've watched about 20 minutes total of events this year.
Crushing the lesser again, just like Bunnings. Arrested development.
Surfing needs a “King of the road” ala Thrasher magazine type comp.
Get rad and get loose!
Death to the Wozzle..........
There should be NO PUBLIC money if WSL are cutting out local organisations - period. And the govt should not grant them access to the public facilities. To be frank I'd be happy if there was no "professional surfing" competition - just sponsored surfers out there doing cool stuff. The comps stuff the good breaks, create elitism and seem to be anti the whole surfing culture if you ask me.
Everything you said makes good sense, Mike C, which means it will never happen.
Something tells me the GC event is going to be a bit of a shit show unless SQ can be coaxed into helping out. You think of all those logistics and supplier relationships SQ have built up over time...and the WSL reckon they can come in cold and "we got this brah". ... ya huh..
"and the WSL reckon they can come in cold..."
The WSL won't be coming in cold. This takeover would have been on the cards for a long time. I'm tipping SQ has unwittingly supplied the WSL with run sheets, construction schedules, key contact details, pricing, permit application docs etc etc etc from previous comps.
The WSL will be trying to replicate last year's event while squeezing all the sub contractors.
I think you'll find that the WSL's General Manager (Australia) was not only CEO of Surfing Australia for almost ten years ('09-'18), but was also CEO of Surfing Queensland for nine years prior to that ('00-'09).
Well it certainly looks like Stark has sold out Queensland's up and coming competition surfers to line the pockets of his new master.
Just wondering if he's getting many waves by himself north of the tweed.
North America
Puerto Escondido
Rincon
Trestles.
If the money is channelled back into grassroots surfing then wouldn't that ensure the longevity of the competitive surfing business.
If its only profits you seek from surfing then that is the kind of people you will attract to it.
Surfing is too good to be turned into a capitalist endeavour.
ben,
You are spot on and now Mr Stark will utilise all levels of our Govt. departments that were a source of funding for Australian facilities and grass roots surfing, will now be a treasure trove for the WSL and KS Wavepools and the Olympic/Surfing funding as he sucks them into his new platform.
I would guess he has access to whoever he wants!
oceans11 is bang on the money trail again...
GCCC item 4 Page 33 (The end of Snapper Pro!)
https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/documents/ma/events-20181011-adoptedrep...
Burleigh Pro since changed to Gold Coast Open.(Why!)
Sounds like Corona Open Gold Coast (So it should.)
Spells the beginning of the end of Snapper Comp!
Surfing Qld's job > Burleigh QS 3,000 > CS 10,000.
Here they twist GCCC arm for 290% increase
WSL then exit Snapper for CT Sunny Ranch Comp.
Starky shifted SQ HQ to Burleigh (All now even!)
Page 38 : (5.8 Outcomes) by Surfing Queensland
"The WSL have indicated that WCT could see further changes in the future. This could see less events delivered in Oz as they seek new technologies ('Wave Pools') in attempt to appeal to new market segments & further Commercialize their overall product. As SQ work to develop this event as a strong tourism offering in the future, the decision to support this "Festival"should not be based on an economic outcome ('which would be regarded as relatively low at this time'...hint hint !) Investing (290% increase) in this (Gold Coast Open) Festival should be viewed as a RISK CONTROL MEASURE for the City (Be very afraid!)...in having an additional surfing event ON-STANDBY and able to be propelled beyond it's projected QS 3000 status, should the WSL change their current approach to the Quicksilver and Roxy Pro's.
Sacking both Sponsors + Qld Surfing is considered change enough you'd reckon!
Sunny Wavepool bribes will flow fast.
Snapper will sink equally fast.
WSL now milk Qldurrz for two Pro Events...
2018 NSW Govt said NO to WSL Manly scam...
See calendar for WSL reply...NZ said sweet bro.
Now NSW says sorry & pays the bribe...too late!
Best we jump the real scary WA Sharky contract.
The battle continues, Sponsorship Money and Profit versus Surfing the Art form and Lifestyle we all love. Bring on a rebel tour!!!
Appreciate the sentiment, but isn't your statement a bit of an oxymoron?
A rebel tour obviously needs to be financially viable but it could have more focus on the values and attitudes of the broader surfing community than only business growth and profit making. Maybe a throw back to the 70s-90s of surfing where surfing was an alternative lifestyle before it was brought into the mainstream. Maybe I'm just dreaming!
The problem is that all businesses - gardening, plumbing, accounting, baking and professional surfing - all need to be profitable to be worthwhile. Even those financed by wealthy benefactors (or governments) still need to be financially viable, because at some point in time the funding could very well run dry.
Therefore, the difficulty is - how do you 'create a profitable business' that 'focuses on the values and attitudes of the broader surfing community'?
To that end, what exactly are the values and attitudes of the broader surfing community? Speak to ten people and I reckon you'll get ten different opinions.
I disagree.
I think I know what we all want,)
Ah yes there it is for all to see "need to be profitable to be worthwhile". Enough said Ben. Thank you.
Frank the tank at it again
Decent base wage for surfers...plus prize money.
Proper remuneration for local communities that they drop in on.
On call all year.
The whole tour could chase swells.
If your tuning in it's as advertised.
Best surfers best waves.
Till their sales pitch and product lines up they cannot expect to bring it to the masses...successfully.
Updated by renegade Goldie Qldurrz...
2017 The Final Quiky baked Snapper Mornay turned out totally sloppy & Goofy.
2018 New Dad of the Year raced back'n'forth thru the Kirra lineup
2019 CT > NSW + WSL extorts Qld Govt for Sunny Wave Pool CT switch @ Bhds GC Pro CS Upgrade?
Qld funds 1st Equal Pay CT for NSW (Qld branded #1 women hating non Equal Pay WSL tour stop?)
2020 WSL cancel LB-QS-CT Corona Outbreak for Oz Elowood slam lockdowns @ Cabba / Sth Straddie)
2020 (Wave Pools) Sunny Endless Surf (Approval) + Yuppie Noosa AWM Dies + Hwy AWM (In Council)
2021 WSL Noosa LB+ Goldie QS-CT pandemic racketeering extortion bid fails.(Cancelled) > NSW.
2021 (WavePools) GC Endless Surf (Pro Model) (In Council)
2021 May 1st - 3rd (Unsanctioned) Gold Coast Open Bhds (Former WSL QS comp rebrand!)
https://surfingqueensland.com.au/pro-surfing-returns-to-queensland-with-...
https://surfingqueensland.com.au/gold_coast_open_21/
Q: Is this a Fake Rebel WSL backdoor switcheroo?
Gold Coast Pro is not a 2021 Oz WSL sanctioned QS Event
Open Entry Form is open to all Surfing Oz Clubs / members
https://surfingaustralia.azolve.com/workbench/public/events?ref=DADA86BC...
GC Open ($20,000 ~ M-58 / W-26 )
GC Invitational LB ($4,000 - 24 entries ) + Acid Test (Taj) / Skate Demo
Sponsors SQ / Qld Govt / GCCC / VW / STAB / Level Up / Mt Elephant
GC Open (vs) WSL Margs? (Dates + #1 Board Tester is former Bhds winner WA champ Taj )
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events?month=may&year=2021
Rebel holler hop is yer 1st stop on alt Oz Rebel Yell Tour.
2 future slated WSL CS comps are rebranded & slotted into WSL Oz Leg calendar like magic?
Think maybe our Govt's & Starky are ringing our bells or they just stabbin' about...
https://asbmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-14-at-...
https://surfingvic.com/2021-victorian-open-series-format-to-change-due-t...
https://surfingvic.com/surfing-victoria-to-host-bolt-blowers-invitationa...
Footnote: WSL / STAB (Fake Rebel Tour offshoot in the Air?)
https://stabmag.com/stabfm/meet-the-guy-who-saved-professional-surfing-i...
2020 March Vic (Urbnsurf) - STAB High
2021 May Qld (The Point) - STAB Acid Test
2020 Sept WA (Margs)- STAB Surf 100
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/posts/456105/watch-surf-100-stabs-waveri...
Sidelined to Line in the Sand renegades in the space of a pandemic.
Now! How to get Starky's Covid Toes off our Nose!