2025 Championship Tour Announced

Stu Nettle picture
Stu Nettle (stunet)
Swellnet Dispatch

Overnight, the World Surf League released the schedule for next year's CT and, as expected, there are a few changes.

Cloudbreak is the venue for the Finals Day, but we already knew that was coming. We also knew the mid-season cut was to be pushed back but now we have the specifics: it'll be after the seventh stop, which is Margaret River.

Other noteworthy alterations?

  • Sunset has been cut.
  • Abu Dhabi has been added.
  • El Salvador moves to earlier in the season (and into a more favourable swell season)
  • Trestles moves to a regular season slot.
  • Jeffreys Bay is back!
  • As is Snapper, though rumours it would be earlier in the season were false.

The complete order and dates are as follows:

Counting Finals Day, there are now twelve stops on the tour. The last time there were this many contests on the CT was 2003 when AI beat out KS for the world title and lit a fuse that fuelled his second coming.

Looking closely: of the twelve stops in 2003, seven of them are repeated in 2025. Putting Abu Dhabi aside, it's arguably the most 'dream-like' schedule the Woz has released since taking the reins in 2013.

No doubt there'll be dissenters to that view, though it'd be harder to argue against the 2025 representing the best schedule yet for the women. Keep in mind, the dream was gender specific, while the lads were jetting off for Fiji, the lasses were heading for Huntington, or Taranaki, or, god forbid, Dee Why.

What's an announcement without a word from the CEO?

“We've built this schedule to include more events and feature a variety of breaks," said Ryan Crosby. "We've brought back some of the Tour’s most desirable locations, while aligning dates with favorable swell windows, to open up more opportunity for quality surf. We'll see a great mix of locations from heavy-water barrels, to high-performance waves, and pristine point breaks. It'll be an exciting showcase of the world's best surfing featuring the incredible CT talent. We can't wait to kick off in January 2025. See you at Pipe."

Keen watchers of pro surfing will await the release of the Challenger Series schedule. With Snapper being promoted and the cut pushed back, the Changa now starts over a month later than it did this year. The timing pushes it away from favourable times in some regions, yet towards favourable times in others. Dare they close the Changa with a comp at Haleiwa or Sunset..?

The Woz are ironing out the kinks on the top sheet, when will they sort out the next layer down?

Comments

Island Bay's picture
Island Bay's picture
Island Bay Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 4:42am

Very positive changes.

Sad to see Sunset go, and would love to give Abu Dhabi the boot, but can't have everything.

Nate1212's picture
Nate1212's picture
Nate1212 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 5:00am

And the new tour schedule was released in partnership with Qantas. Wonder how far reaching that sponsorship is?
So happy with 2025 CT, hopefully CS gets the upgrade it deserves to match. Hoping indo and Hawaii make the list

tiger's picture
tiger's picture
tiger Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 5:47am

Looks heaps better! But Huey hates the Woz, so they'll likely get skunked everywhere.

seahound's picture
seahound's picture
seahound Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 6:41am

Certainly an improvement. Great to see Jbay and Snapper back. As for the tank. Just get rid of Abu Dhabi as a tour stop after they've had their go at it. Unless the sheikhs buy the Wozz and pump more money into the tour than Ziff. But yeah, bring back Sunset please, in some shape or form. Challenger finish with Haleiwa could work really well. Probably mean some more Hawaiian and other surfers qualifying instead of so many Brazilians who are more favoured by the current tour. We know Sunset provides a proper test in heavy water rights in its own unique way which any would be world champ or qualifier should have to try and decipher.

tail high to the sky's picture
tail high to the sky's picture
tail high to the sky Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 7:01am

A few things I like here:

- More events before the cut ( it will help some surfers financially, and give rookies better odds of snaring some heat wins despite their low seeding)
- j Bay and snapper back. Who isn't happy about this?
-more events total = more for fans to look forward to.
- Sunset gone. We already had two chunky rights in Bells and Margaret River. We didn't need a 3rd. Hopefully it ends up on the CS though.

QUESTIONABLE:

- no lefts before the cut. Again.
-Still a general lack of lefts.
- probably not the best time of year for Snapper.
- the schedule is very compact. That's 12 events in 7 months. I wonder how the athletes feel about this. Seems like almost no time to recover between some of those stops.
- I would say Abu Dhabi, but I suspect having this event is the reason why they've been able to afford adding two extra events. I reckon the Arabs have handed them a fat wad of cash to bring their event over there, and this is a move the WSL needed to make to ensure improvements elsewhere. I don't know what other reason there could possibly be for building a pool over there other than that. Now it all seems very well planned.

Overall, stoked.

stunet's picture
stunet's picture
stunet Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 7:31am

"- the schedule is very compact. That's 12 events in 7 months. I wonder how the athletes feel about this. Seems like almost no time to recover between some of those stops."

I agree. Compared to the last two decades it's compressed, however for those who qualify they get near enough five straight months off.

I have a feeling that, somewhere down the track, maybe 2026, maybe the year after, the Changa is going to get a complete overhaul. Rather than squeeze it into six months to try and get dropouts back on tour the next year, an easier solution - at least from a scheduling POV - would be to revert to the old QS style where if you're off the CT, then you're off for the year. Means dropping the cut of course.

CT surfers get all year to plod away, rookies learning the ropes etc., CS surfers can pick and choose.

This would allow the Changa to start during East Coast Australia's prime surf season and end in Hawaii. Have more events though, like the old QS days, only the top four or five count.

tail high to the sky's picture
tail high to the sky's picture
tail high to the sky Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:14am

Agree Stu. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a major change for the CS in the works. Have they announced next year's schedule yet for CS? Also agree about getting a full year on the tour but missing the next year if you don't qualify. 10 new faces every year. Overall I think we're going in the right direction here, and its the first time in quite a few years I've felt that way about the WSL. Maybe this Crosby bloke is onto something?

Yendor's picture
Yendor's picture
Yendor Sunday, 13 Oct 2024 at 12:58pm

Here's a completely unrealistic (due to local sponsorship etc.) but exciting thought.

Imagine if an updated Change included some even more heavy and sketchy spots than the CT. It would help prevent the contest savvy journeymen/women plodding their way back onto tour and could also send viewership through the roof.

Trial by fire, bread and circuses, I'd tune in for that. So many of the new rookies struggle in the heavy waves even if they have good contest smarts. Let them really earn their place. I'm sure it would be great for the confidence rolling into the CT as well.

Solitude's picture
Solitude's picture
Solitude Sunday, 13 Oct 2024 at 1:34pm

Like it Yendor:
6 stop CS:
- Arica
- Solander
- Peurto Escondido
- The Cave
- Haleiwa
- Sunset

Yendor's picture
Yendor's picture
Yendor Sunday, 13 Oct 2024 at 2:24pm

Haha, love it, good choices. Maybe we could throw them a couple of high performance bones.

Island Bay's picture
Island Bay's picture
Island Bay Tuesday, 15 Oct 2024 at 7:10pm

Sketchyhelldeathpeak?

Yendor's picture
Yendor's picture
Yendor Wednesday, 16 Oct 2024 at 5:25am

Hahahaha,, that'll test something. Though I have become it's greatest adherent.

dannyz's picture
dannyz's picture
dannyz Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 8:54am

No lefts before the cut? The first 3 events are literally peaks... and then after the cut they finish the season with 2 heavy water lefts... pretty fair I reckon

tail high to the sky's picture
tail high to the sky's picture
tail high to the sky Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:24am

Disagree. Of the first seven events, four are exclusively right handers (snapper, Bells, el sal, and Margaret river - technically a peak but no one goes left). There are no events before the cut that are pure lefts, and that is the point I'm making. As for the lefts, you can't really count Fiji because only 5 surfers get to go there while everyone else misses out.

So, when you look at the whole year, there are 5 rights (including the four above + JBay) and only one left (tahiti). Still seems pretty unbalanced to me. I can live with it but it'd be great to see a left point in the mix.

goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:43am

Yeah a rippable left or two ala Macaronis or Raglan or Uluwatu would be nice to see

thc's picture
thc's picture
thc Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 7:29pm

no raglan, no NZ, wSl can fk rt off

goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 7:36pm

Fair call

thc's picture
thc's picture
thc Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 7:42pm

like

dannyz's picture
dannyz's picture
dannyz Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:51am

yeah but the first 3 events, Pipe - if it's proper Pipe then lefts are preferred, then it's the pool where it's an equal right and a left for everyone, then it's Supertubes - peaky beachbreak where it's 50/50 lefts and rights.. and then add to that it's a Left that decides the world champ

paddlepoplion's picture
paddlepoplion's picture
paddlepoplion Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 6:03pm

Easter falls later too so Bells is at the back end of the April which means there will be better chance of good conditions.

lost's picture
lost's picture
lost Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 7:12am

Some great events in there and easy to just skip the ones not doing it for you….like the pool. I’m happy and look forward to tuning in. WSL appear to be listening and have managed to follow the money and put a solid sensible schedule together.

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 7:30am

Better, but pretty hard to celebrate still having Rio and Portugal, along with a pool comp in a county that abused human rights. Stoked to see Snaps and J Bay back plus the finals at Cloudy. 7/10

Nick Bone's picture
Nick Bone's picture
Nick Bone Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 7:40am

I can’t wait dor the pool comp this year. The wozzle are going to have to pull out their best greenwashing and toxic positivity plays at pool stop. Joe is gonna really outdo himself I reckon.

Look forward to the WSL Pure ad. More so what issue they’ll be tackling!?

only-sams's picture
only-sams's picture
only-sams Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 7:48am

Wonder how they’ll wrangle in the rising tides for that one?

Charlie Brown's picture
Charlie Brown's picture
Charlie Brown Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 11:56am

Welcome to the UAE - a part of the world which routinely ranks near the bottom of many international measures for human rights and press freedom - where each competitor will get four rights and four lefts ... you can't script this!

freeride76's picture
freeride76's picture
freeride76 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 8:24am

Mixed bag IMO.

First, Sunset scrapped means no Hawaiian leg.

Thats a big loss because no longer will we see sustained testing of heavy water skill sets to start the season.

That "baptism of fire" was a really entertaining and challenging way to see which of the rookies had a full skill set.

A one off at Pipe then straight to the Tub is a very weird way to start the year.

Would rather have seen El Sal scrapped and the Hawaiian leg, then the Tub.

The Aussie leg is solid except Snapper should come first- should be in the El Sal slot.

Massive missed opportunity not going from Margies into an Indo leg, while you are in the Indian Ocean and same time zone.
Ulus, Keramas or both.

Once more the lowest hanging fruit in pro surfing fails to get picked.

Trestles is a great reg tour stop but June is very, very early season. Right in the peak of So.Cal Marine Layer or so-called June Gloom.

Saquarema once again just looks out of place. Do we really need a wobbly, backwashy beach break to both decide the CS and be a Tour stop?
Surely it is better served as a CS venue, especially with the break wall right off the menu.

12 events is great.
J-Bay, Chopes and Cloudy to end is epic.

Faunt Leroy's picture
Faunt Leroy's picture
Faunt Leroy Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 11:07am

You want heavy water testing but want to send the Margies comp to Keramas?

freeride76's picture
freeride76's picture
freeride76 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 11:40am

No, after Margies go to Indo.

Watt Tyler's picture
Watt Tyler's picture
Watt Tyler Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 5:47am

sunset is pointless if the are not going to surf the whole wave from the outside

Nick Gee's picture
Nick Gee's picture
Nick Gee Friday, 18 Oct 2024 at 11:20am

agree. score bonus points if you jag one from the peak. they seem to adjust scores for barrel waves like pipe & chopes. do the same for 'victory at sea' waves like sunset.

anyway, it's out. which is a bummer.

MacLaren's picture
MacLaren's picture
MacLaren Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 8:30am

Bring back Sunset Beach.

Swap Abudoobedoobedoo for Sunset and you'll be right. Sunset in mid-February can really get up and GO. Two heavies to start the whole thing off, Pipe and Sunset, and you're gonna have all the drama you could ask for, right out of the gate, with year-long consequences forcing people to put it on the line whether they want to or not.

Plus, Jack Robbo seems to do just fine for himself at Sunset and is always a treat to watch, as he gives the other children a proper demonstration of how to operate the equipment, constantly disproving all those weirdos and whiners who claim Sunset isn't a good wave, or you can't get barreled there, or the dog ate my homework, or some damn thing.

Sunset Beach will kill you and eat you.

Bring back Sunset Beach.

dastasha's picture
dastasha's picture
dastasha Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 4:46pm

The WSLs can try as hard as they like to match the prestige of the triple crown

Sprout's picture
Sprout's picture
Sprout Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 8:53am

How many does Kelly surf?

freeride76's picture
freeride76's picture
freeride76 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 8:53am

4 at least.

Yendor's picture
Yendor's picture
Yendor Sunday, 13 Oct 2024 at 1:04pm

Vote here for Kelly with baby in frontpack at the pool!

fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:07am

Is Flip back on tour this year?

Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67's picture
Surfalot67 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:17am

Hard to imagine he will come back. The failure to launch yet again at the Olympics is surely the last straw. You’d have to be incredibly thick skinned to brush that aside and come back confidently

goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:38am

Good question. It will be interesting to see what happens.
I cant see how he could come back.
Imagine if Pipe is 10 foot for the 1st comp of the year, he'd be fucked.. again

fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 12:00pm

Likewise with Chopes & Cloudy at the backend.....

J W's picture
J W's picture
J W Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 10:50pm

He responded to the wsl’s Instagram post of this announcement saying ‘let’s do this’.

I hope pipe is 10ft

Nick Gee's picture
Nick Gee's picture
Nick Gee Friday, 18 Oct 2024 at 11:22am

ha!

"let's..... do this?"

freeride76's picture
freeride76's picture
freeride76 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:15am

Not sure about Flip or Steph.

John Wilkinson's picture
John Wilkinson's picture
John Wilkinson Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:17am

Abu Dhabi date?

sam_2's picture
sam_2's picture
sam_2 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:43am

I'll try one cooked in Ghee. Delectable on a cold morning..

Ted from the moon's picture
Ted from the moon's picture
Ted from the moon Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 10:27am

Felipe will be back. Looks a good tour agenda for him.

freeride76's picture
freeride76's picture
freeride76 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 10:33am

Apart from the Pipe beginning and Teahupoo/Cloudbreak ending.

fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21's picture
fitzroy-21 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 10:35am

My thoughts too. Espeacially if CB has a bit of size.

peabo's picture
peabo's picture
peabo Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 10:49am

My only issue with this schedule is that pre-cut, if they have another unlucky year there is potential for 4-5 of these comps to be fought out changa style in 2 foot slop.

Gowsa's picture
Gowsa's picture
Gowsa Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 10:51am

How much is UAE tipping in ?
Reckon a lot !!!

PS: Why not have Snapper in Feb and Wave Pool in May....
Its not like the surf is better in UAE Wavepool in Feb...

lostdoggy's picture
lostdoggy's picture
lostdoggy Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 11:00am

Would be good if they scrapped punta roca for a peruvian or Chilean left point.
Punta roca would be a good challenger series wave to replace snapper.

goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 11:15am

Didn’t Andy win at Arica high as a kite after inhaling some of Sth Americas finest?

That seems so far removed from todays clean cut “athletes” it’s not funny.

lostdoggy's picture
lostdoggy's picture
lostdoggy Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 11:25am

Yeh, If you watch the highlights package including his post heat pressers he gets higher and more whacked throughout the day.

I think from memory theres even a bit where it looks like a local punter hands him something suss while on stage. Maybe the awards ceremony.

Coke is definitely a performance enhancer for a joint like el gringo.
But I’d prefer a left point for balance.

goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot's picture
goofyfoot Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 11:36am

Yep, Ulu’s or Maccas or similar would be good.

Itsmemickyb's picture
Itsmemickyb's picture
Itsmemickyb Sunday, 13 Oct 2024 at 7:41pm

hahaha handing him something on stage, id like to see that one

Nate1212's picture
Nate1212's picture
Nate1212 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 11:42am

It’s a good starting point. Hopefully the changas goes from Aus to Indo, then ends in Hawaii.

yvdreh's picture
yvdreh's picture
yvdreh Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 12:04pm

Getting involved with Saudi sportswashing is fuckin gross.

thc's picture
thc's picture
thc Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 7:34pm

agree but AbuDhbi is not in saudi arabia, none the less its still disgusting.

yvdreh's picture
yvdreh's picture
yvdreh Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 8:09am

hahaha fuck im a nitwit, thanks for pointing that out before i repeat it elsewhere!

Blingas's picture
Blingas's picture
Blingas Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 8:50pm

Dirk is no better

spinafex's picture
spinafex's picture
spinafex Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 12:13pm

Hopefully Big Oil will go to Abu Dhabi, watch the event, think - surfing is boring as batshit and decide not to buy WSL.

Swany's picture
Swany's picture
Swany Wednesday, 16 Oct 2024 at 5:16pm

No doubt - the tub will be the worst event on tour! But isn’t the USA the world’s largest oil producer? And Australia the world’s second largest coal exporter?
Shaky ground, but don’t let that stop the pile on.

pvfloripa's picture
pvfloripa's picture
pvfloripa Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 12:28pm

Politics aside, they are amazing venues (apart from Peniche and Saquarema, which are great local spots but rarely world-class in a 10-day window). I agree that the balance rights/lefts is off, but it is still a great tour IMO.

Vince Neil's picture
Vince Neil's picture
Vince Neil Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 2:26pm

is Indo playing hard to get?

Blingas's picture
Blingas's picture
Blingas Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 8:52pm

Honestly it can’t be a serious world tour series without one indo stop

jetson.rover's picture
jetson.rover's picture
jetson.rover Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 10:20am

Most years since '76 when a pro surfing tour that crowned world champ started aren't serious world tour series then based on that logic.

cd's picture
cd's picture
cd Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 2:49pm

Phillipe will be injured for first comp at Pipe, will then surf the other comps- probably do very well. Will sustain another injury before Chopes and if qualified will have a crack at Fiji.
Steph could sustain similar injuries.

cd's picture
cd's picture
cd Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 2:49pm

diagnosed as lacking backand ticker

freeride76's picture
freeride76's picture
freeride76 Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 2:57pm

Steph and Fil are very much in the same boat as far as lacking in heavy lefts.

Fil's problem is more psychological (he has the technique) whereas Steph's problem is more technical (only a basic backhand tube-riding skill set).

cd's picture
cd's picture
cd Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 3:49pm

Agree and both have not put in the hard yards or work to adjust/ rectify where they are lacking. It's very disappointing to witness as a surfing fan - as it is not like they don't have the resources, time, opportunity, skill etc. to overcome and improve. Just seems like a lack of desire- got it to easy where they are.
Probably eats away at Phil more than Steph though, i think. Steph at a point in her career where she is probably just happy surfing- competition probably not as important to her now.

truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher's picture
truebluebasher Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 11:09am

Technicality : The Queen gallantly parades freely for $0 at J Bay without the Hot Shot WOTD Watch?
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2024/spec/4731/j-bay-classic-pres...
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2024/spec/4726/j-bay-classic-pres...

Never once took the blood money & never fined $50,000 every 3 Peat CT Leg without her betting chip.
Sacrificed her career for future of Surfing...nominated for Aussie of the Year...just now!

Ingeniously & bravely outed #1 Sports Rort by freehandedly tapping on her Oz Surf Sistas...(Luv it!)
True surf fans salute their Pair of Queens for logjamming backdoor Pipe with their integrity intact!
Greatest ever role models for Surfing / Goldie / Hawaii / Women / Gromz!

New breed Potty mouth Champ lays down a [3] back up : "Pipe is not for the Drama Queens!"
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2024/ct/196/lexus-pipe-pro/result...

Sell yer surfsista souls to the WSL Devil or wipe yerselves out as Chiko Chix dole bludgerz.
Chiko Queens Nothin' Special Corona Lite Breaka-way Tour....
'Enjoy sippin' blood from yer poisoned baby cup Gromz!'
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2024/spec/4731/j-bay-classic-pres...

tylerdurden's picture
tylerdurden's picture
tylerdurden Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 5:03pm

As Freeride mentioned above, it's an odd ordering of the events and a missed opportunity for Indo.
On paper the sequence seems really simple:
Pipe
AD
Snapper
Bells
Margs
Indo
Jeffreys
Peniche
El Salvador
Saquarema
Trestles
Teahupo'o
Cloudbreak

Logistically much simpler with an "Australian" leg, an "Indian Ocean" leg, an "Americas leg" and a "Pacific Ocean" leg
Must be more to the story regarding planning and logistics than we know about

J W's picture
J W's picture
J W Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 10:53pm

Wouldn’t that put Peniche squarely in European summer?

tylerdurden's picture
tylerdurden's picture
tylerdurden Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 4:31am

True but also a convenient flight straight up from Africa in the same time zone. Portugal has been at both ends of the year and to my recollection hasn’t been particularly better either way. It gets swell in summer so may be worth a go

sacash's picture
sacash's picture
sacash Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 5:26pm

One of the other, Bells or Margs can't have both

More tubes please's picture
More tubes please's picture
More tubes please Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 12:26pm

Agreed!

indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 6:26pm

Great to see J-Bay & Snapper back.

Pipe first up sucks though needs to be the last event.

jetson.rover's picture
jetson.rover's picture
jetson.rover Sunday, 13 Oct 2024 at 2:40pm

Then the end of the tour year has to be about 3 months later like it used to be.
Pipe in September would be a 95%+ guaranteed skunking.
On the scheduling since the final 5 came in,it only works at the start of the year now.
With Chopes and Cloudbreak both being the backend of the tour now,i think it's good to have the other heavy barrelling reefbreak wave to start the tour in it's prime time swell season.
After all,both Chopes and Cloudbreak are in the middle of their low seasons in Jan/Feb.
If/when they ditch the final 5 concept and finish the season in December again,then Pipe goes back to the final event,or should i reckon.

Spuddups's picture
Spuddups's picture
Spuddups Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 7:06pm

I guess The Woz can't be particularly choosy about where they hold their events. Whoever fronts up with the cash is gonna get one. I live near one of the worst beachbreaks in the world but if I had enough cash I reckon I could get the WSL to hold an event there. That's the sad reality of Pro-Surfing. All things considered I reckon it's a good tour.

Juliang's picture
Juliang's picture
Juliang Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 8:07pm

Hopefully they can do some major sand pumping at Snapper.

jetson.rover's picture
jetson.rover's picture
jetson.rover Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 8:16pm

The best tour in the final 5 era for sure,but still can be improved on.
Sunset should have stayed and surf ranch part 2 shouldn't have replaced it,but obviously oil sheik money talks pretty loud.
Swap El Salvador for that much better right in Mexico to keep an event in that region.
If there can only be 1 Euro event,then bring back Hossegor and dump Peniche.
Snapper should be a bit earlier to avoid possibly running after cyclone swell season has finished.
Trestles seems out of prime swell season for California too.
And of course an Indo event would be great.
This tour probably has the best final 3 events of any year ever though.
In my mind with the changes above,it'd be the best CT tour in pro surfing history.

wally's picture
wally's picture
wally Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 8:27pm

I’m surprised by the enthusiasm for Snapper. It’s great when it’s firing but mostly it doesn’t to my mind. It’s a slowish, user-friendly small wave that is popular with adult learners.

dastasha's picture
dastasha's picture
dastasha Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 11:35am

This^
Totally overhyped.
Reminds me of the videos I've seen of Malibu

bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 8:49pm

Great moves in the right direction by WSL staff; someone has been listening to the athletes & the hardcore surfing audience.
I hope the swell & winds line up for these competitors.
The broadcast footage is better than ever. Barton Lynchs' enthusiasm is contagious.


soundtrack

Some of the world champs & WSL may have been negotiating ...?

Codswallop's picture
Codswallop's picture
Codswallop Tuesday, 15 Oct 2024 at 6:14pm

Apologies bbb I have not heard those songs by Fela yet. No thoughts on the tour as such it’s hard to consider surfing as a sport unless you are watching a surfing competition

Codswallop's picture
Codswallop's picture
Codswallop Tuesday, 15 Oct 2024 at 6:14pm

Apologies bbb I have not heard those songs by Fela yet. No thoughts on the tour as such it’s hard to consider surfing as a sport unless you are watching a surfing competition

bbbird's picture
bbbird's picture
bbbird Monday, 28 Oct 2024 at 7:29pm

Surfing is a dance; comps are limited & controversial.
eg. Ask Peter Drouyn, Wayne Lynch, Jodie Cooper, Cheyne Horan, Taj Burrow, etc


Loose comps & loose sponsors

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bbbird Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:02pm

Codswallop's picture
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Codswallop Tuesday, 15 Oct 2024 at 6:42pm

Myself personally wanted to start surfing because I loved my time around in etc the ocean. I also wanted to get away from people and be popular with the ladies. I’m clearly an oxymoron truth be told

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bbbird Monday, 28 Oct 2024 at 6:53pm

You could upsize when the waves are small and gutless. Unless you weigh under 60kg.
Strengthen the legs & torso.

Safer than a foil.
Popular with the ladies now

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Solitude Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:20pm

I think El Sal had a contract for several years, I imagine why that still gets a guernsey.

Snapper in May, you never know, seasons get later. May is good everywhere in Oz right? If not D’bah will save them.

Unfortunately you have to have one in Brazil.

Peniche has to go. I’d love to see France, but that stop used to be in prime time Sept-Oct.

Seems like a lot of events. Can see them fulfilling contracts and slowly jiggling the whole show for how they have planned in one - two years.

This Crosby character sure is quiet behind the scenes, barely heard a peep out of him. Probably a good sign.

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badWAves Friday, 11 Oct 2024 at 9:49pm

It seems mind boggling to me that they won't go back to Indonesia. Can't see them getting the big government support $$ but surely they'd be selling merch and activations on the Bukit.

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Lanky Dean Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 12:48am

That schedule looks like sardines in a can .........
Shorter waiting periods
No sunset,
Snapper in may

Probably should have started with Abu da...
As a seeding contest
The fuck off the seeding round for the entire year.
Ziff
I'm over here if you want a real tour manager.

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Boogerhead Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 10:44am

That’s a great idea. No variables,everyone get the same opportunity, exactly what that part of the world is all about

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jetson.rover Sunday, 13 Oct 2024 at 2:47pm

Nah sardines in a can was back in the 80's when they had 20+ events in a year,nearly all in city slop venues or when they were in better quality breaks it was often out of season.

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truebluebasher Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 2:52am

Blood Money Child Slave Dream Tour

The most recent additions of Abu Dhabi + J Bay were dependent on Govt's Legislating Online Gaming.

12 Aug 2024 UAE Online Sports Wagering
https://cms-lawnow.com/en/ealerts/2024/08/playing-by-new-rules-the-intro...

54321...

15 Aug 2024 Resulted in Sure Bet Surf Abu Dhabi CT
https://www.google.com/search?q=Surf+Ubu+Dhabi+on+2025+tour&oq=Surf+Ubu+...

Wanna see that again...
J Bay booted off tour...until Electoral opposition online gaming campaign gets up!
Just wait patiently for Govt Majority to slip beneath 50% (Watch what happens here!)

22 April 2024 Opposition backed by Blood Money Sure Bet Policy
https://next.io/news/regulation/south-africa-proposes-online-gambling-le...

12 June 2024 Gaming Party fall short of Victory = ( J Bay CT on Tenterhooks...wot will WSL do? Cry! )
https://next.io/news/regulation/election-results-uncertainty-south-afric...

21st June 2024 The SA Democratic Alliance intro fresh Lego for Online Gaming Rego
https://vinnews.com/2024/06/21/the-democratic-alliance-introduces-fresh-...

18 July 2024 How to start your own Betting Platform in SA > for WSL Sportsbook operators
https://slotegrator.pro/analytical_articles/how-and-why-to-become-a-book...

15th Sept 2022 South Africa Party intro Long Awaited Online Gambling Bill
https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/legal/south-africa-2/

WSL Dream Tour Countdown commences...54321...

10 Oct 2024 Blood Money saves J Bay = WSL Hip Hip Hooray...another Rort just saved the day!!
https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/jeffreys-bay-returns-to-world-surf...

Ya all wanna bet tbb is havin' a laugh! .... Sorry! tbb don't bet...but can tip yer winners if ya like!
It is exactly as dirty as ya know it is...the Ultimate Crooked Sports Rort with any winner ya like!

About Indo being the odd one out...(All know why! tbb don't need to tip ya off on that!)

Indo was booted off the tour until they approve online "Sure Bet > Live Credit Laundering"
Surf Abu Dhabi is merely a stop gap to extort Indo online gambling to win a spot on CT... Waiting!
If ya want the Pool off the Tour then hook up another WSL WOTD High roller Tower...well durr!

Corps Bank 20x windfalls from WOTD watches!
Exotic Wildcard underage child slave extorted 18x Blood Money to pull WSL outta a hole.
Wild Card minor Sold more Beer to teens than Oz could ever dream of!
How ya think VIPs fund their Dream Tour for the feeding of the 200 Seachange Resort rorters!

WSL Soccer Mum says to reject the Child Slavery Blood Money...
tbb backs her up! Stop gambling on Child Slave Grog Rorts ya sick bastards.
UN has to put a stop to these Monsters baiting little girls for their White Star Line Dream Tour!
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jul/27/womens-super-league-footba...

Solitude's picture
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Solitude Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 9:12am

Wonder how they affording an expanded tour?
How do we know the Emirates five two hoots about surfing?

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jetson.rover Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 10:33am

It might actually be the Saudis funding it,just that the pool is in Abu Dhabi.
They've bought into the biggest boxing matches that are hosted in the region,and have funded a rebel golf tour that has divided the allegiances of some of the top golfers in the world.
Not sure why they'd bother with pro surfing though,it's a low key underground sport in comparison,dealing in peanuts compared to boxing and golf.

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Bazzz Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 9:33am

More stops but shorter windows

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tylerdurden Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 9:50am

"Indo was booted off the tour until they approve online "Sure Bet > Live Credit Laundering""

Not sure what that means TBB and what's your source for that?
They still have plenty of lower tier WSL events in Indo

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truebluebasher Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 12:27pm

WSL online betting scam is restricted to Championship Tour Deal
All CT stopovers legislate "Live Credit" online gaming...be no Tour if they didn't...nuthin' suss!
Source comes directly from the Sea Horses mouth...Flowing like an avalanche from the Temple Mount.
Can read here! Think WSL Commandments are mandatory...Shh!
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/posts/514515/world-surf-league-announces...

Check WSL Bastardized Covid / Vax'n'Test Mandate :
10.10 [ Electronic Coaching ] Was broadened to incorporate WSL "Tour Reps".
10.11[ Approved Equipment ] Mandatory WOTD Buzzing Bookie Watch
Or else they deduct yer score...to settle the score...
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/asset/37878/2024+WSL+Rule+Book+Jan+1.pdf

Very reason Steph protested by never once wearing the watch!
Not just the watch > Up to 10 wearable configurations for separate bets!
Get a Bookie Buzz...take WOTD or Wipeout or Blind as a bat interference!
Refuse! You lose!
tbb is not saying WSL is the only Sport Rort...
Nearly all are in on it...started back in 1950's

30 Aug > 16 Sept (2024 WSL 10 Year review)
https://www.swellnet.com/forums/wax/483174?page=1
tbb is mid way thru...promise to get back to it soon...
Further reviews > Weird Fashion in the Field Victories & Ideal CT Venues!
Pause had more to do with recent Hot Wired Finals > Wave Pool Comp....
tbb is still uncovering a lot more detail...

(eg) Like on why Chix now out score men in every round in exact same waves with shittier boards?
Chix rule the pool on best ever longest fastest biggest waves ever surfed or invented by mankind!
None find it odd & no one to this day apart from tbb dares mention this revelation!
Crew are more than welcome to share why Chix are now better surfers...

Luv it if crew can explain that anomaly or why Judges score Chix Higher in exact same waves!
tbb has explored many reasons but it requires someone / anyone at all to add input so results aren't biased!
Need not be here & now as tbb has many more anomalies to unravel...this being a biggie though!
Would have to rank it higher than WOTD scam as all waves seem the same...or are they!

30th Sept : tbb was happy to share initial research on that...(here) Work in progress as said!
If crew know of other up to speed WSL Comp Researchers...Be stoked if ya could share any links...
Absolutely stoked with swellnet crew's input to date...more questions = more answers! Keep it up!
https://www.swellnet.com/news/form-guide/2024/08/16/abu-dhabi-chosen-cha...

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truebluebasher Saturday, 12 Oct 2024 at 1:33pm

Oopsie! Forgot why only the CT.
Admittedly it seems a little strange at first...
WSL runs a progressive age tiered format > CT. (Like this...)
Juniors (Gromz) > QS (Tweens) > CS (Teens) > CT (Young Adults)

In theory the Teens should surpass any dodgy Gaming Restriction Age as they enter CT Betting arena!
(Now as equally Legitimate Consenting Gamers that can sign off to throw what ever dice number ya like!)
Not that one person or parent on Earth would give a shit about selling off their teens...When!
Like shouldn't a slave child be at least of Gaming Age before the world bets on destroying their lives! Wot!

Crew can then see just how desperate WSL were to corrupt an exotic last throw of he dice Wild Card.
They needed Blood Money to save the Tour...Hot Wire Larry's New beaut exotic Tower of Power...said now!
Like surfers are too stupid to notice out in the wide blue yonder...Notice Wot! FFS!

All saw the First day "I'm just a little gurl first day jitters, that's all they'll let me be!"
Yeah! Like that Channel 9 Teahupoo Wipeout Bloopers...FFS...someone should blow up these exotic surf comps!
That should rile them to ramp up the Loser God Squad Grom to shit hot extreme 18 to 1 odds!
Smell of A young fresh Godsend fashionable sacrificial filly in the field...that catches the World's eye!
Go fetch the Goat Coach / caddy + Out come RFID Helmets / Vibrating Wrist bands...Ping WOTD again!
Can we hide that shit in the Post interview with a Board Breach...that's a good idea...none will notice...Hey!
All manner of hurried WSL / Minor breaches to pull this blatant rort outta the hat...

All round little Baby fisty pumps / cheers / claps when Wild Card Teen saved the 2025 Tour...so cute!
Let's all pray to the good lord for our Xmas Party and 2025 Tour Tickets!
OMG...gonna throw up if another half naked virtuous pre teen hurls another slab of corona at tbb!
Lighten Up Hodad! Just digitize already...Get with the plan...ONE OF US! Cheers!

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tylerdurden Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 8:41am

That's a couple of fascinating insights TBB that I never knew or considered those points.
To clarify what you're saying, effectively the CT will not go to any country that doesn't sign up to its betting agreement/arrangements?
Indo hasn't done that so therefore no CT in Indo until they do?
That's crazy, maybe worthy of a story Stu or Freeride?

Craig's picture
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Craig Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 10:02am

This unfortunately doesn't fly TBB as regardless of whether the country bans gambling, the betting companies outside can still setup a market for what ever sport is being gambled on. They don't fall ill of the local laws.

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tylerdurden Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 10:18am

Might have been more like a stand off of sorts Craig, with Indonesia saying that they can have the CT but just without the online gambling. WSL refused to compromise so therefore decided not to go.
The thing about Steph not wearing the watch may be related but I’m not sure the exact significance of that

thermalben's picture
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thermalben Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 12:39pm

Steph is also sponsored by a watchmaker (Breitling).

tylerdurden's picture
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tylerdurden Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 6:23pm

TBB I'm interested in hearing your responses to Ben and Craig's comments

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lostdoggy Sunday, 13 Oct 2024 at 7:29pm

freeride76's picture
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freeride76 Sunday, 13 Oct 2024 at 7:47pm

boom!

southernraw's picture
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southernraw Sunday, 13 Oct 2024 at 11:46pm

Wow! Dynamite from Mikey. Good on him. Legendary.
Popcorn please.

bbbird's picture
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bbbird Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 6:30pm

Tom Carroll boycotted the South African surfing tour in 1985 due to Apartheid.


"During apartheid, people were divided into four racial groups and separated by law. The system was used to deny many basic rights to non-White people, mainly Black people who lived in South Africa."
https://simple.wikipedia.org/
Tom won the world tour a few times after that bold move & others.

https://sahof.org.au/hall-of-fame-member/tom-carroll/

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bbbird Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 7:10pm

Anti-military apartheid music from a Fela in Nigeria Afrika 1976

bbbird's picture
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bbbird Thursday, 31 Oct 2024 at 10:11pm

Fela was chased out of Nigeria for singing about soliders being "Zombie", so he went to England.
Musicians like Brain Eno & others heard & recreated the 'mantra' music, bands formed like the "Talking Heads", TomTom Club, recycled these rhythms.....

bbbird's picture
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bbbird Thursday, 31 Oct 2024 at 10:12pm

3vickers's picture
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3vickers Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 1:39pm

great schedule, & looking forward to it - sad to see sunset go - after having no time for it for many years, i've really enjoyed the last two events there - and then they go and cut it - oh well, at least J-bay is back!!

Vince Neil's picture
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Vince Neil Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 5:42pm

yep, Picklums wave at sunset was the WSL highlight of the year...and they can it for 2025...

cd's picture
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cd Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 6:55pm

I won't be watching Abu Dahbi

lostdoggy's picture
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lostdoggy Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 6:58pm

Don’t even need to make that decision morally either.

cd's picture
cd's picture
cd Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 7:14pm

yeah, true that. Its a easy one to boycott.

bbbird's picture
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bbbird Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 7:28pm

Money no longer grows from trees, mining pays the bills now.
"While preparing to assume office in October after the election in February, Prabowo (Indonesian President in 2024) made his first overseas visit as president-elect to China, where he positioned himself as an ‘old friend’. He then stopped by a ‘great friend’, Russian President Vladimir Putin, from whom he requested closer relations through nuclear power technology imports. It was his fourth visit to Putin in four years."

"Prabowo was subject to a visa ban by the United States until 2019, due to accusations of human rights abuses by a military unit he was linked to, he is unlikely to be as accepting of influence by Washington as past presidents."

"Indonesia was the leading recipient of China’s Southeast Asian investments in 2023, attracting $7 billion. The same year also saw Chinese Premier Li Qiang confirm $22 billion in new investments in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the non-Chinese investment footprint in Indonesia is shrinking."
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/its-too-soon-to-be-sure-but-watch-out-...

"East Timor’s truth and reconciliation commission, known as CAVR, concluded that the Indonesian military, and the Kopassus Special Forces in particular, were responsible for committing crimes against humanity and war crimes during Indonesia’s occupation of East Timor, 1975-1999.

"As a member then a commander of Kopassus, Prabowo undertook at least four tours of duty in East Timor. These are referenced in the attached backgrounder. They show Prabowo to have been anything but an innocent or bit player."

"The CAVR report points to Prabowo’s repeated, but shadowy, appearances in East Timor. These in turn demonstrate his disregard for human rights, the rules of war... and on occasion insolence towards his own superiors. He is said to have bypassed the local commander in East Timor in 1983 in order to undermine a peace process. On another occasion he was ordered out of East Timor by his superior. And, consistent with his unconventional methods, he cloned East Timorese militia to do his dirty work."
https://www.insideindonesia.org/archive/articles/is-prabowo-fit-and-prop...

bbbird's picture
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bbbird Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 9:32pm

do not listen if your feeling frail

bbbird's picture
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bbbird Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 9:58pm

We need role models for a more peaceful world

Sheepdog's picture
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Sheepdog Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 7:23pm

A dogs breakfast. A farce. For a sport that purports to be "eco friendly", that sure is a lot of jet engine fuel in my map below. I'll be back at some stage to show these cretins how all of these competitions could be run, in season, with half the jet fuel.
And to continue to NOT finish in hawaii is a bad joke with no punchline. Imagine coming up with the idea of not ending at Pipe, then sticking to that shit idea. Only the super rich and elite can attend Fiji, to watch. At Pipeline, the regular pundit can get a package deal, and be on the beach, watching the "gladiators" battle.
Utter shit.

Mal Caithness1's picture
Mal Caithness1's picture
Mal Caithness1 Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 8:20pm

Plus 1 dawg, It's not a sport governing body it's a production company.

freeride76's picture
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freeride76 Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 7:27pm

How they hanging Sheepy?

Deffo a shite ton of fossil fuel burned- maybe they cut a deal with the UAE for that?

Sheepdog's picture
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Sheepdog Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 7:57pm

I'm living the dream, FR...... Surfing with no one except the odd mad lid rider, dodging great whites and kelp.
I just did the math. 100 000 Km.......... Well 99412km
My plan would cut that travel to 67000km
Snapper
Bells
Margs
Jbay
Rio
El salvador
Tahiti
Fiji
UAE
Portugal
Trestles
Pipe......................... Why do things easy when we can do things hard I say.

bbbird's picture
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bbbird Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 7:58pm

They were considering sailing around the world but those container ships are a navigation hazard for many smaller ships, mammals & fish. 30th Aug 2024
https://7news.com.au/news/iconic-wa-leeuwin-tall-ship-damaged-as-another...

The right whale population is only 350
"Like other right whales, they are rather active on the water surface and curious towards human vessels." 13th Oct 2024
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/protecting-whales-from-ship-strikes/

tylerdurden's picture
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tylerdurden Monday, 14 Oct 2024 at 9:21pm

TBB, any come backs to Ben and Craig’s responses above?

scott.kempton's picture
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scott.kempton Thursday, 17 Oct 2024 at 3:34pm

Far from the dream tour with 2 shit beachies that have been shite every year basically .
You don’t have to blind Freddy to realise the pool is in as woz will get cashed up . Just cause the pool is there is no different to anywhere I wouldn’t watch it anyway . Trestles will be shit at that time too surely why can’t they just have the comps in the venues good time of the year .

bbbird's picture
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bbbird Thursday, 31 Oct 2024 at 10:06pm

$

pebbleamongsttherocks's picture
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pebbleamongstth... Monday, 4 Nov 2024 at 12:48pm

Has there been any word on the sixth event on the CS? Newcastle, Huntington, Ballito, Rio, Portugal and ??