The Rip Curl WSL Finals Are Coming To Trestles
It's time to get back to crowning World Champions and 2021 is going to be unlike any year the Tour has ever seen. There are new locations, a new schedule, and most exciting of all, the season will culminate at Lower Trestles with the new Rip Curl WSL Finals in September.
At season's end, the hotbed of American surfing -- San Clemente, California -- will host the inaugural Rip Curl WSL Finals at Lower Trestles. The top five men and top five women on the Jeep Leaderboard at the end of the regular season will head to Orange County for a one-day, winner-take-all shot at the title.
Often referred to as the most high-performance wave in the world, there is nowhere to hide at Lowers. To win there requires a unique combination of technical mastery and explosive innovation. The Rip Curl WSL Finals waiting period will run from September 8 - 17, 2021, a choice time of year for solid Southern Hemisphere swells to light up the cobblestone point.
The road to get to this moment has undoubtedly been a challenging one as the global community continues to confront the Covid-19 pandemic, but through the dedication and vision of the surfers, League staff and all of the amazing supporters and sponsors, we're about to paddle into a new, unprecedented era in Championship Tour surfing.
The men's 2021 season fronted by World Champ Italo Ferreira is set to kick off December 8th with the Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask. - WSL / Kelly Cestari
The 2021 Season To Kick Off In Hawaii
From the hooter of the first heat to the moment the World Title trophy is hoisted in victory, everything about this upcoming season is new. Unlike years past, where the season ended in Hawaii, this December the Championship Tour is kicking things off in the Islands.
For the women, the road to The Rip Curl WSL Finals starts with the Maui Pro presented by ROXY at Honolua Bay from December 4 - 15, 2020 pushing previously announced start date from November. And for the men, the Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask from December 8 - 20, 2020, will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
"Hawaii is such a big part of surfing history and culture and there is no better place to start a season and end a challenging year on a positive note," reigning WSL Champion Carissa Moore shared. "We are so grateful for your support and good vibes from home this year in order to keep everyone safe."
The Santa Cruz Pro, a new stop on the 2021 CT, will kick off at Steamer Lane on February 2nd. Pictured is 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater at Steamers back in 2012. - WSL / Rowland
New Stops Added To Schedule
The next stop of the season will see both men and women of the Championship Tour remain in Hawaii for the newly added Sunset Open, January 19 - 28, 2021. Typically a location for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, this will be the first women's CT event on the North Shore since 2010.
In February, the Tour will trade boardshorts for fullsuits as they hop across the Pacific to Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, California. The last time the iconic cold-water pointbreak appeared on a CT schedule was back in 2012, and now the Santa Cruz Pro will run from February 2 - 12, 2021. A prime season for large northwest swells, the big, unruly surf and frigid water temps will present a host of intriguing challenges for competitors.
Because of continually changing conditions in communities around the world, flexibility is going to be a key component of the season after the Santa Cruz Pro. The WSL remains steadfast in its commitment to the health and safety of its surfers, staff and fans, and will make its decisions based on guidance from experts and authorities.
"Putting on an international tour amid a global pandemic is not an easy task, but the dedication and work of the entire organization, gives us confidence that we can safely execute these competitions on behalf of our athletes, staff and the local communities," WSL CEO Erik Logan explains.
So, here we are, less than a month away from the start of the new Championship Tour. Who's your pick to take home the Title?
The Sunset Open, another new stop on the 2021 CT, will be the first time the women have competed on the North Shore since 2010. Pictured is 7-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore at Sunset Beach in 2008. - WSL / Kelly Cestari
Opening Leg Of 2021 Championship Tour
All tour stops and dates subject to change due to applicable COVID-19 related restrictions, including global travel restrictions.
- Maui Pro presented by ROXY: Maui, Hawaii | Dec 4 - 15, 2020
- Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask: Oahu, Hawaii | December 8 - 20, 2020
- Sunset Open | January 19 - 28, 2021
- Santa Cruz Pro | February 2 - 12, 2021
For more details on the announcement read the full Press Release here, and see the 2021 Championship Tour Schedule here.