AUCKLAND, New Zealand (Wednesday, July 29, 2020) - The World Surf League (WSL) is excited to announce that the inaugural Piha Pro Challenger Series event has been rescheduled to run in November 2021.
As recently announced by the WSL, the tour schedules have been updated to create distinct seasons between the Championship Tour (CT) and the Challenger Series (CS). Starting in 2021, the CS will run from August through to December, with the Piha Pro set to be staged from November 1-7.
Since the cancellation of the 2020 Corona Piha Pro due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WSL has continued to work closely with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and New Zealand Major Events to reschedule and secure the event to fit with the new look WSL calendar in 2021.
"We're thrilled to have rescheduled the Piha Pro to fit with the revamped WSL calendar in 2021," said WSL Asia Pacific General Manager Andrew Stark. "The WSL would like to thank ATEED and New Zealand Major Events for their continued support, through both the cancellation of the event and the rescheduled date change. We are truly excited to bring the world's best surfers to the pristine shores of Piha Beach in November 2021."
The condensed CS season, separate from the CT season, provides an enhanced showcase for competitors and a compelling qualification race at the end of the calendar year. This new framework also allows athletes who failed to requalify through the CT the opportunity to perform on the CS and requalify for the elite CT the very next season as opposed to waiting an entire year.
ATEED General Manager - Destination, Steve Armitage, said the event will be a highlight of the 2021 calendar.
"This news is sure to generate a great deal of excitement in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and further afield. We are thrilled that this global event will be held in such a treasured part of our region, renowned for its great surf conditions and natural beauty," Armitage said.
Manager of New Zealand Major Events, Susan Sawbridge, agrees the event is an excellent addition to the future events calendar.
"The Piha Pro will allow New Zealanders to connect with the world's best surfers, extending from Olympic pathways through to youth competition and the young female surfing programmes. It will be an amazing opportunity for all Kiwis with an interest in surfing." Sawbridge said.
The 2021 Piha Pro WSL Challenger Series event will run from November 1 - 7 2021. For more information head to www.worldsurfleague.com or download the free WSL App.
The Piha Pro is proudly supported by our partners New Zealand Major Events and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development.