NEWCASTLE, New South Wales, Australia (Saturday, April 10, 2021) - The World Surf League (WSL) announces the updated calendar for the remaining 2021 Championship Tour (CT) leading into the Rip Curl WSL Finals in September. The Tour includes a stop in Mexico for the first time in 15 years and the women surfing Teahupo'o for the first time since 2006. Following the fourth and final event of the current Australian leg, the CT will continue as follows*:
- Jeep Surf Ranch Pro: California, USA
June 25 - 27, 2021 - Corona Open Mexico presented by Quiksilver: Barra de La Cruz, Mexico
July 5 - 15, 2021 - Oi Rio Pro presented by Corona: Saquarema, Brazil
August 11 - 16, 2021 - Outerknown Tahiti Pro: Teahupo'o, Tahiti
August 22 - September 1, 2021 - Rip Curl WSL Finals: Lower Trestles, California, USA
September 8 - 17, 2021
*All tour stops and dates subject to change due to applicable COVID-19 related restrictions, including global travel restrictions.
"Since the tour was canceled in early 2020, the WSL team has been working hard to resume the CT and we are proud that we've been able to schedule a global tour for the 2021 season," said WSL CEO, Erik Logan. "It's a testament to the tremendous support of our athletes, government partners, local communities, and fans, as well as the continued hard work of our staff and their dedication to the sport, that we have been able to safely put together this calendar of events in the lead up to the inaugural Rip Curl WSL Finals."
"It's so good to see the athletes back in the jersey and competing in Australia," said Jessi Miley-Dyer, SVP of Tours and Head of Competition. "I'm excited that we are able to confirm the rest of the tour and I'm looking forward to the upcoming events, especially to see the women surf alongside the men at Teahupo'o for the first time in 15 years."
The Corona Open Mexico presented by Quiksilver replaces the Santa Cruz Pro, which was scheduled for February 2021 and canceled due to COVID-19. In addition, the Corona Open J-Bay, originally scheduled for June 25 to July 9, and the MEO Pro Portugal have been postponed until 2022 due to COVID-19. The WSL looks forward to returning to these key CT stops in 2022.
Challenger Series
The Challenger Series, the ultimate battleground for surfers to showcase their talents for the chance to qualify for the elite-level CT, will include four stops this condensed season with events in California, Portugal, France and Hawaii.
The Sydney Surf Pro and the Piha Pro New Zealand Challenger Series events have been postponed to 2022 due to COVID-19. WSL looks forward to returning to these key Challenger Series stops in 2022.