.PNG)
Drastic changes need to occur within the World Surf League in order for professional surfing to finally, once and for all become respected and fully legitimized as it’s founders visualized pro surfing could be circa 50 years ago. If changes aren’t made now things aren’t likely to go well in the future.
Surfers, as far back as 1976, the year Fred Hemmings and Randy Rarrick founded the International Professional Surfers contest circuit, have and continue to shun professional surfing contests, referring to them as a circus. Pro surfing has never universally been accepted nor embraced by the mainstream surfing community.
Pro surfing vs. soul surfing
I remember going to a surfing movie back in 76’ when professional surfing was just getting started. The theatre was packed with surfers from all over. Hands down, for me the best surfer in the film was Mike Purpose, his talent and flash were head and shoulders above the rest.
However, every time Mike appeared on the screen the crowd began to hiss, cat call and boo. Later I found out it was because the audience considered Mike Purpose “a sell out” trying to exploit the soul of surfing to make a living.
Not much has changed for professional surfing since 1976, except the name IPS morphed into the Association of Surfing Professionals ASP in 1983 before becoming the World Surf League in 2015. Ask the average surfer who won the WSL world title last year and there is a good chance they won’t know and don’t care.
New leadership requires new leadership to actually be considered new
As of May 2024, the WSL is run by CEO Ryan Crosby, who brings experience from the gaming and entertainment industries. If Crosby wants to see the World Surf League survive let alone thrive he is going to have to do something boldly different than what pro surfing has done in the past. Pro surfing can’t go forward by going backwards.
For starters Crosby may want to look into making professional surfing, well, actually professional. In order for the World Surf League and pro surfing to move forward it’s going to require bold changes made possible by real thought leadership not by continuing to follow the pro surfing template created in 1976.
The future of pro surfing is in wave pools
The first and most radical change Crosby should look into is moving the entire World Surf League circuit exclusively into wave pools. The pluses way outweigh the negatives and its a good move all the way around for surfing and pro surfing.
It’s time the World Surf League stops using and abusing local public beaches for their profit, meanwhile destroying reefs, wreaking havoc on communities and disrupting the lineup for the local surfers worldwide. Surfers don’t like this. Public beaches should not be used for corporate profit at the expense of the public.
Every time the World Surf League and pro surfing comes to the North Shore of Oahu the locals complain, the circus has come to town.” Local surfers look at pro surfers not as heroes but rather as invaders that they can’t wait to leave and go back home.
Take the Pipe Masters for example, during the finals there will be 50 of the best surfers on the beach, less to see the competition and more to wait for it to be over so they can go surfing. It’s the same everywhere around the world, surfers don’t want pro competitions at their beaches.
Having pro contests at notoriously dangerous locations such as Hawaii’s Pipeline is also grossly irresponsible and highly unfair to the athletes. Pipeline is a life and death wave. One may desire to become a pro surfer but that should not mean one should have to risk their life to do so. Case in point Filipe Toledo.
Filipe Toledo is a two-time World Surfing Champion, winning the World Surf League (WSL) titles in 2022 and 2023. He is widely recognized for his exceptional skills, especially in smaller waves.
Toledo has been repeatedly criticized for his performances-or lack thereof-in big and dangerous waves, particularly at venues like Pipeline and Teahupo’o. Critics and fans have questioned his willingness and ability to compete in heavy surf.
I am a fan and I salute his extraordinary surfing ability and respect him for his integrity and intellect when it comes to not challenging dangerous waves for a token. Toledo loves surfing and has his priorities right. He should not have to risk injury or death for a trophy. Smart man Toledo.
Professional football players do not have to play football on a rocky field, professional tennis players do not have to play tennis on top of gravel and sharp stones and professional basketball players do not have to play on a court that has pothole issues. Professional surfers should not have to surf over a dangerously sharp coral reef with explosive waves just for points. Nor should pro surfers have to with the possibility of sharks
A case can be made if a surfer dies whilst surfing in a pro contest the contest promoters are responsible because they made the call to have the surfers go out.
Wave pools are the perfect arena for professional surfing.
Here are five distinct advantages to the World Surf League holding professional surfing contests in wave pools worldwide:
• Consistent and Fair Conditions: Wave pools deliver identical, repeatable waves for every competitor, ensuring a level playing field and making judging more understandable, objective and fair.
• Global Accessibility: Surfing events can be hosted in locations far from the ocean, allowing landlocked countries to participate and expanding the sport’s reach and diversity.
• Year-Round Scheduling: Events are not dependent on ocean swells, tides, or weather, enabling reliable planning and minimizing cancellations or delays.
• Enhanced Safety: Controlled environments reduce risks from ocean hazards like rip currents, sharks, or unpredictable conditions, making contests safer for athletes.
• Training and Progression: Wave pools provide an ideal setting for surfers to practice and refine maneuvers, encouraging innovation and progression in the sport
Follow the money
Here are five compelling economic benefits for the World Surf League, event organizers, host cities, and sponsors when holding professional surfing contests in wave pools worldwide:
• Consistent Revenue and Cost Control: Wave pools eliminate weather delays and unpredictable ocean conditions, allowing events to run on schedule and budget. This consistency reduces financial risk for organizers and the WSL, making events more profitable and attractive for long-term planning.
• Expanded Sponsorship and Brand Exposure: With reliable broadcast schedules and high-quality viewing experiences, sponsors gain guaranteed exposure to global audiences. This predictability enhances the value of sponsorship packages and attracts new corporate partners.
• Global Accessibility and New Markets: Wave pools can be built anywhere, including landlocked cities, opening up professional surfing to entirely new markets. This drives tourism, stimulates local economies, and allows hosts to benefit from event-driven spending on hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.
• Year-Round Event Hosting: Unlike ocean-based contests, wave pools enable year-round events, maximizing the number of competitions and related revenue streams (tickets, merchandise, media rights) for the WSL and stakeholders.
• Investment and Industry Growth: The surf park industry is rapidly expanding, attracting investment from private equity and real estate sectors. Hosting major events in wave pools accelerates this growth, creates jobs, and drives innovation in surf technology and event management.
The time has come for professional surfing, Crosby and the World Surf League to take pro surfing to the next obvious level … Wave Pools, and if not, chances are even a new name won’t help the World Surf League survive. Long live pro surfing.
Do you agree ?
Would you like a pro surfing contest at your local spot ?
If you enjoyed this please like, comment and share.
Happy surfing and much love all !
TW Tri-Color Unisex Athletic Shorts
$61.99 Going for a run? Fancy a swim? Perhaps both? Well, here's just the product for you! These athletic short shorts are so comfy and made from such a versatile fabric that you won't feel out of place at any sports… read more |
Wave Glider Unisex classic tee
$48.99 Score a killer look with the Think Waves Unisex classic tee! This 100% cotton shirt will give you a sharp, structured appearance and pairs perfectly with layered streetwear ensembles. And let's not forget, it's totally on-trend too! • 100% cotton… read more |
