WSL suspends Billabong Pipemasters and Maui Pro
2021 Surf season under an unlucky star
The 2021 season started off with a bang that burst into negative news this week. The long-awaited WSL CT, that had been called off earlier this year due to COVID-19 seems to be unlucky the second time in a row.
Billabong Pipemasters suspended after Day 1
After an exciting surf off between Leonardo Fioravanti and Mikey Wright which granted Fioravanti a full-time spot on the tour, and the seeding round of the Billabong Pipemasters presented by Hydroflask, the event has now been suspended. Reason is positive testing for COVID-19 amongst WSL staff. Also WSL CEO Erik Logan has tested positive for the virus this week. Those that have tested positive are now self-isolating whilst the event is on hold to ensure the safety of athletes, staff and the local community. The event was a broadcast-only event, hence limiting the number of people on the beach.
The first day of the Billabong Pipemasters 2020, the 12 heats of the seeding round, is currently available as a replay on the WSL-website and app. Those that have missed competitive, world-class surfing dearly, can see Felipe Toledo having fully recovered from his back pain, Jordy Smith talking about the best year of his life, Italo Ferreira competing against his own standards in aerial surfing and Kelly Slater on a super-fast twin fin at the North Shore in Hawaii.
Maui Pro in standby mode after Round of 16
The women’s competition in Maui came to a hold after successful seeding and elimination rounds and the round of 16, waiting for the quarterfinals. After a shark attack that ended deadly for a recreational surfer earlier this week, the WSL has suspended the event. The latest information suggests the search for an alternate location. It remains open how the positive COVID-19 testing at the Billabong Pipemasters will impact further decisions regarding the Maui Pro presented by Roxy and what it means for the still young 2021 surf season.
