Wipeout for two more Aussie WSL contests
WORLD Surf League stops at Bells Beach and Margaret River in April and May have been put on hold as administrators respond to the threat and logistical challenges presented by the coronavirus.
The Gold Coast’s seasonopening event, set for late this month, was cancelled last week and the postponement announcements made yesterday mean there will be no WSL action until at least June.
WSL boss Erik Logan remained hopeful the season would go ahead in some form, but travel restrictions and general health concerns left officials with only one current option – and they made that call yesterday as other sports also fell into line both across Australia and the world.
“We are a truly global sport. Under current circumstances, it’s just not possible, and will not be for some time to come,” he said.
“As a league that organises public gatherings, we are also extremely conscious of our social responsibility not to enable and accelerate the spread of the virus.”
While the Gold Coast leg has been cancelled, Logan said his team were “re-imagining” what a rejigged season might look like to still include the other two Australian stops.
And he said the WSL would increase its own editorial content to keep surf fans engaged.
“The love of surfing is the bond that holds our global community together,” he said.
“We want to share positivity during these anxious times, by continuing to celebrate that bond, and our shared passion for this sport, the ocean, our athletes and one another.”