Additionally, the WSL has canceled the Papara Pro Open Tahiti.
This decision is based on guidance from the World Health Organization, who has declared that COVID-19 is now a global pandemic.
“Coronavirus is having massive consequences for sporting events and gatherings of all kinds around the world, and we are no different,” said WSL CEO Erik Logan.
We’ve been in close contact with our athletes and we feel strongly that this is the right thing to do right now.”
“The fluid nature of this situation is forcing us to evaluate things day-by-day, and even hour-by-hour,” Logan said. “As this continues to evolve, we’ll continue to adapt, endeavoring to make the next right decision each day.”
Based on the information available at this time, the WSL is not currently cancelling any additional events beyond this time frame.
The situation continues to evolve, and the league is closely monitoring and evaluating the status of upcoming events, including the next CT event at Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia.
The WSL is carefully considering the impact of these cancellations on its tours and will provide further information in due course.
For all events currently in progress, the WSL has implemented a range of safety protocols as well as protective guidelines for athletes and staff.
These include information on travel advisories and restrictions so anyone traveling can plan their travel routes to and from events to best limit their potential exposure; additional hand-washing facilities and hand sanitizer at events; and minimizing surfer and fan interactions.
List of currently canceled or postponed events:
- Papara Pro Open Tahiti, French Polynesia – canceled
- Piha Pro Junior, New Zealand – postponed
- Corona Piha Pro, New Zealand – postponed
- Seat Pro Netanya, Israel – postponed
- Barbados Surf Pro, Barbados – postponed
- Corona Open Gold Coast, Australia – cancelled
- WSL Awards – postponed
- Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast, Australia – cancelled
- Jack’s Surfboards Pro, USA – postponed
- Longboard Pro Espinho, Portugal – postponed
- Caparica Surf Fest Pro, Portugal – postponed
- Central Japan Open, Japan – postponed
- Krui Pro, Indonesia – postponed
