The CT is returning to Lower Trestles and several other iconic locations. Photo: WSL
Fans clamored and the World Surf League listened. Today the WSL announced it’s bringing Lower Trestles back to the Championship Tour as the 2020-2021 season’s final event – the one-day format that will see the five top-ranked surfers on both the men’s and women’s side decide the title in a surf off, September 8 – 17, 2021.
“Putting on an international tour amid a global pandemic is not an easy task,” said the WSL’s Erik Logan in a release, “but the dedication and work of the entire organization, gives us confidence that we can safely execute these competitions on behalf of our athletes, staff, and the local communities.”
Surf purists might also find a little joy in the announcement that two history-riddled venues are returning to the Championship Tour: the Sunset Open will run on Oahu from January 19-28 and the Santa Cruz Pro is scheduled for February 2-12 at Steamer Lane. The Sunset announcement is certainly a bit of fresh air and a nod to the historical significance of the place: many pro surfing careers were made (and broken) at Sunset pre-2000. This is the first time a combined men’s and women’s event will be held at Sunset since 1991, the WSL said.
The WSL is still planning on starting the season next month on Maui at Honolua Bay, December 4 – 15 for the women and December 8 – 20 at Pipeline for the men (the 50th running of the Pipeline Masters). The MEO Rip Curl Pro has been postponed, which will shift the Corona Open Gold Coast to May 3-13. We’re still in a pandemic so the World Surf League emphasized it will share any updates on the tour after the new year.
For a full list of the current events, please check the WSL schedule here.
