Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach loses Easter spot in WSL lineup

THE Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach has officially lost its traditional Easter slot in the World Surf League (WSL) lineup this year, with a new fourth Australian Championship Tour (CT) event in Newcastle to start the Australian leg.

After speculation earlier this week, the WSL announced this morning that the Newcastle Pro would be a new addition to the men’s and women’s schedule of WSL events in Australia, and would begin on April 1.

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach was previously supposed to start the Australian leg of the CT on April 1 – the day before Good Friday – but it is not yet clear whether it will now be the second, third or fourth event.

The WSL’s website still lists the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, alongside the Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro and Corona Open Gold Coast presented by Billabong, but all three events have a “tentative” status (as opposed to the “upcoming” of the Newcastle Pro) and are scheduled to be held at some point between April 1 and May 31.

In a statement, the WSL said they were “currently working with Australia’s state governments to finalise the final three Australian CT events and will release the updated schedule as soon as possible.”

“The Australian CT events will run based on state border closures, strictly adhering to federal and state government guidelines and restrictions.”

The WSL says they have strictly adhered to the government process to enter Australia and worked closely with the NSW Government to come to an agreement that will see all international competitors board a flight in Los Angeles that will land in Sydney.

Once in Australia, all travelling athletes and support staff will undergo the mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine and must receive a medical clearance from public health officials before entering the general community and preparing for competition at Newcastle.

“WSL is excited to be commencing the Australian leg of the CT at the world-class break in Newcastle,” WSL Asia-Pacific general manager Andrew Stark said. “We sincerely thank the NSW Government for all of their support in not only holding a CT event but for also agreeing to land our flight and accommodating our quarantining international competitors. We’re also extremely thankful for the support of the City of Newcastle to enable the event to proceed and we look forward to working with the local community in the delivery of the event.”

For further updates, head to worldsurfleague.com.