Rip Curl Pro could face an interstate clash

AN ICONIC Bells Beach surfing competition may be getting a run for its money with a surprise proposition for a World Surf League (WSL) event in New South Wales over Easter.

There were reports earlier this week that the WSL were pushing for an impromptu event to be held at Lennox Head and speculation it may clash with the long-running Rip Curl Pro: Bells Beach, which is scheduled to run from April 1-11.

WSL is still finalising the details for the potential new tournament, which, like the Rip Curl Pro, would be part of the Championship Tour (CT).

“The World Surf League is working closely with the Australian Government and respective State Governments and continues to have positive conversations regarding the locations for the upcoming Australian leg of the Championship Tour,” a WSL spokesperson said.

“We are currently discussing multiple options to be best prepared to get the CT back on and running.

“We will share more information in the near future.”

Following several cancellations around the world, the new event appears to be an attempt by the WSL to save their 2021 season by hosting as many competitions in Australia as possible.

As well as the Rip Curl Pro: Bells Beach, the WSL’s 2021 CT schedule presently includes the Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro from April 16-26 and the Corona Open Gold Coast from May 3-13.

News of a potential fourth Australian event follows reports last month that the Rip Curl Pro: Bells Beach would likely be the first leg of this year’s CT.

At the time, Surfing Victoria chief executive officer Adam Robertson said he was “looking forward to again seeing the top surfers in the world surf at Bells Beach” over the 11-day competition.

While it remains unclear how a new tournament will affect the Rip Curl Pro, it could have a significant impact on Torquay, which typically attracts a crowd of competitors and visitors during Easter.

The Rip Curl Pro is the world’s longest-running surfing competition and has a permanent home at Bells Beach until at least 2022, following a deal between WSL and the Victorian Government in 2017.

This year would be the 33rd time the event has been held at Bells Beach, following last year’s cancellation.