Waves of optimism

Surfing WA has confirmed resumption of competitive events in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions easing.

The World Surf League will also update fans on plans to resume international competitions early next month, with no word yet on whether the Margaret River Pro will score a “bonus year” on its existing two-year contract for the championship tour.

News last week revealed the WA surfing calendar would open on July 4 and 5 with the postponed WA Bodyboard titles.

It follows the cancellation of the WA Surf Masters’ second round, planned for Geraldton and the 2020 Whalebone Longboard Classic at Cottesloe.

Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks said the surf community was excited to be able to provide clarity on the future of the State competition.

“In the rescheduling of events, we have had to contend with a number of challenges, with our ultimate goal of crowning State champions across all our codes,” he said. “Surfing WA’s announcement comes with the health and safety of our members, staff and the wider community of WA firmly in mind,” he said.

“Surfing WA’s roll-out of competitive events for the remainder of 2020 will be in accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the Department of Local Government, Sports and Cultural Industries.

“Surfing WA has discussed this path forward with key stakeholders and local government agencies and believe this new schedule will provide the best opportunity for participation across all our codes.”

Mr Majeks said State title results were still the key factor in deciding State team positions for this year’s national titles.

“In the instance of only one event being run in a respective State title series, that event will be crucial for selection,” he said.

WA wildcard applications for the national titles in all categories will be considered by Surfing WA later in 2020 for ratification by Surfing Australia.

The new calendar does not identify any events for Margaret River.

The WA Pro Surf Series rounds for Yallingup and Mandurah were also cancelled. The WA School Surfing Titles will run in August.

Cowaramup Bay Boardriders club president Jane Seman said local frothers had resumed training . “Our next scheduled competition is August 9 and that will be running,” she said.

“We are looking at the possi-bility of fitting in a competi-tion before then, on June 21, but it’s quite tricky with July school holidays and some people going away for longer, so we’re not sure we’ll be able to make it happen.”