Breaking: Lemoore Replaces Lowers, Keramas Replaces Cloudbreak

We knew something big was coming. A fresh corporate roster, some new tech injections, and an ambiguous tension within surfing’s competitive governing body that something was about to give. 

And this morning we got word, confirmed by two separate sources close to the camp, that the 2018 World Tour Schedule will have some shake-ups: 

Lowers is out. Widely, and perhaps nostalgically, considered the most high-performance wave on tour, Trestles has been put on the chopping block. We don’t know what this means for a Hurley- sponsored CT event, but it won’t be for the tents lining California’s famous cobblestones. 

Lemoore’s in. Replacing the Lowers on the California leg, Lemoore’s May event will mark the first-ever World Championship Tour event in history. 

Cloudbreak is out. As one of the most expensive and often incredible events—one of the early touchstones of the Dream Tour—the 2018 CT won’t enjoy a Tavarua getaway. 

Keramas is in. Now, this’ll be fun. For years events at Keramas have enjoyed absolutely flawless high-performance conditions. In 2018. the tour can look forward Five Star treatment and some of the most downright finest surf on the planet, a high-performance playground sure to see some annual highlights. 

The woman will follow the men at Dear Jeffs, ZAF. 

Pipe wears the crown. While there were rumors that the WSL’s planned restructuring—involving a Pipe start and invite-only Indo finish—would take place next year, it looks like that can’s been kicked down the road. Pipe will still crown our king. 

We’re told the WSL will be releasing details regarding next year’s schedule shortly, and will be updating this story as new information trickles and/or pours in. 

“The 2018 calendar has some of the most significant changes we have implemented in many years,” Kieren Perrow, WSL Commissioner told the WSL. “While we sadly depart from some locations and say thank you to the communities who have supported us, we are also excited with the return to Indonesia and to hold the first-ever CT event in a wave system at Surf Ranch. As the sport evolves we will continue to explore opportunities to enhance the schedule, collaborating with our stakeholders — surfers as well as partners.”

2018 World Surf League Men’s Championship Tour:

Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Australia – March 11 – 22, 2018

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Australia – March 28 – April 8, 2018

Margaret River Pro, Australia – April 11 – 22, 2018

Oi Rio Pro, Brazil – May 10 – 19, 2018

Bali Pro, Indonesia – May 27 – June 9, 2018

Corona Open J-Bay, South Africa – July 2 – 13, 2018

Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o, Tahiti – August 10 – 21, 2018

Surf Ranch Lemoore, California/USA. September 5 – 9, 2018

Quiksilver Pro France, France – October 3 – 14, 2018

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, Portugal – October 16 – 27, 2018

Billabong Pipe Masters, Hawaii/USA – December 8 – 20, 2018

The 2017 WSL Men’s Championship Tour will finish with the Billabong Pipe Masters in memory of Andy Irons in Hawaii, USA from December 8 – 20, 2017.

2018 World Surf League Women’s Championship Tour:

Roxy Pro Gold Coast, Australia – March 11 – 22, 2018

Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach, Australia – March 28 – April 8, 2018

Margaret River Pro, Australia – April 11 – 22, 2018

Oi Rio Pro, Brazil – May 10 – 19, 2018

Bali Pro, Indonesia – May 27 – June 9, 2018

Corona Open J-Bay, South Africa – July 10 – 17, 2018

Vans US Open of Surfing, USA – July 30 – August 5, 2018

Surf Ranch Lemoore, California/USA. September 5 – 9, 2018

Roxy Pro France, France – October 3 – 14, 2018

Hawaii Women’s Pro, Hawaii/USA – November 25 – December 6, 2018

The 2017 WSL Women’s Championship Tour is culminating next week at Honolua Bay, Hawaii with the Maui Women’s Pro.