A Case For Running The Drug Aware Pro At North Point

The Drug Aware Pro waiting period is about to begin. However, as it does every year, speculation has risen around the swell forecast and the potential of firing North Point. Big Margaret River (the contest’s main site) is survival-stance snowboarding and drawn-out turns. Big Box is big, scary barrels (so long as it’s holding). But big North Point? Long, walling rides with deep, freight train barrels and wild air sections.

Kolohe Andino compliments combo heavy waves, remember his barrel to oop in Portugal? Considering this photo (and all other photos here, for that matter) was taken today, he certainly looks in tune.

Which is why talk of the event moving to North Point has risen again. North Point is roughly 20 minutes’ drive from Margies, so surely it must be possible to relocate?

Michel Bourez power game would take kindly to North Point’s vertical walls.

“North Point remains an option for the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro,” says WSL VP of Communications, Dave Prodan. “It presents logistical challenges, but the WSL team has always been prepared for any potential moves. Ultimately, it’s the call of the commissioner. We don’t always need ‘scaffolding’ to go mobile – France and Portugal are good examples of this.”

Ok, so has the event ever been close to moving there? “North Point hasn’t been an option within the event window, as far as I’m aware,” continues Dave.

Mick Fanning, appreciating North Point’s softer features.

“It requires a specific swell direction and size to be ideal and, from what I understand, we haven’t had that.” 

And surely if Surfest can move to the unaccommodating location of Newcastle Harbour, the Drug Aware Pro can do the same with North Point, right? “There is considerably more infrastructure involved at most CT events compared to most QS events,” explains Dave. Yep, makes sense. “But in terms of mobility, it depends on what the event and commissioners require to run heats and broadcast them to the world. Some locations are easier than others, but they all present a challenge. If conditions permit, I would love to see what the world’s best do at North Point.”

Yallingup flame Kael Walsh knows how to get it done around home.

And Mr Prodan isn’t alone in that.

“Margs is a fun wave and not the worst wave on tour, but compared to North Point it’s like a bad day in California,” says noted North Point crusher, Jordy Smith. “Even when North Point is not barreling and has some bad wind, some of the best high-performance surfing you’ll see the whole year will be going down. It might be bad for the goofies, but I’m all about that air wind.”

Mikey Wright with a fresh new cut and lofting an equally breezy air.

Please, please, please.