Cloudbreak’s Back, Trestles Remains, J-Bay And Surf Ranch Gone

As predicted, the WSL is heading back to Fiji in 2024 — surf fans of both stances rejoice.

But as the universe loves to find balance, Cloudbreak’s inclusion coincides with the loss of the best right on tour — J-Bay — along with a lesser-loved event at the Surf Ranch. Mixed feelings.

To hear our real thoughts, and the WSL’s thinking behind all these changes, read our interview with Chief of Sport Jessi Miley-Dyer live here — it’ll give you far more credibility when discussing the changes at the pub, car park, or lineup. 

Below you’ll find the full 2024 Championship Tour schedule in press release form.

Key points:

• There will be 9 “regular season” events in 2024 — one fewer than in 2023
• 8/9 events will count will toward a surfer’s end of season point total — one throwaway will be taken from the first five events
• J-bay and the Surf Ranch are out, Cloudbreak is back for the first time since 2017
• The WSL Finals will run at Lower Trestles for the fourth consecutive year 
• The mid-year cut will remain after event 5 (Margaret River) 
• Teahupo’o event will run in late May (three months earlier) ‘for an Olympic preview’ 
• There will be a break in the schedule in July to allow Olympic qualifiers to practice – (Olympic surfing scheduled to take place between July 27 – August 5)

2024 WSL Championship Tour Schedule:

• Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii, USA: January 29 – February 10 
• Sunset Beach, Hawaii, USA: February 12 – 23
• Peniche, Portugal: March 6 – 16
• Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia: March 26 – April 5
• Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: April 11 – 21

Mid-season Cut: 36-man and 18-woman fields reduced to 24-man and 12-woman fields.

• Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia: May 22 – 31
• Punta Roca, El Salvador: June 6 – 15
• Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: June 22 – 30
• Cloudbreak, Fiji: August 20 – 29

WSL Final 5 determined to battle for the men’s and women’s World Titles.

WSL Finals (Lower Trestles, San Clemente, Calif., USA): September 6 – 14