Looks Like The Comp Is Heading Back To D-Bah

Yesterday afternoon, the comp went on hold at Dnah and gear was lugged back over to Snapper for a potential afternoon start. After a quick expression session (with jerseys) the call was made to wait until the next day, today. 

Although the swell jacked up (slightly) in size and the sand condition has improved at Snapper, a northeasterly breeze is blowing into the face and it’s only expected to get worse throughout the afternoon. As a result, the WSL called the comp off for the day and stated their plan to return to Dbah to finish the event tomorrow.

The move to Snapper is being berated on socials right now, but for reasons that we’ve explained over the past few days, the call seemed right at the time and unfortunately backfired.

Yes, Dbah was kinda pumping this morning, but it’ll be fine tomorrow too. As reported yesterday, it costs the WSL around $30k per day to run at Dbah since it’s in New South Wales; the venue is also a far cry from the natural viewing platform that is Snapper; plus, the costly set-up hasn’t been used once to the obvious detriment of sponsors and the WSL themselves. 

We can’t help but feel bad for the WSL, and especially their new Commissioner Pat O’Connell, who has been doing his best to juggle the WSL’s many obligations in this marquee event. But for reasons outside his control, it’s been nearly impossible to please all involved parties: surfer, fans, and sponsors. 

Today the WSL put the surfers’ (and inadvertently, surf fans’) interests first, which is bad for their bottom line but a huge boost for their cultural capital (which, in the future, will help to re-bolster their bottom-line). 

If today was any indication, the finals should be cooking tomorrow at Dbah. 

Stay tubed!