World Surf League Confirms Fourth CT Event for Australian Leg

The WSL has officially confirmed Newcastle, New South Wales, as the fourth event for the tour’s Australian leg, kicking off on April 1. The New South Wales government approved the event and the WSL’s request to fly athletes into Sydney. The surfers will also spend their 14-day quarantine in Sydney.

According to the WSL Pressroom:

The WSL is strictly adhering to the government process to enter Australia and has worked closely with the New South Wales Government to come to an agreement that will see all international competitors board a flight in Los Angeles that will land in Sydney. Once in Australia, all traveling athletes and support staff will undergo the mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine and must receive a medical clearance from public health officials before entering the general community and preparing for competition at Newcastle.

The WSL’s plan for safety includes physical distancing measures, temperature checks, enhanced high-touch cleaning at the event sites, contact tracing procedures, sanitizer stations throughout the event site, and minimal on-site personnel.

The 2021 Newcastle Pro will be held at Merewether Beach. The beach breaks and right-hand reef of Merewether haven’t hosted a point-allocating CT level event since 1991.

As for the remaining events, the WSL Pressroom mentioned:

The WSL is currently working with Australia’s state governments to finalize the final three Australian CT events and will release the updated schedule as soon as possible. The Australian CT events will run based on state border closures, strictly adhering to federal and state government guidelines and restrictions.

All tour stops and dates subject to change due to applicable COVID-19 related restrictions, including global travel restrictions.