WSL buys Kelly Slaters Wave Pool: Says they might not use it
After such an acquisition, one is to expect nothing less than a swift press release stating that the worlds first ever WSL sanctioned event on a man-made wave was about to happen, but contrary to what surfers all over the world expected, we got a breakfast TV host trying out the wave, and a far less predictable statement from the WSL.
"We do believe that all stakeholders - athletes, fans, broadcast and corporate partners - will be super energized by the advent of Championship Tour-level competition with man-made waves. But the ocean will always be our home, and the great waves on our tour will always remain the backbone of our competitive schedule." Shared WSL CEO, Paul Speaker. "No firm plans have been made for the inclusion of a man-made wave-based competition. We will be evaluating all the possibilities in the coming months with the Commissioners' Office and the WSL athletes."
Creator of the wave pool, and one of its biggest champions, Kelly Slater echoed similar sentiments when asked about the WSL's purchase.
"While surfing for me will always be about adventure, travel and the ocean, this wave brings a new opportunity to the sport without taking away the soulfulness that attracted many of us to surfing in first place. Surfing great waves in a controlled environment adds a new dimension, as there is no hassling for waves, no stress over who got the best wave - they are all good. Everyone can relax, have fun and focus on improving their surfing."
With the majority stake now being held by the WSL, and the future of competition surfing on everyone's minds. That 'O' word is back in the spotlight. Leveling the playing field, and allowing good surfing conditions in any location on earth, Olympic Surfing might have just become viable.
What do you think will happen in the 2017 series and beyond? Will the dream of a wave pool in every country town become a reality?
Wamberal, NSW
