World Surf League

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Gabriel_Medina_-_Reigning_World_Champion_

== World Surf League ==

The World Surf League (WSL) is the governing body for professional surfers and is dedicated to showcasing the world's best talent in a variety of progressive formats. The WSL organizes the annual tour of professional surf competitions and broadcasts events live at WorldSurfLeague.com.

History[edit | edit source]

The WSL was founded in 1976 by Fred Hemmings and Randy Rarick as the International Professional Surfers (IPS). In 1983, the organization was rebranded as the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP). In 2015, the ASP was rebranded again to become the World Surf League.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The WSL is divided into several tours, including the Championship Tour, the Qualifying Series, the Big Wave Tour, and the Longboard Tour. Each tour features a series of events where surfers accumulate points based on their performance, with the top performers being crowned as champions at the end of the season.

Championship Tour[edit | edit source]

The Championship Tour (CT) is the premier competition series of the WSL, featuring the top 34 male and 17 female surfers in the world. The CT events are held at some of the most iconic surf spots globally, including Pipeline, Teahupo'o, and Jeffreys Bay.

Qualifying Series[edit | edit source]

The Qualifying Series (QS) serves as the feeder system for the Championship Tour. Surfers compete in QS events to earn points and qualify for the CT. The QS events are held at various locations worldwide, providing a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills.

Big Wave Tour[edit | edit source]

The Big Wave Tour (BWT) focuses on events held in extreme surf conditions, with waves typically exceeding 20 feet. The BWT events are held at renowned big wave spots such as Mavericks, Jaws, and Nazaré.

Longboard Tour[edit | edit source]

The Longboard Tour (LT) celebrates the traditional style of longboard surfing. The LT events feature the world's best longboard surfers competing in classic and progressive longboarding formats.

Notable Surfers[edit | edit source]

Some of the most notable surfers in the history of the WSL include Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Gabriel Medina, and Carissa Moore. These athletes have achieved multiple world titles and have significantly contributed to the sport's popularity and progression.

Events[edit | edit source]

The WSL hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Billabong Pipe Masters, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, and the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. These events attract large audiences and are broadcasted live, providing fans with access to high-quality surfing action.

Broadcasting[edit | edit source]

The WSL broadcasts its events live on its official website and through various media partners. The broadcasts include live commentary, athlete interviews, and in-depth analysis, offering viewers a comprehensive surfing experience.