Pro surfing is back on dry land.
The first professional surfing contests of the year saw a massive wipe out after World Surf League staff members tested positive for coronavirus, just as the Billabong Pipe Masters was heating up. The news came just days after a shark attack in Maui near the contest site put a halt on the women’s event.
The WSL officials made the announcement that the men’s contest was suspended on Saturday after the positive COVID-19 tests, which included CEO Erik Logan. The WSL is based in Santa Monica.
“The WSL is committed to prioritizing the safety of the athletes, staff and surrounding community above all else, and is working closely and transparently with the Hawaii State Department of Health to determine the path forward,” WSL officials said. “As part of the league’s COVID Safety Plan, anyone who has returned a confirmed positive test is self-isolating until they are cleared, and contact tracing protocols have been fully implemented. The WSL does not believe that any athletes have been exposed and will continue to execute the safety protocols.”
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The women’s contest had already been on hold following a shark attack that killed a surfer at Honolua Bay. Organizers were planning to change the location for the rest of the event, though a new site had not been announced.
It’s unclear if both events are suspended and will resume in coming days or if the events have been canceled all together.
Source: Orange County Register
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