What is happening outside Venice Beach, California? But do you really care?
It is really difficult to imagining surf news happening outside of Venice Beach, California right now. Really hard to think that the World Surf League didn’t press the pause button while leash-gate snagged wall-to-wall coverage. That drama had absolutely everything, surprising at every turn and really solidifying into 2018’s defining moment. There is much more to come including a very deep dive into what Mr. Wagner Lima knew and when he knew it.
In the meanwhile, the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach, North Shore, Oahu is either done or almost done and the 2019 World Surf League Championship Tour roster is either all the way set or almost all the way set.
What fresh faces will we be seeing?
Seth Moniz, Hawaii. The WSL writes… what the 21 year-old achieved in the span of two years is nonetheless exceptional. He jumped from 142nd on the rankings at the end of 2016 to No. 2 this year with major results in Japan, Ballito, the US Open and at home at Haleiwa.
Peterson Crisanto, Brazil. The WSL writes… career choices by his sponsors at the time cost him a potential run for the big show and he spent the next seven years battling to come back.
Deivid Silva, Brazil: The WSL writes… his progressive nature and ability to take to the sky will fit right in with his compatriot on Tour in 2019.
Soli Bailey, Australia: The WSL writes… the 23-year-old Australian has been working his way through the Qualifying Series since 2012.
Who are you most excited to watch? Which will still be on tour in 2020?
Oh who am I kidding… All I care about right now is in Venice Beach, California. We have so many storylines to follow, so many things to learn and time is ticking.