Big boss boy.
The Championship Tour class of 2023, post-cull,
is currently floating in the waters off Saquarema and did you think
we would actually get to this place, here, or did you think the
entire World Surf League would have come undone with frightful
death threats, refusing to spew carbon all the way to the land of
order and progress?
But you recall just last month when America’s Griffin Colapinto
beat Brazil’s Italo Ferreira in the final of the Surf Ranch Pro
thereby setting into motion a series of terrifying events. First,
Gabriel Medina, Filipe Toledo and the aforementioned Ferreira
publicly complained about the judging. Then Brazil’s “passionate”
fanbase piled on, demanding justice. They were right, of course, as
the judging was awful but World Surf League CEO Erik Logan,
adopting a dismissive, paternal tone (after ordering Toledo to
“take your shirt off”), dropped an absolute hammer.
To the WSL community,
I want to address the conversation that happened in our
community following the recent Championship Tour event at the Surf
Ranch. As you likely know, a small number of athletes made
statements questioning the judging of the competition and the final
results.
I want to respond directly to those statements, however, we
first need to address a much more important issue. In recent days,
a number of surfers, WSL judges, and employees have been subject to
harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence, including death
threats, as a direct result of those statements. Those things
should never happen in our sport or any sport, and we’re devastated
that members of our community have been subject to them. It is an
important reminder to us all that words have consequences. We hope
the entire WSL community stands with us in rejecting all forms of
harassment and intimidation.
In terms of the statements made, we completely reject the
suggestion that the judging of our competitions is in any way
unfair or biased. These claims are not supported by any
evidence.
Firstly, the judging criteria are provided to the athletes
ahead of each competition. All athletes competing at the Surf Ranch
Pro received these materials on May 20th. Every athlete had the
opportunity to ask questions about the criteria at that time. None
of the athletes who made these statements took advantage of this
opportunity at the Surf Ranch Pro.
Secondly, our rules allow any athlete to review the scoring
of any wave, with the judges, and receive a more detailed
explanation of how they were scored with the judges. This process
has been in place for a number of years, and is the direct result
of working with the surfers to bring more transparency to the
judging process. It is not acceptable, and is a breach of league
policy, for surfers to choose not to engage with the proper process
and instead air grievances on social media.
A number of athletes at the Surf Ranch Pro received points
for elements such as progression and variety, so it is simply
incorrect to suggest these are not taken into account in the
judging criteria. Furthermore, our rules have been applied
consistently throughout the season, including at events this season
that were won by athletes who are now questioning those same
rules.
Surfing is an ever-evolving, subjective sport and we welcome
a robust debate around the progression of our sport and the
criteria used to judge our competitions. However, it is
unacceptable for any athlete to question the integrity of our
judges who, like our surfers, are elite professionals.
No one person or group of people are above the integrity of
the sport.
Sincerely,
Erik Logan
WSL Chief Executive Officer
Yikes.
He then went uncharacteristically dark, disappearing from view
entirely, as his letter was not well-received. More threats. World
Shame League. Etc. He stayed lost during the El Salvador event, the
judges doing their best to ensure a Brazilian victory and no riots,
and he stayed hushed all the way up to the beginning of the Vivo
Rio Pro.
Scared?
Maybe no for there he is in Brazil giggling in the face of
death.
Taking to his preferred medium Instagram, Logan declared:
Touchdown Rio de Janeiro! It’s an immense honor to be back
in Brazil, the land of samba, sun, and spectacular surf! We are
thrilled to once again soak in the vibrant energy, stunning
beaches, and powerful waves that this country is renowned
for.
Hosting press conferences is always a highlight of our
tours, and there’s no place quite like Rio to do this. We can’t
wait to engage with the local and international press in this
stunning city, share stories, and build anticipation for the World
Surf League event.
It’s always an enriching experience for our surfers and
staff alike to have the opportunity to meet, talk, and interact
with the journalists who are as passionate about surfing as we are.
The chance to answer questions, share insights, and engage in
meaningful conversations about the sport we love is something we
always look forward to.
But it’s not just about us – these events are as much about
you, the fans and the incredible community that supports us. Your
passion and enthusiasm are what drives this sport and make every
wave, every ride, and every event so special.
Stay tuned for some exhilarating action on the waves, and as
always, thank you for your unwavering support. Together lets make
the World Surf League event in Brazil a surfing spectacle to
remember!
He then did what he does
best, forcing uncomfortable intimacy on his
“buddies.”
Only those with cast iron stomachs
are encouraged to watch.
