SANTA MONICA, California/USA (Wednesday, November 16, 2016) - The World Surf League (WSL) is pleased to announce Tourism Events Queensland (TEQ) and the City of Gold Coast have extended their partnership with the World Surf League's Roxy Pro and Quiksilver Pro Championship Tour (CT) events.
Both the women's Roxy and men's Quiksilver competitions kick-off the Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour and begin in March, with 2016 WSL Champions Tyler Wright (AUS) and John John Florence (HAW), along with locals Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore and Joel Parkinson all competing for the win.
Also set to compete will be 11-time WSL Champion and six-time event winner Kelly Slater (USA), who has declared that in 2017 he will be making one final attempt at claiming his 12th world surfing crown.
"The Superbank at Snapper Rocks offers right-hand waves in excess of a mile long, and allows surfers to showcase their extraordinary skills mere yards away from thousands of ecstatic fans," said WSL Commissioner Kieren Perrow.
"There's no better spot to launch a world title battle and we look forward to being astonished by the athletes yet again."
Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said the event would continue to be a feature on TEQ's major events calendar through 2018.
"The Palaszczuk Government is proud to partner with the World Surf League through TEQ to deliver one of the Gold Coast's signature events," Ms Jones said.
"We're proud to host the best surfers in the world as we open the WSL Championship Tour on the Gold Coast at one of the best surfing breaks in the world at Snapper Rocks.
"These major events are big drawcards for visitors and showcase Queensland to a global audience, promoting our envious beach culture and the relaxed lifestyle of the Gold Coast."
In addition to the two Championship Tour events, the Gold Coast is also the home of the WSL Awards, which highlight and celebrate those who have made significant contributions to the sport over the previous year.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: "Our city's investment in surf amenity is renowned worldwide. We boast world champions extending back many decades and enjoy 55 kilometres of incredible beaches with both point and beach breaks.
"I welcome the tour to the Gold Coast and look forward to witnessing the action at Snapper."
The Roxy and Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will be webcast LIVE on www.worldsurfleague.com beginning on 14 March, 2016 as well as on the highly rated free WSL app, available for both Android and iOS devices.
About The World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world's best surfing on the world's best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.
The WSL has been championing the world's best surfing since 1976, running global events across the Samsung Galaxy Men's and Women's Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport's rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels.
Showcasing the world's best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Kelly Slater, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.