Nazaré, Portugal (Monday, November 2, 2020) - The world's best big wave surfers are back on call as the holding period for the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge pres. by Jogos Santa Casa officially opened today.
The broadcast-only competition will host 18 competitors, making up 10 teams for the one-day event. Each team will compete in two 50-minute heats, alternating between surfing and driving the team's jet ski.
Event officials will monitor swell-producing storms, watching for the precise conditions that will produce waves in the competition range. Once the call is made by the event officials, competitors will have 72-hours notice to be ready to compete.
WSL officials have collaborated extensively with public health officials, medical experts, as well as local and state officials, to create a thorough plan to ensure the health and safety of participants, staff, and the surrounding community. This event will be strictly executed to follow the WSL's health and safety procedures, which were developed based on guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and emerging best practices established by other sports leagues and broadcast-only live sports events. These procedures include testing for athletes and essential staff, strict social distancing measures, temperature checks, and minimal personnel on-site.
The headland and access to the fort will also be closed to the public to avoid crowds gathering on the cliffs when the competition is called on.
The Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge presented by Jogos Santa Casa will stream LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app, and Portugal broadcast partner Fuel TV.