As a result of Hawaii's suspension of all surfing competitions until further notice, the upcoming Championship Tour (CT) event, the Sunset Open -- scheduled for January 19 - 28, 2021 -- and the Big Wave Jaws Championship Pe'ahi have been canceled. The World Surf League (WSL) has also decided to postpone the CT Santa Cruz Pro, which had been scheduled for February 2 - 12, 2021.
The decision to postpone the Santa Cruz Pro, the last planned event of the US leg of the Championship Tour, is based primarily on the surge of COVID-19 cases in California. The postponement is also heavily influenced by the length of time our athletes have been away from home, and by the complexities of global travel during this pandemic, which would have caused significant logistical challenges for athletes and staff to travel home and return to California for the event.
It is a testament to our surfers, staff, and the local community of Hawaii that we were able to successfully complete both the men's and women's opening CT events of the 2021 season, and we would like to thank the communities in both Maui and Oahu for their support. We look forward to safely continuing the 2021 CT season with the Australia leg starting at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in April.