SAQUAREMA, Brazil (October 19, 2016) - The World Surf League (WSL) has announced the shift of the primary venue for the 2017 Rio Pro from Postinho Beach, Rio, to Itaúna Beach, Saquarema.
Postinho has served as the event's main location since 2012, but challenges regarding wave and water quality in recent years have prompted the WSL and event organizers to explore alternative venues in Brazil. Saquarema, a location that has been utilized by WSL Qualifying Series (QS) events in past seasons, will welcome the world's best surfers on the elite Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour for the second time since 2002.
"I'm excited to confirm the new location of Saquarema for the 2017 Rio Pro," said Kieren Perrow, WSL Commissioner. "The athletes will benefit from its consistency and potential for excellent waves. Postinho was a great spot, but we rarely got it at its best and the water quality in recent years has been a big challenge. We were committed to keeping the tour in Brazil, and look forward to delivering an outstanding event for fans all over the world.
We'd also like to thank Mayor Eduardo Paes and Riotur for their years of unconditional support for the World Surf League and the Rio Pro, and to the people of Rio for hosting us in their great City," concluded Perrow.
The winner of the men's 2016 Oi Rio Pro was John John Florence (HAW) while Tyler Wright (AUS) won the women's competition; Tyler has since been crowned the 2016 World Champion following the completion of the Roxy Pro France and Florence is the current men's frontrunner on the WSL Jeep Leaderboard.
The complete 2017 WSL Schedule will be released on November 15, 2016.
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.
Contact:
Dave Prodan
World Surf League
dprodan@worldsurfleague.com
805-758-5586