Billabong Pipe Masters Presented By Hydro Flask Is Back On With Promising Forecast

Hello Everyone,

I hope this finds you well.

Today, I'm pleased to announce that we are ending our suspension of the Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask and we'll look to run competition over the coming days with a promising forecast.

A mammoth amount of work has gone into getting professional surfing back, part of which included comprehensive Covid-19 protocols to ensure the safety of the local community, surfers and staff.

Last week, the WSL's Covid-19 protocols identified and isolated a positive case and contact tracing group -- of which I was a part -- and contained the further spread of the virus. I can attest that it is highly communicable.

I have, of course, been in isolation since the contact trace, two full days before my own diagnosis. I continue to experience mild symptoms, and am grateful for the medical community on Oahu.

One of the reasons I wanted to share my positive test is to demonstrate my -- and the WSL's -- utmost respect for our local community, for all the individuals who make the North Shore, and Hawaii, so special. The trust between our organization and this community is paramount.

The North Shore has generously hosted Championship Tour events since our inception in 1976. This place is universally regarded as the proving ground for the world's best surfers and we are honored and humbled to be a part of amplifying and celebrating this legacy. It's why we're so proud to be a part of this special place and be able to operate here year round.

With the resumption of competition, we want to continue to reinforce and highlight the broadcast-only nature of the Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask, which is streamed live on the Spectrum Surf Channel and also on worldsurfleague.com -- the best seat in the house and the safest place to see the world's best surfing.

I'd like to thank the State of Hawaii, Mayor Caldwell's office, the Department of Health officials, the Film Commissions and, most of all, the local community for continuing to support the world's best surfing happening here.

In addition, this same community has been instrumental in getting the remaining Maui Pro presented by ROXY heats approved to be completed at Pipeline -- the first time a women's CT competition will ever be held at the venue. We have been supportive of the recently-passed Bill 10, and look forward to being a part of bringing greater gender equity to surfing in Hawaii.

It's been a long road to get back here.

We are looking forward to completing the opening events of this Championship Tour season here in Hawaii, the birthplace of surfing, in the coming days, and pledge to be deeply vigilant regarding public health in this extraordinary time.

We have incredible fields this year for the men's and women's Championship Tours and we cannot wait to witness what they will accomplish this season. Please join me in continuing to put public health and safety first by watching safely at home.

Thank you again and good luck to all our competitors. It's back on.

-Erik Logan, WSL CEO