Published: 16 February 2021
Western Australia will create history in May when it hosts two world surf events in the same year after Tourism Western Australia secured a one-off World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event at Rottnest Island.
The 12-day Rip Curl Rottnest Search will be held at Strickland Bay from 16 to 26 May.
The event will follow the world-famous Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro, which has been a World Championship Tour event since 2014 and attracts the world’s top professional surfers.
Tourism WA recently locked in a three-year deal with the WSL for the Margaret River Pro to remain in WA until 2024.
The two events will showcase Western Australia as a leading surf and adventure travel destination, with broadcast and traditional media value of the competitions estimated to be at around $20 million.
Tourism Western Australia Acting Managing Director Derryn Belford said securing the two surfing major events for the State was due in part to the State’s excellent long-term relationship with WSL.
“The addition of the Rip Curl Rottnest Search to the tour is a win for our State Government partnership with the WSL,” she said.
“This one-off event gives the WSL a much-needed world-class stop on the tour while significantly bolstering the profile of Western Australia as a surf tourism destination.
“The media impact of the WSL is extensive. The world’s eyes will be on our State and they won’t just be seeing these amazing athletes in our State’s magnificent waves.
“They’ll also be seeing footage of a very special island paradise – Rottnest. The Island’s pristine environment, combined with distinctly WA images like fresh-caught crayfish, beachside accommodation and cute quokkas, will be tempting travellers everywhere to think of WA in their future plans.
“The Margaret River Pro has already captured the hearts and minds of this audience the world over with its waves, wines and magnificent forests. The Rip Curl Rottnest Search is a great platform to open their eyes further to the adventures that await them here.”
The Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro and the Rip Curl Rottnest Search will be held in accordance with Western Australia’s State Government COVID guidelines.
All out-of-state athletes and staff will be required to complete quarantine in New South Wales and receive a medical clearance from public health officials before travelling to Western Australia.
Although Rottnest Island will remain open for visitors while hosting the event, spectators won’t be encouraged at Strickland Bay because it is a broadcast only event.
For more information read the WSL media release.