The 2020 Australian Grand Slam of Surfing would be the first special event of the World Surf League in natural conditions.

After announcing some of the most radical changes we have seen in the structure of competitive surfing in recent decades, plus witnessing the first special event that was exciting for some and not so much for others because it was not held in natural conditions, but rather in the pool of eleven-time world champion Kelly Slater, the world's surfing fans are eagerly awaiting the visit to Australia.

The Australian Grand Slam of Surfing will visit South Stradbroke Island and Margaret River in September and October. These special events, organized by the World Surf League (WSL), were created to keep athletes competing at a high level in different regions of the world and to provide top-level surfing entertainment for fans.

Australian media have highlighted these commitments due to the very possible participation of retired champions Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Dean Morrison, Bede Durbidge and Taj Burrow.

This presence undoubtedly fills surf lovers worldwide with excitement and enthusiasm, due to the great opportunity to see such memorable surf icons competing again.

On the women's side, local surfing star Stephanie Gilmore spoke very positively about the return of competitions.

“It’s been a long and unexpected break for everyone with so many unknowns throughout the year, so it feels great to finally have some events in the near future to get back into the competitive rhythm. I’ve been watching some amazing surfing from the Australian girls both at home and on social media, so it will be great to catch up and challenge each other once again, especially at Straddie and Margaret River – I think they’re both excellent locations. Running these events is more difficult than ever right now, especially for such a global sport, so it’s heartening to see how hard the WSL is working in its regional areas to get things back on track for its surfers and fans.”

The competitions will last only two days, but will have a two ^- month waiting period, beginning on September 1st and ending on October 31st, to allow for optimal surf conditions. The male and female winners will each receive a $20,000 prize to donate to charity.

The specific dates for the "Gold Coast" and "Margaret River" events will be announced soon. We invite you to stay tuned so you don't miss this highly anticipated spectacle on the waves.

Australian reference notes:

http://www.mygc.com.au/pro-surfing-to-return-to-the-gold-coast-in-2020/

https://www.coastalwatch.com/surfing/26111/what-is-an-australian-grand-slam-of-surfing-pumping-bali-and-pov-ride-a-one-minute-tube-at-skeleton-bay

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero