World’s best heading west
Surfing royalty Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore have signed on for next month’s Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.
They might boast a total of 20 world titles between them, but Slater, Gilmore and Fanning are all searching for their first win at the famed Surfer’s Point break.
The World Surf League Championship Tour event will bring the top 32-ranked males (plus two wild-card entries) and top 17-ranked females (plus one wild-card entry) to WA from April 15-26.
Surfing WA chief executive Mark Lane said enticing Slater, Gilmore and Fanning back for the 30th anniversary of the Masters was a massive boost for the event.
“This event was born shortly after professional surfing became a real career option,” Lane said yesterday.
“Obviously it has grown in size and popularity over the years, but it really has maintained its personality.”
Lane said the world-renowned contest, which is popular to the world’s best surfers, would remain free to spectators.
“We made a strategic decision to keep the event free and we are expecting thousands of spectators at Surfer’s Point to watch the world’s best,” he said.
“The Drug Aware Margaret River Pro is now one of the best surfing events in the world thanks to its elevated status on the Championship Tour.
“It’s watched by millions globally via the live webcast and the television broadcast — it really does put Western Australia, and particularly Margaret River, on the world surfing map.
“We have a team of 300 staff and volunteers who work on the event — they are such a friendly and passionate group it’s no surprise that the Pro is regarded as one of the most hospitable events on tour.”
Three-times Margaret River winner Tom Carroll will return as a commentator in 2015.
Carroll, who claimed the title in 1986, 1987 and 1992, said he was looking forward to returning to WA’s south-west coast.
“I love the pristine environment of the Margaret River region, the clean air, the experience of surfing there and the feeling of being on the edge of an ancient continent,” Carroll said.
Lane acknowledged the important role of sponsors, particularly the State Government, which has been a sponsor of the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro for more than 25 years.
