Surfing News Roundup: Palm Springs Opens New Club, Kelly Slater (Unofficially) Invites Fans to Fiji, WSL Headquarters Upgraded

The surfing community is in for several major surprises as 2023 comes to an end. While several surfers made big headlines throughout the year, the closure for 2023 involved three big events. In fact, surfers stand a chance to live these events themselves.

The first piece of news comes from the World Surf League as they embark on a new core operations site. The second news involves the coming to life of a new surfing club facility. And, the final news update comes from America’s beloved surfing legend, Kelly Slater.

WSL to finally move to new headquarters

The World Surf League (WSL) will be moving its headquarters to a new location in the City of Angels. WSL had been anticipating a move since September when the authorities put its former Santa Monica base for sale at a whopping $14,150,000.

According to a report by Registry, “With El Segundo fast becoming the epicenter of LA sports as major sports leagues and teams move to the area, the location aligns with WSL’s vision of building its platform as the global home of competitive surfing.”

The new home of WSL will sublease a 16,324-square-foot area at 2201 Rosecrans Avenue in El Segundo.

While surfing fans will see the international body in a new place, they will also see a four-year-old organization take life for the first time.

A new surfing dawn for the Palm Springs Surf Club 

The vision of setting up a new Palm Springs Surf Club facility was announced back in 2019. The plans involved bringing the biggest names in surfing in one giant pool with artificially-engineered waves. Now, the four-year-old idea will take physical form on the first day of the new year, 1 January 2024.

The $80-million club will also open its doors to surfing enthusiasts. However, a reservation will be required before one can begin riding those waves. Depending on the surfer’s ability level, an hour of surfing will cost between $100 and $200, not including the $20 club entry. 

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Additionally, renting a board from the club will carry additional costs. While the Palm Springs Surf Club will be one of the finest attractions, Kelly Slater is also planning something big in the coming year. In fact, fans can enjoy the luxury of spending five whole days with him.

A surfing escapade with Kelly Slater

11x World Surfing Champ Kelly Slater is co-hosting a luxury stay at the COMO Laucala Island along with Kai Lenny. Slater will be part of a five-day getaway that will take place between 25-29 April 2024. Organized by the GR8 Experience agency, the escapade will also involve surfing lessons from Slater. Moreover, fans will also be able to enjoy golfing with the elite surfer.

However, as luxurious as this concept sounds, so does its price tag. Invitations start from $27,000 and go as high as $38,000 per person. This may come as a downer for several surfers. But, the experience comes with the vacation benefits of one of the globe’s most exclusive and costly island resorts. Do you find yourself at any of these places in the near future?

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