![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago0012096366h.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Dec. 08, 2012 – Oahu, Hawaii, U.S. – JAMIE O BRIEN of Oahu, Hawaii advanced into Round 2 of the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons at Pipeline. Surfing 2012 – Billabong Pipeline Masters – ZUMAz03
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago0012096366h.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Dec. 08, 2012 – Oahu, Hawaii, U.S. – JAMIE O BRIEN of Oahu, Hawaii advanced into Round 2 of the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons at Pipeline. Surfing 2012 – Billabong Pipeline Masters – ZUMAz03
Big news reverberated throughout the surfing world as the World Surf League (WSL) unveiled a revised schedule for the highly anticipated 2024 Championship Tour. However, along with the excitement, this announcement also dropped a few bombshells that left many surf enthusiasts dismayed. Jeffreys Bay, one of the most iconic and cherished surf locations, is gone from the roster.
In a surprising twist, Fiji has made a triumphant return. Surf Ranch, which had become famous for its high-performance wave pools, has surprisingly been left out of the schedule. WSL Finals Day, notorious for its controversial one-day, winner-take-all format, will still be held at the familiar Lower Trestles.
The shockwaves sent by this announcement rippled across social media platforms, with the WSL League’s Twitter post generating a whirlwind of mixed reactions from fans. Some expressed their fury, while others raised probing questions about these changes. In essence, this breaking news has taken the surf world by storm, sparking intense discussions and debates among both professional surfers and dedicated fans.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WSL Unveils the 2024 Surfing Championship Tour Schedule
On September 20, 2023, the official WSL Twitter account dropped a bombshell on surf enthusiasts worldwide. Their tweet shared, “2024 Schedule: Locked. Here’s what’s new, what’s changed, and what’s back on the Championship Tour. See you at Pipe!”
The exciting news is that Fiji is making a comeback to the Championship Tour after a seven-year absence, promising incredible left-hand barrels for surf enthusiasts. However, the less thrilling part is that Jeffreys Bay has been unexpectedly removed from the lineup. It left many fans feeling disheartened.
🗓 2024 Schedule: Locked
Here’s what’s new, what’s changed, and what’s back on the Championship Tour.
See you at Pipe! pic.twitter.com/mh9L3ZG2gE— World Surf League (@wsl) September 20, 2023
While Surf Ranch has become synonymous with high-performance wave pools in recent years, it has been unexpectedly omitted from the schedule. Additionally, the controversial Mid-Year Cut remains a part of the tour, adding to the uncertainty and challenges faced by surfers aiming for glory. The 2024 season will kick off at Pipeline in Hawaii in January, with Australia hosting two events as part of the tour.
Surfers will then compete in Tahiti, El Salvador, and Brazil before taking a break to prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The regular season will come to an end with a return to the renowned Cloudbreak in Tavarua, Fiji, offering surfers the chance to conquer one of the world’s most awe-inspiring left-hand barrels.
Fans’ Reactions to the post demanding changes and JBay back
The post has received immense reactions globally. Despite the excitement, fans have left strong reactions asking WSL to change the schedule. The echoes have vertebrated the surfing community.
One fan voiced their excitement:
Cloudbreak back finally!!
J-Bay gone wtf— TommySurf 🌊🏄🏼♂️ (@tomastpcosta) September 20, 2023
With this, another fan expressed their disappointment, commenting:
No bay…keeping trestles. This blows.
— Coastal Country Club (@ccmembersonly) September 20, 2023
A few fans were particularly dissatisfied with the decision to keep Finals Day at Lower Trestles, added:
Having the finals at trestles is lame. Won’t be watching. Bye ✌🏼
— Ed 🇺🇦 Lippincott (@sharkriver) September 20, 2023
Some fans suggested returning to Hawaii for the tour’s conclusion, as one fan wrote:
Finish the tour in Hawaii where it belongs with the Triple Crown!
— Jack Hibbits (@Jack_Hibbits) September 20, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lastly, the absence of Jeffreys Bay left some fans incredulous, with one exclaiming:
This has to be a joke right. No JBay😂😂😂
— Fischer Balfe (@FischerBalfe) September 20, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The surf community’s passionate responses reflect their deep attachment to the sport and its iconic locations. While some loved the schedule, there is a huge demand among fans for the schedule change and JBay back on track.
WATCH THIS STORY: Hawaiian Legend Mikala Jones Passes After Tragic Accident in Indonesia, Surfing World Left Devastated