“Hated the Guy”: American Surfer Shares Candid Opinion on Departure of WSL CEO Erik Logan Amidst Controversies

It doesn’t look like the WSL gossip and controversies are ending anytime soon. The drama began with WSL’s high-profile CEO Eric Logan giving out scores at the wave pool contest in California. Later, unhappy with the results few Brazilian surfers spoke against his judgment. Before the surfing community could pick sides, WSL took away his title for undisclosed reasons. Though the fans were quick to connect the dots of ruling out weeks after the Surf Ranch Pro controversy.

Since then, the CEO has been the target of icy behavior and many rumors about his strange absence. Several surfers have expressed their contempt for the former CEO in the past. Recently, an American cross-field figure engaged in an empathetic discussion about his leaving.

WSL’s upheaval becomes the surfing community’s buzz

Pensacola-native and surf comic, Sterling Spencer recently posted a video on his YouTube series “Pinch My Salt,” where he spoke about the CEO’s leaving and the controversy surrounding WSL. An article by beach grit shared WSL’s announcement, followed by the update on Chief Officers taking the lead to drive its surfing mission until the new CEO joins. It was also revealed that none of Logan’s close allies showed support upon his dismissal.

Talking about the situation with his cousin Ryan, Spencer said, “Everyone hated the guy… I heard a lot of people complaining, more than I’ve ever heard, just about that one guy, everyone hated him, poor guy. I wonder what it feels like for him, literally, an entire surf community hates you and all he wanted to do was good.”  While Spenser shared his opinion on the matter, fans remain far from closure.

While the company accounted for an immediate termination never speaking about the ex-employee. Logan penned a long message post-retirement expressing his gratitude for the love he received during his tenure. He wrote, “I am proud of what we accomplished together and the progress we made in growing the sport. I look forward to watching the continued growth and success of the WSL and the sport of surfing.” As the WSL searches for its next leader, his contribution to the post continues to be valuable.

Surfing approach under Erik Logan’s watch

Many surfers who appreciated seeing the man lead referred to Logan as visionary and calm. Even though his time with the WSL was just four years long, it was crucial. As CEO, he introduced the World Title surf-off, turned the traditional contest at Hawaii’s famous Pipeline, and even launched Apple TV’s Make or Break show. His work greatly advanced WSL’s goal of giving deserving surfers a stellar wave to ride.

READ MORE Weeks After Ongoing Surf Ranch Pro Controversy, WSL CEO Erik Logan Bids Adieu to the Surfing World

His track of success was not all that smooth as the controversial mid-year cut rule, received mixed reactions from the surfers. The prominent decision affected both men and women surfers going on tour rosters. A cut from 36 to 22 for the men’s team and 18 to 10 surfers for the women’s team baffled many. Though, the rule remained unchanged. A brief term that still leaves a significant legacy—such was Logan’s case.

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