The World Surf League is excited to announce it will be returning to Sydney’s Northern Beaches in 2022 with the Sydney Surf Pro Challenger Series event which will run at the iconic Manly Beach from May 17- 24.
The eight-day event will see 160 of the world’s best surfers battle it out at Manly Beach as they look to secure their spot on the 2023 Championship Tour (CT).
“We can’t wait to return to Sydney in 2022,” said WSL APAC General ManagerAndrew Stark. “After an incredible one-off CT event at North Narrabeen this year and a strong debut Challenger Series event at Manly in 2020, to get back and continue our tradition at Manly is really exciting. Having one of only eight of the Challenger Series events globally at Manly is a testament to the importance of this place in the world of competitive surfing.”
The Sydney Surf Pro is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW.
The second of three competitive tiers for the world’s best surfers, the 2022 WSL Challenger Series will feature 96-man and 64-woman fields, drawn from the seven WSL Regional Qualifying Series around the world. Challenger Series surfers will compete for a chance to advance to the elite WSL CT in 2023, with surfers counting their best five of eight results on the Challenger Series in hopes of finishing in the Top 10 men’s and Top 5 women’s spots by the end of the season.
The 2022 WSL Challenger Series will consist of eight events, beginning at Snapper Rocks on Australia’s Gold Coast, Australia from May 7 – 15 and concluding in Haleiwa, Hawai’i from November 26 – December 7.
The 2022 WSL Challenger Series Schedule*:
- Gold Coast, Australia – May 7 – 15, 2022
- Manly, Australia – May 17 – 24, 2022
- Ballito, South Africa – July 20 – 27, 2022
- Huntington Beach, USA – July 30 – August 7, 2022
- Ericeira, Portugal – October 1 – 9, 2022
- Landes, France – October 15 – 23, 2022
- Piha, New Zealand – November 5 – 13, 2022
- Haleiwa, Hawai’i – November 26 – December 7, 2022
NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “The Sydney Surf Pro celebrates the features of our city and lifestyle that make Sydney an unforgettable destination to visit, and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of athletes, officials, and supporters to enjoy Manly next May.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said: “Manly has a long, proud history as an Australian surf capital for board riders of all abilities, from amateurs riding their first waves at local surf schools to the world’s best, who have been competing here since the first world championship in 1964.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the WSL and welcome the Surf Pro back to Manly next year,” said Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan. “The event is great for our local economy, gives our community a chance to see some of the best surfers in the world and our local surfers get to surf at home.”
COVID-19 Protocols
*All tour stops and dates are subject to change due to applicable COVID-19 related restrictions, including global travel restrictions.
The health and safety of athletes, staff, and the local community are of the utmost importance and the WSL has a robust set of procedures in place to keep everyone safe. These plans are unique to each Tour stop.
Visit worldsurfleague.com/2022 for more information.
