Live Surfing Returns

ANDINO AERATING: The chlorine rollers of the Ranch are perfect ramps. Photo WSL / Morris

The Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Rumble features 16 of the top men and women on the Championship Tour who live in the United States, who return for a one-day, winner-take-all showdown at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California on Sunday 9 August 2020 at 12pm noon (PT), which is 9 pm South African time.

The surfers will compete in a mixed-doubles team event, with prize money going to a charity selected by the winning team. Competitors include 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater, Olympic qualifiers Caroline Marks, Kolohe Andino and reigning four-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore, with Championship Tour stars Filipe Toledo and Sage Erickson.

The full list of competitors and teams will be announced during a Selection Show on www.WorldSurfLeague.com next Tuesday August 4 at 9am (PT), or 6pm SAST.

SAGE ADVICE: You get the neatest little tube section. Sage Erikson tucks in. Photo WSL / Cestari

“I've really been looking forward to getting 2020 going, so an event here in California is super exciting,” said Caroline Marks. “I love the Surf Ranch so I can't wait to get out there and surf again. It'll be fun for us athletes and the fans too.”

"I can't wait to put the jersey back on,” said Filipe Toledo. “To know we can bring a live experience for fans from the Surf Ranch here in California, in a safe and secure way, is really exciting. It'll be awesome for us surfing, for our sport and our fans. Let's go!"

“We’ve missed live surfing and we are excited to bring fans a unique live experience with the Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Rumble at the Ranch,” said Erik Logan, WSL CEO. “Utilizing the WSL Surf Ranch facility in Lemoore, California, we have the opportunity to host this in our own arena, implementing extensive safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of the participants, staff, and local community.”

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Competition Format

16 surfers (eight men and eight women) will pair-up to form eight co-ed teams. The teams will face-off in a head-to-head bracket, advancing through to the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final to win. Every round, each team will get four waves, consisting of two rights and two lefts. Each surfer’s best score will be combined to create the team score for that round. The team with the best score will advance to the next round. Judges will watch and score the event remotely.

WSL officials have collaborated extensively with public health officials, medical experts, as well as local and state officials, to create a thorough plan to ensure the health and safety of participants, staff, and the surrounding community. This event will be strictly executed to follow the WSL’s health and safety procedures, which were developed based on guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and emerging best practices established by other sports leagues and broadcast-only live sports events. These procedures include testing for athletes and essential staff, strict social distancing measures, temperature checks, and minimal personnel on-site.

The WSL Countdown

The Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Rumble at the Ranch is part of The WSL Countdown, a series of regional, pre-season exhibition events in the USA, Australia, France, and Portugal that will bring world-class competitive surfing to fans during a time of restricted international travel.

The Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Rumble at the Ranch is proudly supported by Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold, Shiseido, Red Bull, Jose Cuervo, Jeep, CLIF Bar, Havaianas, and Hydro Flask.