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Swell Times: “Exciting” surfing 2019 World Championship Tour expected

Neil AtkinsonStirling Times

THE 2019 World Championship Tour looks set to be one of the most exciting years for professional surfing in its 43-year history.

A shorter timeframe for the 11 events has given the world’s elite surfers a longer off-season, allowing for better recovery, preparation and a more fan-friendly condensed calendar.

The tour kicks into gear on April 3 with the season opener the Gold Coast Pro, and with 11-time world champion Kelly Slater making his intentions clear, he will be chasing a 12th world title.

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The women’s Championship Tour will be a virtual mirror image of the men’s, with the omission of the Tahiti Pro.

Local girl Bronte Macaulay will be hoping for another successful year on the tour.

Last year, the cancellation of the Margaret River Pro threw the event into disarray and no certain future, but thanks to the World Surf League and Tourism WA the event will be run until at least 2021.

The Margaret River Pro will run at the later date of May 27 to June 7.

NEIL ATKINSON,

The Surf Boardroom