Surfing competitions have always held a special place in the hearts of surf enthusiasts worldwide. Each event showcases the incredible talent, courage, and passion of the athletes who participate. Join us on an exciting journey as we explore the top 10 most prestigious surfing competitions around the world.
Contents
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast
Image Courtesy of World Surf League
Location
The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast is held at the iconic Snapper Rocks in Queensland, Australia. The event kicks off the World Surf League’s Championship Tour, setting the tone for the season with its world-class waves and breathtaking scenery.
Notable Moments
Over the years, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast has seen many memorable moments, including Kelly Slater’s numerous victories and the electrifying performances by hometown hero Mick Fanning.
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
Image Courtesy of Rip Curl
Location
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach takes place at the legendary Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia. This historic event has been running since 1961, making it the world’s longest-running surf competition.
Notable Moments
Bells Beach has been the site of many unforgettable moments, including the iconic 1981 showdown between Simon Anderson and Cheyne Horan, which marked the introduction of the thruster surfboard design.
Oi Rio Pro
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Location
The Oi Rio Pro is held in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This event showcases the best of Brazilian surf culture, with thousands of passionate fans cheering on their favorite surfers.
Notable Moments
Brazilian surfers have dominated the Oi Rio Pro in recent years, with local heroes like Adriano de Souza and Filipe Toledo capturing victories and the hearts of the crowd.
Corona Open J-Bay
Image Courtesy of World Surf League
Location
Corona Open J-Bay takes place at the world-renowned Jeffreys Bay in South Africa. Known for its long, perfect right-hand point breaks, J-Bay is considered one of the best surf spots on the planet.
Notable Moments
One of the most memorable moments in J-Bay history came in 2017 when Mick Fanning made an emotional return to the event after his infamous shark encounter in 2015. Fanning triumphed in the competition, proving his resilience and determination.
Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o
Image Courtesy of Surfline
Location
Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o is held in the idyllic setting of Teahupo’o, Tahiti. Known for its powerful, barreling waves, Teahupo’o is a true test of skill and courage for the world’s best surfers.
Notable Moments
Teahupo’o has been the stage for many legendary performances, including Andy Irons’ back-to-back victories in 2002 and 2003, and Kelly Slater’s astonishing ride in the 2016 event, which earned him a perfect 20-point score.
Surf Ranch Pro
Image Courtesy of Eventbrite
Location
The Surf Ranch Pro takes place at the revolutionary Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California. This innovative event is held in a man-made wave pool, showcasing the future of competitive surfing.
Notable Moments
The Surf Ranch Pro has already seen several standout performances, such as Gabriel Medina’s incredible aerial display in 2018 and Carissa Moore’s dominant performance in the women’s event in 2019.
Quiksilver Pro France
Image Courtesy of Quiksilver
Location
Quiksilver Pro France is held at the picturesque beaches of Hossegor, France. The event is known for its powerful beach breaks, which provide a challenging and exciting spectacle for both surfers and spectators.
Notable Moments
John John Florence’s awe-inspiring aerials in 2014 and the intense rivalry between Kelly Slater and Andy Irons in the early 2000s are just a few of the unforgettable moments in Quiksilver Pro France history.
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal
Image Courtesy of World Surf League
Location
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal takes place in the beautiful coastal town of Peniche, Portugal. The event is famous for its heavy, barreling waves, which test the limits of the world’s best surfers.
Notable Moments
Notable moments from MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal include Gabriel Medina’s thrilling victory in 2017, which helped secure his second World Title, and Owen Wright’s inspiring return to competition after a severe injury in 2015.
Billabong Pipe Masters
Image Courtesy of World Surf League
Location
Billabong Pipe Masters is held at the legendary Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Known as the “Super Bowl of Surfing,” Pipe Masters is the final event of the Championship Tour and often determines the World Title winner.
Notable Moments
Over the years, Pipe Masters has seen many unforgettable moments, such as Gerry Lopez’s early dominance, Kelly Slater’s seven victories, and the 2013 event, which saw Mick Fanning clinch his third World Title in dramatic fashion.
Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational
Image Courtesy of Surfline
Location
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational takes place at Waimea Bay, Hawaii. This prestigious event honors the legendary Hawaiian waterman Eddie Aikau and only runs when wave heights reach a minimum of 20 feet.
Notable Moments
The Eddie has provided numerous awe-inspiring moments, including Greg Long’s victory in 2009 and John John Florence’s emotional win in 2016, which saw him become the youngest competitor to claim the title.
Conclusion
These top 10 prestigious surfing competitions showcase the incredible talent, courage, and passion of the athletes who participate, and they represent the very best of the sport. As we celebrate the heart-stopping moments and breathtaking performances, we’re reminded of the emotional connection between surfers, fans, and the ocean that unites us all.
FAQs
- What is the oldest surfing competition in the world? The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, which started in 1961, is the world’s longest-running surf competition.
- Which surfing competition is known as the “Super Bowl of Surfing”? The Billabong Pipe Masters, held at the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, is often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Surfing.”
- What is unique about the Surf Ranch Pro? The Surf Ranch Pro takes place at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California, a man-made wave pool that represents the future of competitive surfing.
- Which surfing competition honors the legendary Hawaiian waterman Eddie Aikau? The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, held at Waimea Bay, Hawaii, pays tribute to the legendary Hawaiian waterman Eddie Aikau.
- Why is Teahupo’o considered a true test of skill and courage for surfers? Teahupo’o, the location for the Tahiti Pro, is known for its powerful, barreling waves that challenge the world’s best surfers and require immense skill and courage to ride successfully.