The World Surf League (WSL) announced the suspension of all events scheduled for March, April and May 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The professional surfing circuit made the decision based on the guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The list of postponed or canceled events includes Championship Tour (CT) competitions, Qualifying Series (QS) stages, and the 2020 WSL Awards.
With the new Coronavirus declared as a global pandemic, WSL says they are monitoring and evaluating whether events scheduled beyond May should be canceled or not.
"Covid-19 is having massive consequences for sports events and gatherings around the world, and we are no different," said Erik Logan, CEO of the World Surf League.
"We did not take this decision lightly, and we are aware that it has a significant impact on the surfing community. However, the health and safety of our athletes, fans, and staff are paramount."
The organization led by Erik Logan believes that, at this moment in time, all events might accelerate the spread of the global pandemic.
"For events currently in progress, we have implemented a range of safety protocols, as well as protective guidelines for athletes and staff, including travel advisories, hand sanitizer, and additional hand-washing facilities," the WSL adds.
Interactions between surfers and fans will also be dramatically reduced.
The impact of event cancellations is currently being addressed. The WSL will provide further updates and relevant information in due course.
2020 World Surf League (WSL) Schedule | Covid-19 Impacts
Canceled Events
Papara Pro Open Tahiti, French Polynesia
Corona Open Gold Coast, Australia
Red Bull Airborne Gold Coast, Australia
Postponed Events
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro
Piha Pro Junior, New Zealand
Corona Piha Pro, New Zealand
Seat Pro Netanya, Israel
Barbados Surf Pro, Barbados
WSL Awards
WSL Big Wave Awards
Jack's Surfboards Pro, USA
Longboard Pro Espinho, Portugal
Caparica Surf Fest Pro, Portugal
Central Japan Open, Japan
Krui Pro, Indonesia