Significance of a wsl return
Every year, the upper echelons of the world’s longboarders vie for the lofty esteem of being crowned world champion.
But this isn’t a one-competition decider, and underdogs and newcomers have toppled even the biggest names in longboarding. Though there are those who gain seeded entry into the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour, many have to battle their way through the qualifying events to accrue enough points to make it into the big leagues.
In 2023, the Noosa Festival is honoured to host the first of two Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) events – the Noosa Longboard Pro, proudly presented by AllPress Espresso. Particularly poignant this year, this is 2023’s second LQS and takes place in the backyard and home breaks of the current world champion, Noosa’s Harrison Roach.
As defending champion, Harrison will no doubt revel in beginning his 2023 campaign on familiar waves, and his home crowd will provide an enthusiastic cheer squad to encourage him. But the addition of the LQS to the Noosa Festival’s lineup has additional significance, bringing with it a national contingent eager to prove themselves as professional surfers and gain the valuable points required to progress in the year-long competition on the worlds greatest stage.
For the Noosa Festival of Surfing, this brings the blessing of showcasing even more of the finest longboarders on the planet. Though the festival has often brought many of the world’s best to Noosa’s points anyway, the added attraction of 1,000 rankings points and a dip into the very healthy $10,000 prize purse will rally even more talent.
Noosa itself will also benefit, the influx of spectators, teams and families of the contenders offering a boom to the local economy through accommodation, retail and hospitality. Though Noosa’s stoked locals may not be keen to share their slice of paradise with the world, this will also further the town’s renown as a premier longboarding destination. This, too, will bolster Noosa’s acclaimed status as a World Surf Reserve, furthering funding and recognition, and assisting to protect the natural beauty of the region for generations to come.
Taking place from 8 – 12 March, the WSL Noosa Longboard Pro will combine two of a surfer’s greatest loves: superb waves and delicious coffee, with AllPress Espresso proudly sponsoring the men’s and women’s qualifying event. The first instalment of a two-part series, with the second taking place in Manly later in the year, the Noosa Longboard Pro is an essential part of the 2023 longboard tour. At the series’ conclusion, the highest-ranked man and woman from both events will gain the chance of a lifetime: to compete in the world title race.
The Noosa Festival of Surfing is exceptionally proud to be hosting the second stage of 2023 title race, hosting the World Surfing League for what is sure to be a remarkable showcase of the world’s finest contemporary longboarding.
For more information, visit www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com and www.worldsurfleague.com
The Noosa Festival of Surfing acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land, the Kabi Kabi / Gubbi Gubbi people, and pays respect to elders past, present and emerging, with gratitude and thanks for sharing country.
