The World Surf League will meet with Surfing WA and “key stakeholders” to discuss the possibility of securing North Point as a backup venue for this weeks Drug Aware Pro.
Competition is set to begin this Wednesday and will coincide with the arrival of solid back to back WSW and SW swells, both favourable for the famed point break.
WSL already has The Box on lockdown, though if the forecast delivers the predicted long period swell, the famed point break located just up the road in Gracetown will kick into gear.
“Jeez, that’d be all time,” says Jay Davies, who is competing in the trials event, scheduled to start on Tuesday.
“The swell is looking perfect for both spots and I’d hate to be the one making the call on that one. The Box would probably be a better spectacle as there’s less wash throughs and close outs, but North Point has that crazy end section.”
However, North Point was not on the original application put forward by either WSL or Surfing WA for the event.
Indeed, under its “Local Planning Policy 8-Surfing Events” The Shire of Augusta Margaret River deemed North Point as only suitable for “local” and “club” events.
The policy states the Shire requires “at least 6 months prior” notice to determine the suitability of any potential ventures.
The policy also states any applications for surfing events must first “address the five key themes set out in the Sustainable Surf foundation where surfing events are proposed, including Waste, Energy, Transportation, Community Support and Climate Change.”
An industry insider told Tracks all parties were “Working through all options now. No comment at the moment until Surfing WA and WSL meets with key stakeholders.”
He declined to comment further or clarify who the “key stakeholders” were.
WSL’s VP of Communications Dave Prodan told Tracks, “Primary venue for the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro is Main Break, but we have alternative venues available to us as well. No specific comment regarding North Point.”
