The World Surf League (WSL) is the hallmark of competitive pro surfing. Its global events feature elite surfers and extraordinary talents. Unfortunately, due to tight sports betting restrictions, most surfing enthusiasts in South Dakota cannot wager on WSL events. While betting is legal, South Dakota has only approved a few sports and physical casinos, locking several residents interested in betting out. If you are an action sports enthusiast or World Surf League fan in South Dakota, we recommend Daily Fantasy Sport (DFS) for a deeper engagement with your favorite surfer and events. For those interested in traditional betting avenues, here’s where WSL betting is allowed across states if you’re outside South Dakota.
NXTbets is a leading platform for Daily Fantasy Sports resources and WSL analyses, insights, and news. This comprehensive guide will help you fully explore South Dakota’s World Surf League DFS contests, including how to play and maximize your experience.
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Is World Surf League Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in South Dakota?
World Surf League (WSL) DFS is legal in South Dakota. Unlike traditional sports wagering, it is classified as a skill-based game, not a gambling activity. It is regulated by local and federal real-money gaming laws. Residents should register with regulated DFS platforms like Underdog Fantasy to play legally. The platform adheres to South Dakota’s regulations as follows:
Its contents are stat-based, not chance-driven.
It has high transparency levels. Before entering a contest, players easily access the applicable rules and payout structures.
It complies with local and federal real-money gaming laws for a safe, secure, and fair gaming environment.
Underdog Fantasy also verifies new users’ identities to ensure they meet South Dakota’s DFS age and location eligibility.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing World Surf League DFS in South Dakota
We highly recommend Underdog Fantasy for safe, fair, and innovative gameplay. To enjoy World Surf League DFS contests in South Dakota, create an Underdog Fantasy account, deposit adequate funds, and make informed picks, as discussed below.
Step 1: Create an Account on Underdog Fantasy
The first step is to register with Underdog Fantasy.
Visit the Underdog Fantasy official website. Alternatively, obtain its mobile application from your App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android).
Sign up: Click the relevant sign-up button and enter relevant details. In the right fields, input your email, username, password, and promo code. Next, agree to the platform’s Terms of Use and submit your input.
Verify your eligibility/identity: Provide additional information or upload a valid government-issued ID form (upon request) to confirm your identity, age, and location.
You need a valid promo code to qualify for the sign-up bonus. Currently, new eligible users enjoy 50% of their initial deposit amounts (up to $1,000) in sign-up credits.
Step 2: Deposit Funds into Your Account
You must fund your DFS account to join a contest. Use the steps below:
Navigate to the relevant section: Log in to your new account and go to the deposit section.
Choose a payment option: You can fund your Underdog Fantasy account via PayPal, online banking, or a recognized credit/debit card.
Enter relevant details: To create your payment profile, enter accurate PayPal logins, online banking information, or card details.
Deposit: After setting up your profile and completing any necessary verification, select and confirm the desired payment amount to complete the deposit process. The platform will credit your account instantly.
Underdog Fantasy has a $10 minimum deposit limit. It also offers a deposit match bonus, meaning the bigger the initial payment, the more lucrative the sign-up bonus. To avoid overspending, stick to your preset budget or spending limits.
Step 3: Select a World Surf League Contest
You are free to select or join any contest after funding your account. The following tips apply:
Understand Underdog Fantasy contests: The platform offers snake drafts and pick’em contests. Select the Pick’em option for Daily Fantasy Sports. Snake draft players compete against each other in real-time, while pick-em players predict whether athletes will underperform or outperform set benchmarks or thresholds.
Navigate to the contest lobby: Once in the lobby, identify and choose Pick’em contests, further divided into Rivals and better/worse selections. Rival contests pit two surfers against each other, while better/worse selections involve stat-based picks.
Find World Surf League Events: Underdog Fantasy offers contests on different sports. Use the search feature or scan through the list of sports to identify WSL events. For help navigating contest types, check out this WSL DFS contest guide to optimize your game strategy.
Choose an event or contest: Review your options and select one that aligns with your interests and Daily Fantasy Sports strategy.
Note relevant contest details, including entry fees, potential payout, and deadlines.
Step 4: Make Your Picks
Next, select surfers and predict their stat-based performance as outlined below:
Select surfers: Choose 3-8 World Surf League athletes from the available lineup. Include both top surfers and promising underdogs for diversified gaming and reduced risks.
Make Your Picks: Choose whether your chosen WSL athletes will perform better or worse than the preset projections or thresholds.
In a Rival WSL contest, you will choose who among the two surfers will outperform the other in select metrics.
DFS is considered a game of skill, not a chance-based activity. Therefore, all your picks should be based on extensive research and data analysis. For deeper insight on building lineups, review the Ultimate Guide to WSL DFS gameplay.
For better predictions, consider relevant factors like event location, wave conditions, and historical performance.
Step 5: Confirm Your Entry and Watch the Action
It’s time to officially enter the WSL Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contest. Here are a few useful entry submission tips:
Review your picks and ensure they are accurate: You cannot edit or cancel your picks after submitting your World Surf League DFS entry. Confirm if they are accurate and make reasonable adjustments based on adequate information where possible.
Submit your Daily Fantasy Sports entry: Enter the DFS contest before the deadline if you are confident in your picks. Underdog Fantasy will automatically subtract the entry fee from your account balance.
Track performance: Stream the race live or use Underdog Fantasy’s real-time monitoring feature to track your pick’s performance. Activate account notifications for real-time updates.
Underdog Fantasy will automatically credit your account if your picks are correct. You can either inject the winnings into your bankroll or cash them out. To withdraw, choose a payout method in the withdrawal section and follow the subsequent prompts or instructions. For easier or faster withdrawals, use PayPal.
Winning Strategies for World Surf League DFS
To enhance your DFS winning chances, you should understand wave conditions and surf breaks and analyze surfer performance trends, as explained below:
Understand Wave Conditions and Surf Breaks
Analyze potential wave quality, surfer breaks, and wind conditions for actionable insights on surfer performance. Here are a few relevant aspects:
Wave quality: Bigger, faster waves mostly benefit power surfers.
Tide changes: Confirm whether your selections thrive in higher or lower tide conditions.
Surfer break: Various surfing breaks, such as reefs and beaches, impact wave quality, surfing difficulty, and surfer performance differently.
Reef breaks are more predictable yet dangerous and challenging, while beach breaks are less predictable, more forgiving, and can be inconsistent.
Understand how the factors above may affect your surfers’ performance. For example, beach breaks favor a surfer with exceptional technical and tube-riding skills, while reef breaks reward WSL athletes who are experienced in heavy reef waves and less prone to injuries. Learn more with our full breakdown on how wave types, tides, and locations impact WSL betting and DFS picks.
Analyze Surfer Performance Trends
Review surfers’ head-to-head matchups, event history, and recent forms for informed predictions. Here is a brief explanation:
Head-to-head matchups: Analyze your selections’ performance against specific counterparts.
Event history: Some locations may heavily favor some World Surf League athletes over others. To get ahead of your contest, reference 2025 Lexus Pipe Pro pre-event odds to forecast rider potential.
Recent form: Review WSL standings and recent competition results to identify surfers in top shape.
Consider NXTbets’ data, resources, and insights for easy, quick, and reliable analyses.
Exclusive Offers for South Dakota Players on Underdog Fantasy
Underdog Fantasy mostly offers general promotions, allowing all players in eligible jurisdictions to maximize their bankroll. Check out the following in North Dakota:
Deposit-match bonus
Underdog Fantasy’s offers a sign-up bonus equal to 50% of the initial deposit amount (capped at $1,000). You need a viable promo code and a qualifying deposit to claim the deposit-match bonus. The platform offers users 14 days to use it.
Ongoing promotions
Besides the deposit match bonus, Underdog Fantasy offers ongoing promotions for existing or loyal users. Check out your account’s “Promotions” page regularly to claim the following:
No Sweat token: This token applies to select Pick’em entries. The platform refunds entry fees as promotional credits if eligible entries don’t win.
Playback program: This promotion allows you to earn a percentage of your Pick’em entry fees as bonus cash.
Multiplier boosts: This promo enhances your potential Pick’em entry winnings. Underdog Fantasy awards the additional winnings as bonus cash.
Rescues: These apply to NBA, MLB, NFL, WNBA, and CFB entries if an athlete plays in the first half but fails to return for the second half, becoming the only losing selection.
Once Underdog Fantasy refunds the entry fees, a special will appear in your account’s lobby within 24-48 hours.
Every promotion has its rules, validity period, and playthrough requirements. For example, playback bonuses and no-sweat credits must be played through once before they can be withdrawn. Understand and comply with relevant rules and requirements to reap maximum benefits.
Conclusion
Thanks to Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), sports lovers do not have to worry about South Dakota’s sports betting regulations. Any World Surf League enthusiast who has yet to interact with DFS contests should join the state’s growing population of players. To play, open an Underdog Fantasy account, make a qualifying deposit, and follow the steps discussed above. Remember to employ effective gaming strategies, such as analyzing surfer performance trends, understanding surf breaks and wave conditions, and managing your bankroll. For futures-focused strategy, explore our 2024 WSL Championship Tour odds and projections.
At NXTbet, we commit to updating you on Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) resources and World Surf League data, insights, and news. Subscribe to our newsletter for expert insights, prompt updates, and exclusive offers.
Draftkings DFS
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How Does WSL DFS Differ From Traditional Fantasy Sports?
WSL Daily Fantasy Sports contests are simple, event-based, and fast-paced, while traditional fantasy sports contests are season-long and demanding.
How Do I Know If My Picks Won?
Your account will be credited after the event if your picks win. Enable Underdog Fantasy notifications for real-time updates. Alternatively, monitor the event and your pick’s performance in real time.
What Happens if a Surfer Withdraws from a Contest?
In the spirit of fair play, Underdog Fantasy will make necessary adjustments if a surfer withdraws from a DFS contest. Your entry may be voided (and a refund issued) or readjusted depending on your picks, the contest’s nature, and applicable rules.
Can I Play WSL DFS on Mobile?
Yes. You can register with Underdog Fantasy and play World Surf League DFS on your mobile phone or tablet. Just download the mobile application from your App Store or Play Store (depending on your operating system).
What Key Statistics Should I Consider When Making Picks?
Fundamental stats for making WSL Daily Fantasy Sports picks include event-based historical performance, recent form, head-to-head matchups, and weather forecasts.
Does WSL DFS Require Skill, or Is It Based on Luck?
World Surf League DFS is a skill-based activity. Players must understand surf conditions well, employ effective strategies, and analyze relevant data and stats to make informed DFS predictions.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
When you think of surfing, Alabama may not be the first state that comes to your mind. However, the state has found a new way for its fans to engage with the wave. World Surf League (WSL) DFS has made watching surfing events rewarding, with the chance to win real money by predicting individual surfers’ …
A World Surf League preview of the Meo Pro Portugal (stop #3 of the 2023 Championship Tour) led with a focus on contest conditions: Supertubos was described as a cold, semi-mobile beachbreak with both left- and right-hand barrel sections and launch zones, and Pico do Fabril, Pico da Mota and Piscinas were listed as backup sites. Forecasters expected plenty of swell but unfavorable winds that could create waiting days.
The preview also summarized roster movements and competitor form. Filipe Toledo arrived in Portugal with a 90% heat-win ratio and carrying a Sunset title, while Sophie McCulloch made her Championship Tour debut after recovering from injury. Ramzi Boukhiam and Jadson Andre withdrew and were replaced by Carlos Muñoz and Joan Duru, and Gatien Delahaye was replaced on the roster by Tiago Carrique. Portugal’s entries included Teresa Bonvalot and wildcards Frederico Morais and Yolanda Hopkins; the preview additionally referenced the Hawaiian leg, noting Jack Robinson and Molly Picklum wearing yellow jerseys.
On fantasy guidance, the article highlighted Italo Ferreira as a prime pick based on strong past results at this venue and recommended John John Florence, Jordy Smith and Kelly Slater as solid choices. Players flagged as riskier fantasy picks included Zeke Lau, Frederico Morais, Kolohe Andino and Ryan Callinan, while Kanoa Igarashi, Yago Dora and Jackson Baker were suggested as potential sleepers. The preview combined surf-condition scouting, roster updates and fantasy strategy to help fans set lineups and anticipate how the stop might influence the mid-season standings.
Shark sightings at professional surfing events have reignited debate over whether halted heats should be resumed or restarted, forcing officials to balance athlete safety with competitive fairness. At the World Surf League’s Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro at Snapper Rocks on Saturday, a 6.5-foot shark sighting forced officials to halt Women’s Round 2, Heat 3 with about five minutes remaining while Caity Simmers, the 2024 world champion, led Vahine Fierro. WSL vice president for Tours and Competition Renato Hickel said the shark was seen within roughly 500 meters. Officials put the heat on hold under established safety protocols while they and the water safety team monitored conditions.
Organizers clarified the interrupted heat would be “resumed” rather than re-surfed and set a procedure that included a 6:45 a.m. call for a possible 7:05 a.m. restart the next day. The decision to schedule a possible restart prompted criticism and controversy over restart rules. The dispute centered on whether the held heat should be resumed with the remaining time or treated as a new heat under restart regulations.
When the competition resumed the following day, Caity Simmers advanced to the next round. The incident underlined an ongoing operational challenge for professional surfing events, as apex predators can temporarily halt contests and prompt on-the-spot procedural decisions that affect heat outcomes, event scheduling, and athlete preparation on the water. Officials and organizers must weigh minimizing risk to surfers against preserving competitive equity, and competitors face practical and ethical questions about how temporary shark sightings should be handled. The articles say there is no easy answer to how events should apply restart or resume rules after in-water interruptions.
The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) opened the season after a seven-month offseason with a slate of format changes that reshaped early standings. The league removed the Final 5, reinstated cumulative points, eliminated the mid-season cut and non‑elimination rounds, added a new New Zealand venue and introduced bonus points for the Pipeline finale. Four early events across Australia and New Zealand followed, and those rule changes produced a start weighted toward right-point waves that affected the initial rankings and heat outcomes.
On the men’s tour, Brazilian goofy‑footers Italo Ferreira, Miguel Pupo, Gabriel Medina and Yago Dora led the standings after the Oceania events. George Pittar won at Margaret River, while several regular‑footed contenders — including Kanoa Igarashi, Jack Robinson and Jordy Smith — underperformed early in the season.
On the women’s side, Lakey Peterson, Stephanie Gilmore and Carissa Moore won the three most recent events, and 20‑year‑old Sawyer Lindblad moved into the top five following a final and a semifinal. The tour is scheduled next to the Punta Roca stop in El Salvador, then Brazil.
Equipment and shaper trends tracked closely with results. Surfboard Empire’s CT Shaper Rankings presented by Veia showed Lost retook the lead from DHD after the Oceania swing, holding a 9,140‑point advantage; Marcio Zouvi’s Sharp Eye moved into third, leapfrogging Channel Islands.
Individual surfer‑board links also stood out. Carissa Moore recorded her first CT win of the season at Raglan riding a Lost board, and both women’s Raglan finalists rode boards sporting Mayhem decals. Italo Ferreira won on an IF15 model shaped by Simon Jones, a PU build made at the request of his coach Leandro Dora; that same IF15 assisted Timmy Patterson to a win. Matt Biolos remained prominent after three consecutive CT Shaper of the Year titles and a Stab in the Dark All‑Stars win. Lost’s large points cushion positioned the brand as the early favorite for upcoming South American events, with surfers Griffin, Yago, Carissa, Gabriela and Caroline noted as typically strong in those conditions.
How to Play World Surf League DFS in South Dakota
The World Surf League (WSL) is the hallmark of competitive pro surfing. Its global events feature elite surfers and extraordinary talents. Unfortunately, due to tight sports betting restrictions, most surfing enthusiasts in South Dakota cannot wager on WSL events. While betting is legal, South Dakota has only approved a few sports and physical casinos, locking several residents interested in betting out. If you are an action sports enthusiast or World Surf League fan in South Dakota, we recommend Daily Fantasy Sport (DFS) for a deeper engagement with your favorite surfer and events. For those interested in traditional betting avenues, here’s where WSL betting is allowed across states if you’re outside South Dakota.
NXTbets is a leading platform for Daily Fantasy Sports resources and WSL analyses, insights, and news. This comprehensive guide will help you fully explore South Dakota’s World Surf League DFS contests, including how to play and maximize your experience.
Is World Surf League Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in South Dakota?
World Surf League (WSL) DFS is legal in South Dakota. Unlike traditional sports wagering, it is classified as a skill-based game, not a gambling activity. It is regulated by local and federal real-money gaming laws. Residents should register with regulated DFS platforms like Underdog Fantasy to play legally. The platform adheres to South Dakota’s regulations as follows:
Underdog Fantasy also verifies new users’ identities to ensure they meet South Dakota’s DFS age and location eligibility.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing World Surf League DFS in South Dakota
We highly recommend Underdog Fantasy for safe, fair, and innovative gameplay. To enjoy World Surf League DFS contests in South Dakota, create an Underdog Fantasy account, deposit adequate funds, and make informed picks, as discussed below.
Step 1: Create an Account on Underdog Fantasy
The first step is to register with Underdog Fantasy.
You need a valid promo code to qualify for the sign-up bonus. Currently, new eligible users enjoy 50% of their initial deposit amounts (up to $1,000) in sign-up credits.
Step 2: Deposit Funds into Your Account
You must fund your DFS account to join a contest. Use the steps below:
Underdog Fantasy has a $10 minimum deposit limit. It also offers a deposit match bonus, meaning the bigger the initial payment, the more lucrative the sign-up bonus. To avoid overspending, stick to your preset budget or spending limits.
Step 3: Select a World Surf League Contest
You are free to select or join any contest after funding your account. The following tips apply:
Note relevant contest details, including entry fees, potential payout, and deadlines.
Step 4: Make Your Picks
Next, select surfers and predict their stat-based performance as outlined below:
In a Rival WSL contest, you will choose who among the two surfers will outperform the other in select metrics.
DFS is considered a game of skill, not a chance-based activity. Therefore, all your picks should be based on extensive research and data analysis. For deeper insight on building lineups, review the Ultimate Guide to WSL DFS gameplay.
For better predictions, consider relevant factors like event location, wave conditions, and historical performance.
Step 5: Confirm Your Entry and Watch the Action
It’s time to officially enter the WSL Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contest. Here are a few useful entry submission tips:
Underdog Fantasy will automatically credit your account if your picks are correct. You can either inject the winnings into your bankroll or cash them out. To withdraw, choose a payout method in the withdrawal section and follow the subsequent prompts or instructions. For easier or faster withdrawals, use PayPal.
Winning Strategies for World Surf League DFS
To enhance your DFS winning chances, you should understand wave conditions and surf breaks and analyze surfer performance trends, as explained below:
Understand Wave Conditions and Surf Breaks
Analyze potential wave quality, surfer breaks, and wind conditions for actionable insights on surfer performance. Here are a few relevant aspects:
Reef breaks are more predictable yet dangerous and challenging, while beach breaks are less predictable, more forgiving, and can be inconsistent.
Understand how the factors above may affect your surfers’ performance. For example, beach breaks favor a surfer with exceptional technical and tube-riding skills, while reef breaks reward WSL athletes who are experienced in heavy reef waves and less prone to injuries. Learn more with our full breakdown on how wave types, tides, and locations impact WSL betting and DFS picks.
Analyze Surfer Performance Trends
Review surfers’ head-to-head matchups, event history, and recent forms for informed predictions. Here is a brief explanation:
Consider NXTbets’ data, resources, and insights for easy, quick, and reliable analyses.
Exclusive Offers for South Dakota Players on Underdog Fantasy
Underdog Fantasy mostly offers general promotions, allowing all players in eligible jurisdictions to maximize their bankroll. Check out the following in North Dakota:
Deposit-match bonus
Underdog Fantasy’s offers a sign-up bonus equal to 50% of the initial deposit amount (capped at $1,000). You need a viable promo code and a qualifying deposit to claim the deposit-match bonus. The platform offers users 14 days to use it.
Ongoing promotions
Besides the deposit match bonus, Underdog Fantasy offers ongoing promotions for existing or loyal users. Check out your account’s “Promotions” page regularly to claim the following:
Once Underdog Fantasy refunds the entry fees, a special will appear in your account’s lobby within 24-48 hours.
Every promotion has its rules, validity period, and playthrough requirements. For example, playback bonuses and no-sweat credits must be played through once before they can be withdrawn. Understand and comply with relevant rules and requirements to reap maximum benefits.
Conclusion
Thanks to Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), sports lovers do not have to worry about South Dakota’s sports betting regulations. Any World Surf League enthusiast who has yet to interact with DFS contests should join the state’s growing population of players. To play, open an Underdog Fantasy account, make a qualifying deposit, and follow the steps discussed above. Remember to employ effective gaming strategies, such as analyzing surfer performance trends, understanding surf breaks and wave conditions, and managing your bankroll. For futures-focused strategy, explore our 2024 WSL Championship Tour odds and projections.
At NXTbet, we commit to updating you on Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) resources and World Surf League data, insights, and news. Subscribe to our newsletter for expert insights, prompt updates, and exclusive offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WSL Daily Fantasy Sports contests are simple, event-based, and fast-paced, while traditional fantasy sports contests are season-long and demanding.
Your account will be credited after the event if your picks win. Enable Underdog Fantasy notifications for real-time updates. Alternatively, monitor the event and your pick’s performance in real time.
In the spirit of fair play, Underdog Fantasy will make necessary adjustments if a surfer withdraws from a DFS contest. Your entry may be voided (and a refund issued) or readjusted depending on your picks, the contest’s nature, and applicable rules.
Yes. You can register with Underdog Fantasy and play World Surf League DFS on your mobile phone or tablet. Just download the mobile application from your App Store or Play Store (depending on your operating system).
Fundamental stats for making WSL Daily Fantasy Sports picks include event-based historical performance, recent form, head-to-head matchups, and weather forecasts.
World Surf League DFS is a skill-based activity. Players must understand surf conditions well, employ effective strategies, and analyze relevant data and stats to make informed DFS predictions.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Related Posts
How to Play World Surf League DFS in Alabama
When you think of surfing, Alabama may not be the first state that comes to your mind. However, the state has found a new way for its fans to engage with the wave. World Surf League (WSL) DFS has made watching surfing events rewarding, with the chance to win real money by predicting individual surfers’ …
Meo Pro Portugal Could Reshape Mid-Season Standings
A World Surf League preview of the Meo Pro Portugal (stop #3 of the 2023 Championship Tour) led with a focus on contest conditions: Supertubos was described as a cold, semi-mobile beachbreak with both left- and right-hand barrel sections and launch zones, and Pico do Fabril, Pico da Mota and Piscinas were listed as backup sites. Forecasters expected plenty of swell but unfavorable winds that could create waiting days.
The preview also summarized roster movements and competitor form. Filipe Toledo arrived in Portugal with a 90% heat-win ratio and carrying a Sunset title, while Sophie McCulloch made her Championship Tour debut after recovering from injury. Ramzi Boukhiam and Jadson Andre withdrew and were replaced by Carlos Muñoz and Joan Duru, and Gatien Delahaye was replaced on the roster by Tiago Carrique. Portugal’s entries included Teresa Bonvalot and wildcards Frederico Morais and Yolanda Hopkins; the preview additionally referenced the Hawaiian leg, noting Jack Robinson and Molly Picklum wearing yellow jerseys.
On fantasy guidance, the article highlighted Italo Ferreira as a prime pick based on strong past results at this venue and recommended John John Florence, Jordy Smith and Kelly Slater as solid choices. Players flagged as riskier fantasy picks included Zeke Lau, Frederico Morais, Kolohe Andino and Ryan Callinan, while Kanoa Igarashi, Yago Dora and Jackson Baker were suggested as potential sleepers. The preview combined surf-condition scouting, roster updates and fantasy strategy to help fans set lineups and anticipate how the stop might influence the mid-season standings.
Shark Sighting at Snapper Rocks Fuels WSL Restart Debate
Shark sightings at professional surfing events have reignited debate over whether halted heats should be resumed or restarted, forcing officials to balance athlete safety with competitive fairness. At the World Surf League’s Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro at Snapper Rocks on Saturday, a 6.5-foot shark sighting forced officials to halt Women’s Round 2, Heat 3 with about five minutes remaining while Caity Simmers, the 2024 world champion, led Vahine Fierro. WSL vice president for Tours and Competition Renato Hickel said the shark was seen within roughly 500 meters. Officials put the heat on hold under established safety protocols while they and the water safety team monitored conditions.
Organizers clarified the interrupted heat would be “resumed” rather than re-surfed and set a procedure that included a 6:45 a.m. call for a possible 7:05 a.m. restart the next day. The decision to schedule a possible restart prompted criticism and controversy over restart rules. The dispute centered on whether the held heat should be resumed with the remaining time or treated as a new heat under restart regulations.
When the competition resumed the following day, Caity Simmers advanced to the next round. The incident underlined an ongoing operational challenge for professional surfing events, as apex predators can temporarily halt contests and prompt on-the-spot procedural decisions that affect heat outcomes, event scheduling, and athlete preparation on the water. Officials and organizers must weigh minimizing risk to surfers against preserving competitive equity, and competitors face practical and ethical questions about how temporary shark sightings should be handled. The articles say there is no easy answer to how events should apply restart or resume rules after in-water interruptions.
WSL revamps CT format, right-point waves reshape early standings
The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) opened the season after a seven-month offseason with a slate of format changes that reshaped early standings. The league removed the Final 5, reinstated cumulative points, eliminated the mid-season cut and non‑elimination rounds, added a new New Zealand venue and introduced bonus points for the Pipeline finale. Four early events across Australia and New Zealand followed, and those rule changes produced a start weighted toward right-point waves that affected the initial rankings and heat outcomes.
On the men’s tour, Brazilian goofy‑footers Italo Ferreira, Miguel Pupo, Gabriel Medina and Yago Dora led the standings after the Oceania events. George Pittar won at Margaret River, while several regular‑footed contenders — including Kanoa Igarashi, Jack Robinson and Jordy Smith — underperformed early in the season.
On the women’s side, Lakey Peterson, Stephanie Gilmore and Carissa Moore won the three most recent events, and 20‑year‑old Sawyer Lindblad moved into the top five following a final and a semifinal. The tour is scheduled next to the Punta Roca stop in El Salvador, then Brazil.
Equipment and shaper trends tracked closely with results. Surfboard Empire’s CT Shaper Rankings presented by Veia showed Lost retook the lead from DHD after the Oceania swing, holding a 9,140‑point advantage; Marcio Zouvi’s Sharp Eye moved into third, leapfrogging Channel Islands.
Individual surfer‑board links also stood out. Carissa Moore recorded her first CT win of the season at Raglan riding a Lost board, and both women’s Raglan finalists rode boards sporting Mayhem decals. Italo Ferreira won on an IF15 model shaped by Simon Jones, a PU build made at the request of his coach Leandro Dora; that same IF15 assisted Timmy Patterson to a win. Matt Biolos remained prominent after three consecutive CT Shaper of the Year titles and a Stab in the Dark All‑Stars win. Lost’s large points cushion positioned the brand as the early favorite for upcoming South American events, with surfers Griffin, Yago, Carissa, Gabriela and Caroline noted as typically strong in those conditions.