Texas’ ban on sports betting and other gambling activities should not prevent you from engaging deeply with your favorite sports. Texans who enjoy surfing or love watching professional surfing competitions can now participate in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), a thrilling alternative to sports betting. It is legal and regulated, thanks to reputable DFS platforms like Underdog Fantasy. Unlike traditional DFS, Underdog Fantasy offers single-event WSL Daily Fantasy Sports contests, allowing players to make predictions based on expected performance.
At NXTbets, we are committed to helping you and other sports enthusiasts learn more about your favorite sporting events, teams, and athletes. We also offer in-depth information and insights regarding Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and guidance on responsible gaming practices. Continue reading to discover more about WSL Daily Fantasy Sports contests in Texas.
Draftkings DFS
Get 3 Tickets to Play Free for Your Shot at a Share of Millions in Prizes!
You can test your surfing knowledge and prediction ability by engaging in World Surf League (WSL)Daily Fantasy Sport (DFS) contests. Texas recognizes Daily Fantasy Sports as a skill-based activity, hence its ready acceptance. Through the secure and user-friendly Underdog Fantasy, citizens (and residents) can engage in WSL DFS contests tailored to their preferences.
Underdog Fantasy also provides safe gaming tools and resources, allowing DFS players to stay within their limits and detach where necessary. Its outstanding features include a simple user interface, secure deposit and withdrawal methods, innovative contest formats, and compliant gameplay. Below is how to open an account with the platform.
Step-By-Step Guide to Playing WSL DFS on Underdog Fantasy in Texas
Follow these steps to begin your WSL Daily Fantasy Sports journey with Underdog Fantasy:
Step 1: Create Your Underground Fantasy Account
Visit the official Underground Fantasy website. Alternatively, you can download the mobile application (available for both Android and iOS devices)
Click the signup button and enter the relevant details. These include your username, email address, and password.
Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions. The first condition is that you must be at least 18 years old.
As a general rule, Underdog Fantasy will ask you to verify your identity by uploading a relevant document or offering additional information. Be prompt and honest for swift verification.
Step 2: Adding Funds to Your Account
The second step is to fund your account. You will choose between different deposit methods, i.e., bank transfers, PayPal, and credit/debit cards. Underdog Fantasy has a minimum deposit threshold of $10. Before funding your account, remember that the platform mostly has a deposit match-up signup bonus. It will match your deposit to a certain amount, usually $1,000.
For a long, successful, and sustainable experience, set a budget for your Daily Fantasy Sports activities, which should be drawn from your monthly entertainment budget. Watch out for and claim promotions to maximize your stake or bankroll as you continue playing.
Step 3: Choosing a WSL DFS Contest Format
You can choose between the following contests when engaging in Underdog Fantasy DFS:
Higher/Lower Contests: Here, you will predict against a specific surfer metric. Common metrics include heat rankings and wave scores.
Pick’em Contests: In a Pick’em contest, participants choose whether the athlete’s performance will be better or worse than the projected stats.
Best Ball Contests: Here, you will choose athletes whose cumulative performance will guarantee the highest points.
Begin with simpler formats like pick’em or higher/lower if you are a beginner. Consider the sophisticated or more challenging ones after gaining experience. To get a feel for the sport and make informed selections, explore how WSL DFS works and key strategies to improve your gameplay.
Step 4- Making Your Surfer Selections
Here are a few tips for making great selections:
Review every surfer’s statistics, including their ranking and recent performances.
Analyze event-related conditions like beach dynamics and the wave forecast.
Make head-to-head comparisons of surfers in the same heat to help you ascertain their relative strengths.
Take your time choosing athletes, as your DFS outcome largely depends on your selections. Submit your entry once you have made your selection.
Step 5- Monitoring Performance and Withdrawing Winnings
The fifth step is to monitor your performance and withdraw your winnings if successful. Here are a few helpful tips:
Track your WSL Daily Fantasy Sports performance using Underdog Fantasy’s dashboard or live scoring feature.
Understand the platform’s scoring system. Underdog Fantasy heavily rewards consistency and high wave scores.
To withdraw your winnings, either use direct bank transfer or PayPal. Choose PayPal for faster withdrawals. You can reinvest some of your winnings into upcoming contests and use the rest as you wish.
Top Strategies for WSL DFS Success
Consider the following strategies when participating in World Surf League DFS as they may enhance your chances of success:
Researching Surfer Stats and Beach Conditions
Always review relevant stats like the surfer’s recent competitions, paying close attention to their peak performance and consistency.
Factors like watertemperature and wavelength can affect WSL outcomes, making studying beach conditions necessary.
For those also interested in betting, understanding how to bet on World Surf League events can provide additional insights into how competitions unfold and which surfers have the best odds of winning.
Mastering the Underdog Fantasy Scoring System
Examine how Underdog Fantasy awards points for different aspects and stages, including wave scores, event outcomes, and heat strikes.
Once you understand the scoring system, align your selections with relevant scoring metrics to enhance your chances of success.
Diversifying Your Entry Selections
Entry diversification minimizes your risk exposure. You can diversify your entry selections by:
Entering a handful of contests (without overstretching your budget or going against your DFS strategy) with different surfers.
Not relying on a single prediction or contest.
Legality of Playing WSL DFS in Texas
Texas is known for its anti-gambling laws. Therefore, one may wonder about its stance on Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). While gambling or sports betting remains prohibited in Texas, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is allowed. DFS operates under a different law. It is classified under real-money gaming, not gambling.
Unlike sports betting, DFS is often seen as an activity that leans more toward strategic decision-making than chance. Texas allows platforms like Underdog Fantasy to operate freely as long as they comply with state gaming laws. For example, DFS participants must be at least 18 years old in Texas.
Conclusion
World Surf League events are heavily engaging. World Surf League DFS offers Texas residents an exciting way to interact with their favorite competitions beyond casual viewing. Underdog Fantasy allows WSL fans and other sports enthusiasts to explore the delightful world of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests. To play, create an Underdog Fantasy DFS account, fund it, choose your preferred WSL DFS format, make your selections, and submit your entry. Lastly, monitor results and withdraw your money if you succeed.
At NXTbets, we offer in-depth information and data on the World Surf League and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). We target niche sports lovers and enthusiasts, furnishing them with in-depth information regarding their favorite sports. Continue reading our blogs and subscribe to our newsletter for expert DFS insights, amazing offers, and timely updates. To stay informed about upcoming DFS opportunities and expert analysis, visit NXTbets’ WSL DFS section and start your DFS journey today!
Draftkings DFS
Get 3 Tickets to Play Free for Your Shot at a Share of Millions in Prizes!
Yes. Texas is famous for its strict position on sports betting and other forms of gambling. However, it has embraced Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), which many consider a refined sports betting alternative. Thanks to reputable platforms like Underground Fantasy, you can enjoy World Surf League DFS in Texas.
How Does DFS Differ From Traditional Fantasy Sports?
Here are the main differences between traditional fantasy sports and DFS:
DFS offers short-term contests, while conventional fantasy sports contests are season-long.
DFS focuses on individual performance, while traditional fantasy sports is more premised on teams.
How Can I Change My Surfer Picks After Submitting Them?
Unfortunately, Underdog Fantasy does not allow you to alter your picks after submission. Thoroughly review your selections before submitting them.
What is the Minimum Age to Play DFS on Underdog Fantasy in Texas?
You should be at least 18 years old to enjoy Underdog Fantasy’s DFS contests in Texas. The platform will confirm your age when you sign up through mandatory ID verification.
How Do I Know If There Are Any Promotions Available?
Check Underdog Fantasy’s promotions page (on the app or website) for promos or bonuses. You can also subscribe to NXTbets’ newsletter for timely updates.
Are Winnings From DFS Taxable in Texas?
Yes. You should pay federal income tax from your DFS winnings. Consult a tax expert for more information.
Can I Set Responsible Play Limits on My Underdog Fantasy Account?
Yes. Underdog Fantasy has several helpful safety tools. You can limit your deposits, restrict contest entry, and use self-exclusion tools.
How Does Underdog Fantasy Handle Withdrawals for Texas Residents?
Texas residents can process Underdog Fantasy withdrawals through PayPal or direct bank transfers. Choose PayPal for fast withdrawals.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
The World Surf League restructured the 2022 Championship Tour, combining the men’s and women’s schedules and moving the Pipe Masters to the season opener. It replaced the traditional world-title decider with a one-off Final Five event, reinstated a midseason cut after five events that halves the field, mirrored men’s and women’s schedules across all stops, and created a Challenger Series to give top regional Qualifying Series surfers and CT rejects a pathway back to the Tour — including a slot for the 2023 Championship Tour. League officials said the changes were intended to stage more contests in better conditions and to drive progression; at the time of reporting the Final Five location had not been announced.
Those structural changes reshaped competition and the pathways for athletes. Critics argued the revisions reduce opportunities for late-season comebacks and surprise upsets, citing Jack Robinson’s drop from 12th in 2021 to 26th as an example of a result that could be affected by a midseason cut. Wildcards and replacement surfers strongly impacted event outcomes, even as veteran competitors such as Kelly Slater continued to win amid increased flux, and former champion Mick Fanning made a wildcard return to Bells Beach after retiring. Reporting also referenced Simon Anderson’s invention of the thruster as part of the sport’s ongoing technical progression.
The format changes intersected with other storylines on the Tour: Bells Beach returned to the CT for the first time since 2018 after COVID-related breaks, and Italo Ferreira’s 2018 Bells win was noted as a precursor to his 2019 world title and Olympic gold. The WSL’s revisions produced headline championship outcomes — reporting cited both Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina as entering finals ranked No. 1 and claiming world titles — while raising questions about whether the new format will accelerate performance and innovation or erode underdog narratives and unpredictability. The preview also flagged mental-health leaves for Gabriel Medina and Caroline Marks as a notable subplot affecting top competitors.
Teresa Bonvalot and Cole Houshmand opened the 2026 World Surf League Challenger Series with victories at the Ballito Pro in Ballito, South Africa, on July 18. Bonvalot, from Cascais, Portugal, beat her compatriot Francisca Veselko in the women’s final, while Houshmand, from San Clemente, California, defeated Brazil’s Weslley Dantas to win the men’s title and his second Ballito Pro crown.
Bonvalot became the first Portuguese woman to win the Ballito Pro in the event’s 57-year history. The result gave her a second Challenger Series win and came after she returned to competition following foot surgery tied to sea urchin spine complications. She had competed for Portugal at the 2024 Olympics and also surfed Championship Tour events as a wildcard, though she had not yet qualified for the Championship Tour at the time of the event.
Houshmand, who also won at Ballito in 2023, earned his second Challenger Series victory with an 8.90 ride score in the final. Both winners left Ballito wearing the yellow leader’s jerseys as the Challenger Series moved on to the Lexus US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. The Ballito Pro field included seven Championship Tour men and seven Championship Tour women, with the Challenger Series serving as a backup route for surfers near the bottom of the Championship Tour.
The World Surf League (WSL) awarded Kauai-based Tatiana Weston‑Webb (BRA) a wildcard to the VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero, which is scheduled to run June 19–27 at Praia de Itaúna in Saquarema. The Rio appearance will be Weston‑Webb’s first competition since the birth of her daughter, Bia, and follows a midseason withdrawal in 2025 for mental health reasons and a later pregnancy announcement; she last surfed at Saquarema while pregnant.
Weston‑Webb said the comeback will be emotional with Bia by her side and that motherhood has given her greater emotional strength, maturity and gratitude. She said she intends to compete “in a lighter way” while maintaining her intensity and desire to win. The wildcard gives her a competitive opportunity and a first step toward her stated goal of returning to the Championship Tour in 2026, while reconnecting with Brazilian fans at a familiar venue. Ivan Martinho, President of WSL Latin America, said her bond with Praia de Itaúna and its spectators will make the return memorable and called the selection meaningful for local supporters.
A new video edit titled “Fail to Fiji” chronicles Jacob Willcox’s mental recovery after injury, competitive setbacks and narrowly missing requalification for the World Surf League Championship Tour. Filmmaker Chipo framed the six-month edit around the mental toll of Willcox’s injury and the Newcastle loss, following the Western Australian as he chased swells, tried to rediscover his “why” and ultimately traveled to Fiji to reset and reflect.
Willcox was relegated from the Championship Tour in 2024 and launched a bid to requalify for the 2026 CT. He began the campaign by winning the season’s first Challenger Series event and received a wildcard into the Margaret River Pro, where he beat fellow Australian Oscar Berry in Round One before drawing world champion Yago Dora. Judges did not uphold Dora’s interference claim in that heat, which led to heated words in the water and an alleged on-land confrontation. An injury at the US Open sidelined Willcox for several events and he later suffered an ankle tweak that required rehabilitation. After his promising start his form dipped, producing results of 9th, 25th, 49th, 33rd and 13th at subsequent events. He entered the tour’s final stop at Newcastle sitting 10th in the rankings, finished 49th there and dropped to 12th, missing the top-10 cutoff for automatic promotion back to the CT. The edit and reporting say the injury and a missed heat win in Newcastle cost him requalification.
Willcox said he struggled with “head noise” on the trip home. He chased a Pacific swell to Fiji, linked up with former CT surfer Wade Carmichael and surfed Cloudbreak. He said time in the ocean brought him peace and perspective, and the final footage of the edit is intended to remind viewers why he believes he belongs on the Championship Tour. Willcox intends to return to the Challenger Series for another qualification attempt this year.
How to Play World Surf League DFS in Texas
Texas’ ban on sports betting and other gambling activities should not prevent you from engaging deeply with your favorite sports. Texans who enjoy surfing or love watching professional surfing competitions can now participate in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), a thrilling alternative to sports betting. It is legal and regulated, thanks to reputable DFS platforms like Underdog Fantasy. Unlike traditional DFS, Underdog Fantasy offers single-event WSL Daily Fantasy Sports contests, allowing players to make predictions based on expected performance.
At NXTbets, we are committed to helping you and other sports enthusiasts learn more about your favorite sporting events, teams, and athletes. We also offer in-depth information and insights regarding Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and guidance on responsible gaming practices. Continue reading to discover more about WSL Daily Fantasy Sports contests in Texas.
Introduction to World Surf League DFS in Texas
You can test your surfing knowledge and prediction ability by engaging in World Surf League (WSL) Daily Fantasy Sport (DFS) contests. Texas recognizes Daily Fantasy Sports as a skill-based activity, hence its ready acceptance. Through the secure and user-friendly Underdog Fantasy, citizens (and residents) can engage in WSL DFS contests tailored to their preferences.
Underdog Fantasy also provides safe gaming tools and resources, allowing DFS players to stay within their limits and detach where necessary. Its outstanding features include a simple user interface, secure deposit and withdrawal methods, innovative contest formats, and compliant gameplay. Below is how to open an account with the platform.
Step-By-Step Guide to Playing WSL DFS on Underdog Fantasy in Texas
Follow these steps to begin your WSL Daily Fantasy Sports journey with Underdog Fantasy:
Step 1: Create Your Underground Fantasy Account
As a general rule, Underdog Fantasy will ask you to verify your identity by uploading a relevant document or offering additional information. Be prompt and honest for swift verification.
Step 2: Adding Funds to Your Account
The second step is to fund your account. You will choose between different deposit methods, i.e., bank transfers, PayPal, and credit/debit cards. Underdog Fantasy has a minimum deposit threshold of $10. Before funding your account, remember that the platform mostly has a deposit match-up signup bonus. It will match your deposit to a certain amount, usually $1,000.
For a long, successful, and sustainable experience, set a budget for your Daily Fantasy Sports activities, which should be drawn from your monthly entertainment budget. Watch out for and claim promotions to maximize your stake or bankroll as you continue playing.
Step 3: Choosing a WSL DFS Contest Format
You can choose between the following contests when engaging in Underdog Fantasy DFS:
Begin with simpler formats like pick’em or higher/lower if you are a beginner. Consider the sophisticated or more challenging ones after gaining experience. To get a feel for the sport and make informed selections, explore how WSL DFS works and key strategies to improve your gameplay.
Step 4- Making Your Surfer Selections
Here are a few tips for making great selections:
Take your time choosing athletes, as your DFS outcome largely depends on your selections. Submit your entry once you have made your selection.
Step 5- Monitoring Performance and Withdrawing Winnings
The fifth step is to monitor your performance and withdraw your winnings if successful. Here are a few helpful tips:
To withdraw your winnings, either use direct bank transfer or PayPal. Choose PayPal for faster withdrawals. You can reinvest some of your winnings into upcoming contests and use the rest as you wish.
Top Strategies for WSL DFS Success
Consider the following strategies when participating in World Surf League DFS as they may enhance your chances of success:
Researching Surfer Stats and Beach Conditions
For those also interested in betting, understanding how to bet on World Surf League events can provide additional insights into how competitions unfold and which surfers have the best odds of winning.
Mastering the Underdog Fantasy Scoring System
Diversifying Your Entry Selections
Entry diversification minimizes your risk exposure. You can diversify your entry selections by:
Legality of Playing WSL DFS in Texas
Texas is known for its anti-gambling laws. Therefore, one may wonder about its stance on Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). While gambling or sports betting remains prohibited in Texas, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is allowed. DFS operates under a different law. It is classified under real-money gaming, not gambling.
Unlike sports betting, DFS is often seen as an activity that leans more toward strategic decision-making than chance. Texas allows platforms like Underdog Fantasy to operate freely as long as they comply with state gaming laws. For example, DFS participants must be at least 18 years old in Texas.
Conclusion
World Surf League events are heavily engaging. World Surf League DFS offers Texas residents an exciting way to interact with their favorite competitions beyond casual viewing. Underdog Fantasy allows WSL fans and other sports enthusiasts to explore the delightful world of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests. To play, create an Underdog Fantasy DFS account, fund it, choose your preferred WSL DFS format, make your selections, and submit your entry. Lastly, monitor results and withdraw your money if you succeed.
At NXTbets, we offer in-depth information and data on the World Surf League and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). We target niche sports lovers and enthusiasts, furnishing them with in-depth information regarding their favorite sports. Continue reading our blogs and subscribe to our newsletter for expert DFS insights, amazing offers, and timely updates. To stay informed about upcoming DFS opportunities and expert analysis, visit NXTbets’ WSL DFS section and start your DFS journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Texas is famous for its strict position on sports betting and other forms of gambling. However, it has embraced Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), which many consider a refined sports betting alternative. Thanks to reputable platforms like Underground Fantasy, you can enjoy World Surf League DFS in Texas.
Here are the main differences between traditional fantasy sports and DFS:
Unfortunately, Underdog Fantasy does not allow you to alter your picks after submission. Thoroughly review your selections before submitting them.
You should be at least 18 years old to enjoy Underdog Fantasy’s DFS contests in Texas. The platform will confirm your age when you sign up through mandatory ID verification.
Check Underdog Fantasy’s promotions page (on the app or website) for promos or bonuses. You can also subscribe to NXTbets’ newsletter for timely updates.
Yes. You should pay federal income tax from your DFS winnings. Consult a tax expert for more information.
Yes. Underdog Fantasy has several helpful safety tools. You can limit your deposits, restrict contest entry, and use self-exclusion tools.
Texas residents can process Underdog Fantasy withdrawals through PayPal or direct bank transfers. Choose PayPal for fast withdrawals.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Related Posts
WSL revamps CT: Final Five, midseason cut, Challenger Series
The World Surf League restructured the 2022 Championship Tour, combining the men’s and women’s schedules and moving the Pipe Masters to the season opener. It replaced the traditional world-title decider with a one-off Final Five event, reinstated a midseason cut after five events that halves the field, mirrored men’s and women’s schedules across all stops, and created a Challenger Series to give top regional Qualifying Series surfers and CT rejects a pathway back to the Tour — including a slot for the 2023 Championship Tour. League officials said the changes were intended to stage more contests in better conditions and to drive progression; at the time of reporting the Final Five location had not been announced.
Those structural changes reshaped competition and the pathways for athletes. Critics argued the revisions reduce opportunities for late-season comebacks and surprise upsets, citing Jack Robinson’s drop from 12th in 2021 to 26th as an example of a result that could be affected by a midseason cut. Wildcards and replacement surfers strongly impacted event outcomes, even as veteran competitors such as Kelly Slater continued to win amid increased flux, and former champion Mick Fanning made a wildcard return to Bells Beach after retiring. Reporting also referenced Simon Anderson’s invention of the thruster as part of the sport’s ongoing technical progression.
The format changes intersected with other storylines on the Tour: Bells Beach returned to the CT for the first time since 2018 after COVID-related breaks, and Italo Ferreira’s 2018 Bells win was noted as a precursor to his 2019 world title and Olympic gold. The WSL’s revisions produced headline championship outcomes — reporting cited both Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina as entering finals ranked No. 1 and claiming world titles — while raising questions about whether the new format will accelerate performance and innovation or erode underdog narratives and unpredictability. The preview also flagged mental-health leaves for Gabriel Medina and Caroline Marks as a notable subplot affecting top competitors.
Ballito Pro Crowns Bonvalot and Houshmand as Series Begins
Teresa Bonvalot and Cole Houshmand opened the 2026 World Surf League Challenger Series with victories at the Ballito Pro in Ballito, South Africa, on July 18. Bonvalot, from Cascais, Portugal, beat her compatriot Francisca Veselko in the women’s final, while Houshmand, from San Clemente, California, defeated Brazil’s Weslley Dantas to win the men’s title and his second Ballito Pro crown.
Bonvalot became the first Portuguese woman to win the Ballito Pro in the event’s 57-year history. The result gave her a second Challenger Series win and came after she returned to competition following foot surgery tied to sea urchin spine complications. She had competed for Portugal at the 2024 Olympics and also surfed Championship Tour events as a wildcard, though she had not yet qualified for the Championship Tour at the time of the event.
Houshmand, who also won at Ballito in 2023, earned his second Challenger Series victory with an 8.90 ride score in the final. Both winners left Ballito wearing the yellow leader’s jerseys as the Challenger Series moved on to the Lexus US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. The Ballito Pro field included seven Championship Tour men and seven Championship Tour women, with the Challenger Series serving as a backup route for surfers near the bottom of the Championship Tour.
WSL grants Tatiana Weston-Webb wildcard for VIVO Rio Pro return
The World Surf League (WSL) awarded Kauai-based Tatiana Weston‑Webb (BRA) a wildcard to the VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero, which is scheduled to run June 19–27 at Praia de Itaúna in Saquarema. The Rio appearance will be Weston‑Webb’s first competition since the birth of her daughter, Bia, and follows a midseason withdrawal in 2025 for mental health reasons and a later pregnancy announcement; she last surfed at Saquarema while pregnant.
Weston‑Webb said the comeback will be emotional with Bia by her side and that motherhood has given her greater emotional strength, maturity and gratitude. She said she intends to compete “in a lighter way” while maintaining her intensity and desire to win. The wildcard gives her a competitive opportunity and a first step toward her stated goal of returning to the Championship Tour in 2026, while reconnecting with Brazilian fans at a familiar venue. Ivan Martinho, President of WSL Latin America, said her bond with Praia de Itaúna and its spectators will make the return memorable and called the selection meaningful for local supporters.
Willcox rebounds after CT exit, readies Challenger bid
A new video edit titled “Fail to Fiji” chronicles Jacob Willcox’s mental recovery after injury, competitive setbacks and narrowly missing requalification for the World Surf League Championship Tour. Filmmaker Chipo framed the six-month edit around the mental toll of Willcox’s injury and the Newcastle loss, following the Western Australian as he chased swells, tried to rediscover his “why” and ultimately traveled to Fiji to reset and reflect.
Willcox was relegated from the Championship Tour in 2024 and launched a bid to requalify for the 2026 CT. He began the campaign by winning the season’s first Challenger Series event and received a wildcard into the Margaret River Pro, where he beat fellow Australian Oscar Berry in Round One before drawing world champion Yago Dora. Judges did not uphold Dora’s interference claim in that heat, which led to heated words in the water and an alleged on-land confrontation. An injury at the US Open sidelined Willcox for several events and he later suffered an ankle tweak that required rehabilitation. After his promising start his form dipped, producing results of 9th, 25th, 49th, 33rd and 13th at subsequent events. He entered the tour’s final stop at Newcastle sitting 10th in the rankings, finished 49th there and dropped to 12th, missing the top-10 cutoff for automatic promotion back to the CT. The edit and reporting say the injury and a missed heat win in Newcastle cost him requalification.
Willcox said he struggled with “head noise” on the trip home. He chased a Pacific swell to Fiji, linked up with former CT surfer Wade Carmichael and surfed Cloudbreak. He said time in the ocean brought him peace and perspective, and the final footage of the edit is intended to remind viewers why he believes he belongs on the Championship Tour. Willcox intends to return to the Challenger Series for another qualification attempt this year.