THE World Surf League (WSL) is set to make history this weekend, May 5 and 6, at the Founders’ Cup of Surfing – an event marking a revolution to the sport of surfing, while also celebrating the original Founders.
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“We are unveiling a revolution in sports, but we’re also celebrating the seven Founders of the sport of surfing,” WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt said.
“It’s very appropriate that as we look ahead to what is probably the biggest game changer the sport has ever seen, we’re also really appreciating and looking back to those who came before us.
“This event takes surfing to a much broader audience and the world will experience it.”
Australia Team captain and six-time WSL Champion, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) leads the team that includes surfing’s most decorated champions – including Culburra Beach’s Tyler Wright.
The Aussies are excited for the team dynamic that this event presents as it brings them together more than ever in hopes of achieving bragging rights as the world’s best team.
But, while Australia has 11 World Titles among them, USA Team claims 16 – although, 11 of them belong to team captain and WSL Surf Ranch innovator Kelly Slater (USA).
Slater is joined by a lethal force of power and progression from back-to-back WSL Champion John John Florence (USA) to California’s newest World Title contender Lakey Peterson (USA).
Brazil’s dominance over the sport of surfing in the five years has been potent, but it was Adriano De Souza (BRA) who truly paved the wave for their current stars.
The 2015 WSL Champion began his career as a Championship Tour (CT) competitor over ten years ago and now represents his country proudly alongside some of the world’s most innovative surfers – including 2014 WSL Champion and team captain Gabriel Medina (BRA), and Filipe Toledo (BRA).
But, among seasoned veterans, a new face will debut to the world that may not have been familiar with her success at the World Junior Championship earlier this year, Taina Hinckel (BRA).
Johanne Defay (FRA) will lead Europe Team into the arena for weekend action as they vie for their spot at the top.
Defay is joined by fellow Reunion Island surfer Jeremy Flores (FRA), Portugal’s top competitor Frederico Morais (PRT), Italian’s most prominent talent Leonardo Fiorvanti (ITL), and a Californian, who charges the likes of Tahiti’s famed Teahupoo, representing her German heritage Frankie Harrer (DEU).
A diverse team, Europe will certainly be one to keep an eye on for possible upsetters.
Representing the rest of the globe as World Team, its captain Jordy Smith (ZAF) and some of the world’s best have some weight on his shoulders to do so proudly.
But, Smith is joined by an elite group of power surfers and innovators that have plenty in their resume to be a threat at the Founders’ Cup of Surfing.
