The SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay has attracted over 100 surfers from across the globe, competing for a coveted spot in the World Surf League’s championship tour. This thrilling event, taking place next to the iconic Morro Rock, showcases the best of North American surfing talent and runs through the weekend.
Key Takeaways
- Over 100 competitors are vying for a place in the World Surf League’s championship tour.
- The event is hosted by Surfing for Hope, promoting awareness and support for those affected by cancer.
- The competition features both male and female surfers from various countries, including the U.S., Peru, Canada, and Brazil.
Event Overview
The SLO CAL Open, part of the World Surf League’s Qualifying Series (QS) 1000, kicked off on Thursday morning with professional surfers hitting the waves in Morro Bay. The event is designed to highlight the best male and female surfers in the North American region, with competitors battling it out in the Men’s Round of 104 and Round of 96.
Surfer Shane Frontino, who unexpectedly joined the competition as an alternate, expressed his excitement about participating. "It’s a little slopeier at the rock but it’s fun to slow down in a sense. Other waves are much steeper and you have to work for it and you have to choose your lines correctly," he said.
Community Impact
The SLO CAL Open is not just a surfing competition; it also plays a significant role in boosting local tourism and economy. According to Visit SLO CAL, travel spending in 2023 generated $110 million in local tax revenue, with events like this contributing to the overall economic health of the region.
Local businesses are benefiting from the influx of visitors. Paige Rogge, a San Diego resident, shared her experience: "Visiting Morro Bay, this morning we went to Buttercup Bakery. That place was so good. Their breakfast burrito was amazing. We went to SLO yesterday and went to the farmers market. That was fun.”
Surfing for Hope
The event is hosted by Surfing for Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals cope with cancer and other illnesses through the sport of surfing. Bob Voglin, an ambassador for the organization, emphasized the importance of surfing in his life and its role in supporting others. "Surfing was such an important part all through my life from 10 years old to now, almost 75," he stated.
Looking Ahead
As the competition continues through the weekend, surfers are eager to advance to the next rounds, with hopes of securing a place in the WSL’s Championship Tour in 2025. The event wraps up on Sunday, with activities starting at 8 a.m. each day, promising more thrilling action on the waves.
The SLO CAL Open not only showcases incredible surfing talent but also fosters community spirit and economic growth, making it a highlight of the local calendar.
