With sporting events back in full force for 2022, we’re seeing the long-awaited return of surfing events within Asia and most especially, in the Philippines.

We recently had a chat with Ty Sorati, the Tour Manager for WSL APAC, about what we can expect this year as well as the future of professional surfing competitions in Asia. 

More Opportunities for Surfers from Asia

With the new format, surfers from various regions across the globe now have the chance to increase their points without having to compete around the world. Surfers can simply stay within their region and participate in various WSL competitions and collect their points throughout the year sans the cost of traveling to farther countries. 

 Whoever finishes at the top — in Asia’s case, it’s the top 7 for men’s and top 6 for women’s — will make the cut.

This means that even our local homegrown surfers like Marama Tokong, Roger Casugay, Jayr Esquivel, Nilbie Blancada, Neil Sanchez, and the likes, can simply go around Asia to earn their points. This is good news, especially coming off the longest lockdown in the world and still in the process of gathering more support financially from sponsors and various government sectors in the Philippines.

Upcoming WSL 1000 in Siargao

Speaking of events, the largest surf competition in the country is coming real soon and it’s happening at none other than the surfing capital of the PH.

“We want to see more events in places like the Philippines.”

Come October 15 to 21, Siargao will be the venue for the first WSL 1000 in the Philippines this year. It will feature both men’s and women’s qualifiers, giving the recognition for Philippine and Asian women surfers that’s long been overdue. Winners from each qualifier gets 1000 points to add to their name, with Marama Tokong also looking to defend his title from the last WSL surf competition held in Cloud 9 back in 2019.

After this highly anticipated event, there will also be more surf events through Asia that Filipino surfers can head to like Taiwan and Japan.

For more information you can check out https://www.worldsurfleague.com