The World Surf League’s 2021 Women’s Championship Tour will begin with the Maui Pro presented by ROXY at Honolua Bay next month. The contest will be tailored for live-streaming and held without spectators. Four-time WSL World Champion Carissa Moore of Hawaii is pictured at the 2018 contest. PHOTO BY WSL/SLOANE.

WEST MAUI — The World Surf League (WSL) last week confirmed the launch of the 2021 Championship Tour (CT) in Hawaii, with the women slated to compete at the Maui Pro presented by ROXY at Honolua Bay.

Providing flexibility to hold the contest in the best waves possible, the holding period for the event will be Dec. 4-15.

On Oahu’s North Shore, the Men’s Championship Tour will begin at the Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask from Dec. 8-20, followed by the Sunset Open — an event for both the men’s and women’s tours — from Jan. 19-28, 2021.

Under an agreement with the State of Hawaii and the counties of Maui and Honolulu, the Maui Pro and Billabong Pipe Masters will be non-spectator, broadcast-only productions that will be streamed live on WorldSurfLeague.com and carried locally by the Spectrum SURF Channel.

The Hawaii competitions will adhere to all county and state COVID guidance, as well as to each competition’s WSL COVID Safety Plan developed in consultation with medical experts and in accordance with the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention best practices.

These measures include mandatory COVID tests for athletes and staff, physical distancing, daily temperature checks and mandatory mask wearing.

“We’re excited to be working with the WSL to kick off the Women’s Championship Tour right here on Maui,” said Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino.

“I am so excited about WSL’s announcement to start the 2021 Championship Tour this December in Hawaii — Honolua Bay, Maui for the women and Pipeline, Oahu for the men,” said four-time WSL World Champion and Hawaii-born Carissa Moore.

“Hawaii is such a big part of surfing history and culture, and there is no better place to start a season and end a challenging year on a positive note. I want to express my appreciation to everyone involved in making these competitions happen, including the WSL, the State of Hawaii and all the amazing fans for their support,” Moore continued.

“As we all continue to navigate these unprecedented times and adapt to a new norm, we are so grateful for the good vibes coming our way from all of the fans who will be watching from home this year in order to keep everyone safe. I hope there is some good swell to offer and we can put on a great show!”

In 2018, the World Surf League announced the awarding of equal prize money to male and female athletes for every WSL-controlled competition, and for the first time ever in the 2021 CT season, there will be the same number of competitions for men and women.

As it has done for decades, the WSL is prioritizing local hiring and vendors to ensure the broadcast-only productions on Maui and Oahu directly support the local economy.

For more information, visit WorldSurfLeague.com.