The blizzard of online posts, blogs and guess-timations on the so-called ‘Rebel Tour’ continues. For those not up to speed, I’m talking about the news a consortium of investors and sports management companies (and individuals) are banding together with the intention of delivering a new elite professional surfing tour to the public that will eclipse the current world tour events.

The blizzard of online posts, blogs and guess-timations on the so-called ‘Rebel Tour’ continues. For those not up to speed, I’m talking about the news a consortium of investors and sports management companies (and individuals) are banding together with the intention of delivering a new elite professional surfing tour to the public that will eclipse the current world tour events. Namely nine time world champion Kelly Slater’s manager Terry Hardy and former boxing promoter Matt Tinley. These two appear to be the driving force, along with US sports television network ESPN. The plan is said to consist of 16 surfers (eight permanent, eight wildcards) in eight events (each with a prize pool of $1.5million US).

ILL WINDS

While a feverish spin of reports appears to be putting those publicly in favour of change from the current ASP systems (namely Kelly and co) in the firing line of hate, there are also those set to gain who are avoiding scrutiny. Understandably there are companies with vested interests in the current system who feel their healthy slice of surfing pie profit is vulnerable to shrinkage. Either way, surfing magazine websites and professional blogger’s (sic) are going at it – guns blazing. Some contain substance and fact, some recycled crap and hearsay. Despite most surfers being apathetic to this sort of thing the level of interest isn’t surprising as the ASP has been in control of our world champion defining system for decades and any change (or talk of it) deserves discussion. It’s just right now there’s not a whole lot of concrete information to discuss. This is highlighted by the fact top 10 surfers CJ and Damien Hobgood have reported nothing about a ‘Rebel Tour’ on their website (blog.thegoodss.com), nor has top 16 surfer Fred Patachia on his very informative site (insurfnews.com). In fact CJ Hobgood just two days ago Twittered his dismay, “can every piece of journalism have the word rebel-tour in it? still haven’t learned a thing, Amazing journalism! Maybe surfing is boring? 4:36 AM Aug 4th.

KELLY’S COUNTER AND CRACKS

I passed on a story by revered surf journalist (and childhood hero of mine) Phil Jarrett that appeared on the Noosa Journal website to Mr Kelly Slater himself. Kelly was named in the article as the driving force behind it all. And I was surprised by his response, especially considering Phil and Kelly penned a book together. “This is complete and total hearsay,” Kelly said, “and not factual, definitive stuff. All details would be determined as it progresses. I’m fine taking the heat for whatever people think about this being ‘my’ tour or whatever is being said but none of it will exist without the surfers backing it and a realistic way of structuring not only this tour but also everyone’s careers and qualifications that currently exist in a reasonable way.” This rebuttal only highlights reliable information is at a premium, even for our top journo’s. Heck, even this quote from one of the more informative pieces that appeared in The Australian newspaper written by Fred Pawle, titled ‘Rebel surf tour leader ‘very confident’, had moments of vagueness. “An insider to the sport has said, ‘that the world’s top surfers are seriously scared about what they should do next. They don’t want to be the only one who didn’t jump ship if it happens,’ the insider said.” As explained by my Media law and ethics lecturer last week (yes, I’m a mature aged surfer playing catch up on professional qualifications), it’s far from advisable to use sources you cannot name. “From an industry insider.”? And which, “Top surfers…” is he referring to? Top five? Top 10? Top 44?  Look, Fred Pawle is a far better writer than me and I’m certainly not holding the answers. But that’s the point. Information is scarce and those few in the know are saying little. My take is this, if Kelly’s in on it you can be sure Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Taj Burrow, Andy Irons and others of this guild are in the loop (to a point) also. Micks even Twittered on the subject recently “There is a lot of talk about a new tour, this article will give you some insight but nothing has been signed. It could be gr8 for the sport.” / 7:26 AM Aug 3rd from web. Mick’s last line points to him feeling there’s a good vision on offer.

KELLY CONTINUED

The other thing I’ll point out from the email I received from Kelly was his inclusion of the qualification tier of the ASP and the lower ranked surfers in the proposed deal being discussed, “none of it [new tour] will exist without the surfers backing it,” He said. “And a realistic way of structuring not only this tour but also everyone’s careers and qualifications that currently exist in a reasonable way.” So, the worry that eight top guys will be looked after and the rest will go back to washing dishes is unfounded and not of concern (at this stage). And, for those who think Kelly cooked up this idea after his poor start to his tenth ASP world title campaign, think again. Here’s a quote from an interview I did with him right after he’d won his ninth title that appeared in the December issue of Waves 2008, explaining he’d seriously consider joining a breakaway tour. “There’s lots of reasons why I would, not the least of which is that surfing is being held at bay from growing by the system that’s currently in place. It’s huge, worldwide lifestyle sport and loved by millions. It seems only natural that surfing should have bigger money in place and a more efficient media and event outlet happening right now.” Even way back in May 2008 in another interview with Waves he aired his grievances. This time about the fact the money for winning an elite event hadn’t changed in 20 years [comparatively]. “In that time houses have tripled or quadrupled. It’s a little odd to say the least. First-place prize money hasn’t gone up and the money they have put in has gone to the lower-finishing guy. Sure it helps guys get along on the tour, but it certainly isn’t making it anymore prestigious to win an event. At some point in the near future you should receive 100 grand for a win!’ In the same interview he was asked if the pros seem disenchanted with the world tour? “For sure! I think almost everyone is feeling that way. I have some ideas.” He certainly does, by the sounds of things. All we can do in the cheap seats is wait and see. Interesting times, indeed.

– Col B

Pic: Dane Reynolds, rebel in the making?
Credit: Bernasconi