7 Reasons You Should Watch A WCT Event Live

Last Updated on November 29, 2023 by Matt Hapgood

5-6 Minute Read

Watching the World’s best compete in a professional surfing contest is an experience like no other.

If you’re a surfer, or just someone looking for a great day out, here are seven reasons why you should go and watch a World Championship Tour event, or WCT, live and in person.

1. YOU SEE HOW GOOD THE TOP PROS REALLY ARE

One of the primary reasons to go and watch a pro surf contest is the chance to watch the best surfers in action. These guys and girls are at the top of their game and often lay it all on the line in a critical heat.

Watching live, you realize how solid they are on their feet, and how often they are in total control of their boards. Another thing I’ve noticed, and of course priority plays a role here, is the number of mediocre waves they let go by – and they all seem to have the ability to identify the good waves. It’s cool to see how they position themselves in the lineup, oftentimes getting into the perfect spot when the best waves come. 

2. YOU CAN SURF WITH YOUR HEROES

If you are hanging around the contest site or the town where the contest will be held, you will often see the top pro’s out and about or practicing in the surf. And if you are in the water at the same time, it can be great to share a few waves with the best in the world.

Back when the ‘CT used to roll around into Coolangatta, Australia, I was surfing the contest site one jam-packed morning. As I was paddling back up the point a big set reared up and none other than Joel Parkinson was in the spot and took the wave. A big pack of us were caught a little inside and Parko casually lofted a huge alley-oop right over the top of me. I would have complimented him on his surfing ability, but never saw him again in the crowded lineup!

3. FEEL THE ENERGY WHEN A HOMETOWN HERO HITS THE WATER

It’s weird to say the beach has an atmosphere, but when you are in the thick of it amongst the crowd when one of the ‘big dogs’ hits the water, the energy is incredible and you really feel it – something you categorically do not get when watching an event on the tv.

Last year, when I was at the Rip Curl Pro in Peniche, Portugal, the buzz when Italo Ferreira hit the lineup was nuts. As soon as he ran down the beach to the water’s edge, the whole crowd seemed to stand up and start cheering. He didn’t go on to win the contest, but it was definitely a moment to remember.

4. GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE BEST IN THE WORLD 

If you keep your eyes peeled, you can sometimes find yourself literally sitting next to some of the best surf athletes on the planet.

I’ve heard that some like to get away from the tension and stress of hanging out in the private athlete’s area and hit the sand to blend in with the crowds. Without realizing it, I’ve sat next to Carissa Moore amongst others – and if it’s not a crucial time, these guys are more than happy to make a quick selfie for your Insta!

5. FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING WRONG IN THE WATER

I mentioned how good these guys are when it comes to positioning in the lineup, but there are loads of other tips you can take home.

Look at how they take the drop, their body positioning through turns and the way these guys figure out what the wave is going to do as they are paddling in. While we’re on the subject of paddling, check how much energy they put into the paddle – they really motor to get going into the waves.

If there’s time at the end of the day once the comp is done, you can get suited up and snag a few waves to practice what you’ve learned just before dark.

6. ENJOY THE RAZZAMATAZZ

At pretty much all of the stops on tour these days, the contest site is waaay more than just a judging tower and a portaloo. The WSL has a pop-up shop, and event sponsors will have some sort of booth, store, or stand doing giveaways.

Grab yourself a free t-shirt, or buy some contest merch – And if you don’t fancy that, there’s always a tonne of food trucks selling everything you can imagine from tacos and nachos to donuts and dumplings.

7. INCORPORATE IT INTO A SURF TRIP

Finally, the best way to enjoy one of the top surf contests is to make a trip out of it. Hawaii is probably the ultimate surf destination if you’re a surfer – and currently, there’s a WQS event late in the year, and then two WCT events at the beginning of the year. It may be a stretch financially, but a trip to Hawaii is one you will never forget. And if you don’t make it all the way to The Aloha State, there are a load of other events to choose from throughout the year.

Our Pick: Rip Curl Pro, Peniche, Portugal
About an hour North of Lisbon, and an hour South of Nazaré is the surfing mecca of Peniche. The way the coast is set up here is a dream – Check out a map, and you’ll see there are beaches that face in nearly every direction! Sure, it can be crazy and crowded at times, but the setup is hard to beat. Book a cheap place to stay and get a hire car, and you are all set for an epic time.