The WSL announced today in a press release that it will be entering the world of aerials championships through two tournaments, an invitational tournament at the CT in France and a demonstration tournament at the CT in Slater Pool.

The first will feature a combination of 18 of the top CT competitors and free surfers, expect Chippa Wilson, Filipe Toledo, Mikey Wright, and Albee Layer. The second will be an exhibition held after the competition day on September 6 and will feature Layer and Wilson plus two CT competitors.

The move revives the defunct aerials-only tournaments and brings to the WSL's range of tournaments a sector that was somewhat forgotten. "Befriending" so to speak very influential surfers such as Albee Layer, who has been critical of the organization, Chippa Wilson himself and who knows, we might not be able to expect to see Noa Deane around.

In addition, the WSL hired none other than Josh Kerr, a former champion of those aerials tournaments, former CT and former champion of a stage of the big wave tour, as its test director.

“Crowds and surfers love the athleticism and creativity of aerial surfing,” said WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt.  “Many say that the future of surfing is in the air,” he added.

“It’s very special for me to bring aerials events to the highest level of our sport. I’m a big fan of the talent that’s out there today so I can’t wait to see the lads flying in France,” said Kerr.

What this news also anticipates is that in September we will probably see the Slater pool modified with the already announced aerial section. We will see if it will be maintained during the CT or if it will be used only for the airshow.