The World Surfing League has confirmed officials have opted to move the location of the competition to Gracetown on the eve of the 2017 Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.
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WSL spokesperson Tom Bennett said it was not possible to predict where competition would be held until the surfing began.
“The commissioners will make an assessment each day and decide where is best to run that day,” Mr Bennett said.
The decision late on Tuesday to shift from the planned Surfers Point location, where a significant number of event structures have been erected, will remove the option for spectators to enjoy the surfing action from the sidelines.
A representative from Surfing Margaret River said it was disappointing that the competition had been moved and that the spectators have not been moved along with it.
“Having said that, the concerns are legitimate but suspect it is the lack of facilities – toilets, shade and food and beverage, and the possible danger element if people unfamiliar with the wave end up too close to it – that may have influenced the final decision.”
The Surfing Margaret River spokesperson said it is “spectacular” to be so close to the action and that the atmosphere is not something a big screen can capture.
An announcement from Surfing WA on Tuesday afternoon said the Surfers Point event site would remain open and was the best option to catch the heats and finals live on the big screen.
“To avoid disappointment, please note there will be no public access to the North Point event site and the northern end of Cowaramup Bay,” the statement read.
“Food, drinks and big screen live commentary will all be available at the main event site in Prevelly.”
Although it has never happened before, North Point was discussed as a possible event location last year after conditions in Gracetown looked favourable.
Minor staging and scaffolding was set-up at the spot early last week, hinting at the possibility of a shift if conditions continued to impress.
