The World Surf League (WSL) named Outerknown as the title sponsor of the WSL Championship Tour event in Fiji. The three-year partnership includes both men’s and women’s competitions at the OK Fiji Pro, which runs this season from May 28 through June 16, 2017.
Founded by 11-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater and designer John Moore, Outerknown is a coastal-minded clothing brand. Slater has delivered barrier-breaking performances at the elite level in Fiji and the four-time event winner has a strong relationship with the island of Tavarua, making it his favorite wave, and the Outerknown partnership a natural evolution.
“I fell in love with the small island of Tavarua a long time ago and I go back a few times every year. It’s definitely my favorite escape and may be home to the happiest people on earth,” said Slater
A staple on the globally-celebrated WSL Championship Tour schedule, the Fiji stop epitomizes the “Dream Tour” concept and exists as a fan and athlete favorite. Boasting two world-class lefthand reef breaks in Cloudbreak and Restaurants, Fiji consistently delivers some of the best surfing of the season. Defending event winners Johanne Defay and Gabriel Medina will lead the WSL elite back this year where Outerknown will support the event.
“We’re very excited to welcome Outerknown to the WSL family and look forward to working with them to showcase the world’s best surfers at one of the most incredible events on the Championship Tour,” said Beth Greve, WSL chief commercial officer.
“Outerknown was built on a foundation of style, sustainability and travel. For us, Fiji brings together everything we stand for. It’s the ultimate destination; lush jungles, crystal clear waters, perfect waves. You look around and are surrounded by jaw-dropping natural beauty. There’s no better place on Earth to celebrate why we’re working so hard to protect our ocean and wild places, and we hope to inspire new fans from all around the world to explore sustainability,” said John Moore, Outerknown’s creative director.
The OK Fiji Pro gets underway with the women’s competition on May 28 through June 2, followed by the men’s event, which holds a competitive window of June 4-16.
Photo courtesy World Surf League
