Competition is on hold at the Jack’s Surfboards Pro after a shark sighting led to beach closures in Huntington Beach, California. Photo: WSL//Nichols
The Jack’s Surfboards Pro, a QS 4000 in Huntington Beach, California, was called off for Friday due to shark activity in the area late Thursday afternoon. According to an article in the OC Register, a shark was “behaving aggressively,” leading to a temporary beach closure of one mile in each direction of the sighting, and a 24-hour postponement of the contest.
“A shark was spotted within the competition zone after competition was finished and the event was placed on hold in accordance with WSL safety protocols,” said WSL Tour Manager Brian Robbins in a statement. “The safety of our surfers and staff is our top priority, and in accordance with Huntington Beach City Protocol the event will remain on hold for 24 hours. Competition will resume once the water safety team and local authorities confirm the competition area is clear.”
The contest, currently in the men’s round of 64 and women’s round of 32, will resume Saturday, April 25, with the first call at 6:30 a.m. The event window runs through Sunday, April 26.
Last month, similar protocols were implemented in Newport Beach, California, after an eight-foot juvenile shark was spotted. Beaches were closed for a mile in each direction for four hours.
Experts have warned that it will be an active summer for white sharks in California due to abnormally warm waters that will push young sharks north from Mexico.
