The World Surf League (WSL) has announced an extension of its partnership with Harvey Norman, who will continue as the official lifestyle destination of WSL Australia.

As part of the deal, Harvey Norman will support major WSL events in Newcastle, North Narrabeen, Margaret River, and Rottnest Island during the upcoming Australian Championship Tour and at the Sydney Surf Pro Challenger Series later in 2021.

WSL Asia Pacific general manager, Andrew Stark, said the partnership will have a strong focus on women in sport.

“Continuing our partnership with Harvey Norman is extremely important to the WSL,” Stark said.

“Our organisations share a strong and authentic focus on women in sport so it makes a lot of sense that we continue to work together to ensure our athletes are given every opportunity to perform.

“We thank Harvey Norman for the ongoing support and look forward to working with them into the future,” he said.

Harvey Norman CEO, Katie Page, said she is excited for international WSL competitions to return to Australia.

“Harvey Norman has been committed to supporting the World Surf League through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Page said.

“We have a first-hand understanding of the need to adjust and adapt to bring to life what is possible in a COVID-safe environment.

“We were proud supporters of the Australian Grand Slam of Surfing last spring on Queensland’s Gold Coast and NSW’s Tweed Coast.

“The WSL modified the competition to create a Grand Slam that enabled Australian surfers to compete safely at the professional level.

“You could argue Newcastle is Australia’s lifestyle capital.

“Whilst life for all of us was so disrupted over the past 12 months, we are slowly becoming more optimistic and all the lifestyle elements that Newcastle is famous for are making a come-back; live music; great restaurants; the nearby vineyards and every sport played at every level – including the much-loved international surf comps.

“For so many when you think of Newcastle, you think of its incredible beaches and if you love surfing there is nowhere better.

“There are so many reasons to celebrate the return of the World Surf League to Newcastle in April.

“Harvey Norman will be leading the applause from the sand as we welcome athletes from around the world and local stars like Isabella Nichols back to the Newcastle surf breaks,” she said.