The World Surf League is partnering with US television network ABC to create a reality competition series, which will give participants the chance to compete on the WSL World Tour.
In the eight-episode Ultimate Surfer, rising stars will live and train together at the WSL’s state-of-the-art Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California. Weekly eliminations will leave two men and two women as finalists, who will vie for the male and female titles of the Ultimate Surfer.
Eleven-time WSL champion Kelly Slater will serve as on-air talent and special correspondent for the series, which is a co-development partnership between Pilgrim Media Group and WSL Studios. Production is scheduled to begin in 2020.
“In addition to being a globally recognized sport, surfing is also a lifestyle; and Ultimate Surfer will give viewers a uniquely personal look at what goes into becoming a world-class champion,” said Rob Mills, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials and Late Night, ABC Entertainment.
In February, the Fox Sports division of US network Fox signed an exclusive rights deal with the WSL.