Rebel surf tour pronounced dead

From THE AUSTRALIAN

THE rebel pro surfing tour was officially declared dead yesterday, but its legacy will be felt for years.

Association of Surfing Professionals CEO Brodie Carr announced yesterday that the ASP had retained the support of the sport's athletes and sponsors, and that dramatic changes would be made to the tour, starting next year.

The press release he issued made no mention of the rebel tour proposed in July by former US boxing promoter Matt Tinley and Terry Hardy, who manages nine-times world champion Kelly Slater.

The rebel tour, which according to rumour had extensive financial backing and guaranteed prime-time TV coverage in the US, was a secretive operation. After months of trying to convince sponsors, surfers and administrators to join them, they faded away. All requests to speak with The Australian were declined.

Neither Tinley nor Hardy was in Mundaka, Spain, this week, when the ASP board met to discuss a series of dramatic changes to the tour from next year.

Asked if the rebel tour had been the impetus for the changes, Carr said it was "definitely a catalyst."

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