World Surf League Embraces Family-Friendly Policies for Parents on Tour
‘We’ll start a creche’: how the World Surf League is becoming family friendly for parents on tour | Kieran Pender
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
The World Surf League (WSL) is becoming more family-friendly, allowing surfers like Connor O’Leary to travel with their children. New initiatives include a maternity wildcard for returning mothers and paternity leave for fathers, reflecting a significant cultural shift in the sport. This aims to support athletes balancing family life with professional commitments.
- 01Connor O'Leary is competing in his first WSL season with his daughter, Romii-Sakura.
- 02The WSL has introduced a maternity wildcard allowing mothers to return up to two years after a break.
- 03Paternity leave is now available for male surfers, allowing them to take a break without losing ranking points.
- 04Carissa Moore, a five-time world champion, supports the new policies as a significant step for women in sports.
- 05The WSL's family-friendly initiatives follow previous advancements like equal pay and an integrated schedule.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The World Surf League (WSL) is implementing family-friendly policies that reflect a growing trend among professional athletes to balance family life with their careers. Connor O’Leary, an Australian Japanese surfer, is experiencing this shift firsthand as he competes in the 2026 season with his daughter, Romii-Sakura. The WSL has introduced a maternity wildcard, allowing female surfers to return to competition up to two years after childbirth, a move praised by five-time world champion Carissa Moore. In addition, paternity leave is now available for male surfers, enabling them to take breaks without losing ranking points. These changes mark a significant cultural shift in a sport traditionally dominated by male athletes. The WSL's commitment to supporting parents on tour, including plans for a creche, showcases its dedication to inclusivity and the evolving role of athletes as parents. As the sport continues to grow, these initiatives are expected to encourage more families to engage in professional surfing.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
These new policies will make it easier for professional surfers to balance family life with their careers, potentially encouraging more athletes to start families while competing.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support family-friendly policies in professional sports?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.