By now, the far-reaching arm of Coronavirus has touched nearly everyone’s life in some way.
But, as surfers, how has the spread of the Coronavirus effected our pursuit of waves? Or how will it in the near future? Already, the WSL has reportedly postponed (potentially canceled) upcoming QS events in Indonesia and Japan; and surfing’s debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is in question.
We wanted to see if it has had an impact on the movements of your favourite ocean-going protagonists from stepping foot abroad, or chasing swells, or if they're even bothered about it?
Mick Fanning:
“I think you’ve got to be cautious, but you’re never going to stop surfers trying to get waves. I actually just travelled home from Europe through Singapore the other day and the airports are all over it. Felt pretty safe.”
Dane Gudauskas:
“I would say I am fairly concerned about the coronavirus regarding travelling. There just seems to be so many unknowns at this point with new locations popping up seemingly every day. Even your hometown could become affected potentially, so the thought of staying home vs travelling to go surf gives me mixed emotions at this point.
“I haven't had any trips impacted yet, although I have some plans of being in Indonesia at the end of the month that I am keeping an eye on just to see how this virus is moving and continuing to take form... Im hopeful that in a few weeks more info will continue to come to light in order to make the best decision I can.
“Even if that trip were to come together and move forward I think its just about being as informed and aware as possible of what is going on, and obviously being responsible for my movements and actions afterward if I was feeling sick at all.
“I have just been trying to wash my hands a lot more and be just a bit more cautious putting my hands all over everything at the airports.
“At this point, I really don't know the solution or have any advice. I'd say I'm right there with everyone else in terms of trying to find the balance that makes sense to navigate this virus and continue living life.”
Rafael Tapia:
“As travelling surfers we have to support ourselves in different ways, and in my case that involves a wine business. Surf-wise, I’m not too concerned, although it is becoming a little more difficult with flights being re-routed and cancelled in Asia.
"But in terms of my wine business—which supports my surfing—the biggest wine fair in Germany is in a couple of weeks, and all of my Asian clients are cancelling, so that is probably going to result in me not going to a really important event. In the long run, the virus outbreak might limit my travel somewhat if I am not able to support that travel through my business, but as of now things are fine.
“Another thing I have noticed is that lot of gear that I source from China has been delayed and is difficult to get. A lot of new technology in foil and wind surfing, and other things that are produced in China, are difficult to get at the moment. So hopefully for all the workers in China and the economies around the world, this situation will be resolved soon.”
Mikala Jones:
“I’m just gonna surf wave pools from now on.”
Kepa Acero:
“I just came back from Africa and I found all this crazy media talking about this, all day. I’m of course keeping an eye on how it is developing in the world, but, to be honest, I am pretty skeptical to what I hear in the commercial media. I’m not saying that this Coronavirus is not happening, I am just saying that the big press are capable of easily generating and spreading fear. I am gonna keep an eye on how it is going. But for now, I’m going back to Africa in April, keeping the serenity.”
Emi Erickson:
“Sure, coronavirus is freaky—but so are a lot of things. Travel is the best thing ever, so I wouldn’t hesitate.”
Keith Malloy:
"At this point corona virus isn't going to stop me from travelling. Looking forward to staying on the road in 2020."
How do you feel about traveling to surf amidst the Coronavirus concern? Sound off in the comments below.
#Coronavirus #civid19
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