Travel & Gathering Restrictions Cause Postponement of Gran Canaria Pro-Am

ERICEIRA, Portugal - After extensive discussion with government, tourism, our local organization and all local partners involved with the Gran Canaria Pro-Am, it is with great disappointment that the APP has no choice but to postpone the 2020 edition of the Gran Canaria Pro-Am until 2021.

With the current travel restrictions in place and looking to remain for some time, coupled with the increased concern surrounding larger gatherings and uncertainty around all aspects of holding an event during these times, it was unanimously decided that it was better to hold off until 2021 for this annual pilgrimage to the beautiful North Shore of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

That being said, all parties remain 100% committed to the event as one of the flagship stops on the APP World Tour and look forward to welcoming the Gran Canaria Pro-Am back in 2021.

"The Gran Canaria Pro-Am is one of the major international sporting events to come to the island each year, as we celebrate the World's very best Stand Up Paddlers in the warm waters and beautiful coastline that we are lucky enough to have here in Gran Canaria. While it is disappointing not to be able to run this year's edition, we are excited to welcome everyone from the APP back in 2021 - Saludos, Bjorn", said Bjorn Dunkerbeck, event organizer and 42x Windsurfing World Champion

Relive some of the magic moments from the past few years of the Gran Canaria Pro-Am as we look forward to its return in 2021. | Photo courtesy: APP World Tour

While the action will not be coming to Gran Canaria in 2020, over the next few months, we will be reliving some of the magic moments of the Gran Canaria Pro-Am, from local girl Iballa Moreno securing an emotional World Title in front of her home crowd in 2018, to Poenaiki Raioha's ascension to the top in 2019 to secure his first World Title.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has delivered some incredible action over the past few years, and provided visiting athletes with unforgettable experiences on this magical European island.

Next call for the Paris SUP Open will be 1st October, as we await news on the updated restrictions surrounding Covid-19. | Photo courtesy: APP World Tour

While things are certainly becoming even more complicated across the globe as it relates to travel and events, we are awaiting updates from Municipalities and our partners on the ground for the Paris SUP Open. We will provide our next update by October 1st.

In the meantime, while 2020 has been such a challenging year, we will have some exciting announcements regarding 2021 and the future of the APP World Tour coming soon, so stay tuned to appworldtour.com and @appworldtour

About the APP World Tour & Waterman League International

The APP World Tour is the Professional World Championship Tour for the Sport of Paddlesurfing (also known as SUP / Stand Up Paddling / Paddleboarding), officially sanctioned by the IOC recognized Federation for Surfing Sports, the ISA (International Surfing Association). Re-branded in 2017 as the APP World Tour (previously known as the Stand Up World Tour and Series) the APP has been crowning the sport’s World Champions for both Men & Women across Racing and Surfing since 2010.