Damage to the event structure at the usual site of the Rio Pro at Postinho has forced the WSL to shift the competition's location to Grumari, around 24 kms west.

Recent swell activity over the past few weeks undermined the structure. But the WSL are working on repairs and want to get back to Postinho as soon as possible.

Construction under way at Grumari. © 2019 - Luciano Cabal.

Rumours are also circulating that Joel Parkinson could be pulling out of the event down to sub-standard water quality. There's been no confirmation yet whether any of the CT surfers have officially decided not to turn up at Rio – but it is understood the WSL will be making an announcement later today about an updated round 1 draw.

It'll be interesting to see what happens if some of the CT crew blow-off the Brazil leg though. Rio event's major sponsors, Oi, as far as we're aware, don't have any sponsored surfers, so who will those wildcard slots go to?

Kerrzy at Rio last year.

About the damage to Postinho, Kieren Perrow, WSL commissioner said: ''Recent swell activity has damaged the event structure at Postinho, rendering it unusable for the next several days. Fortunately, we have the secondary site at Grumari prepared for the opening days of the window. Grumari will serve as the primary venue should competition run during the opening days of the window and we'll work to get Postinho back as an option as soon as possible.

''We're very appreciative of the teams on the ground for all the hard work they have put into the event and look forward to a world-class competition.''