North Narrabeen Pumps For Day 3 of GWM Sydney Surf Pro

Sally Fitzgibbons Finds Near Perfection at North Narrabeen
Californian Up-and-Comers Shine in Sydney
Championship Tour Hopefuls Step Up on Day 3
Bonsoy Surf Legends Heat Takes Over North Narrabeen

Pictured: Crosby Colapinto (USA) on one of the waves of the day on Day 3 of the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy. Credit: © WSL / Dunbar

NORTH NARRABEEN, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Friday, May 19, 2023) – North Narrabeen has turned on pumping surf for Day 3 of the GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Bonsoy, Stop No.2 of the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series. With offshore winds and swell coming from a southerly direction, competitors opted to sit on a sandbank known as ‘Carpark Rights’ which offered up grinding right-hand tubes for the completion of the men’s Round of 64 and women’s Round of 32.

Sally Fitzgibbons Finds Near Perfection at North Narrabeen

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) has continued to assert her authority on the 2023 Challenger Series, today posting the highest heat total of the GWM Sydney Surf Pro so far. Fitzgibbons found a deep, hollow tube, pulling in from behind the peak before coming out and smashing two massive turns to earn a near-perfect 9.70 (out of a possible 10). The perennial World Title threat then backed it up with a mid-range score for a heat total of 16.57 (out of a possible 20).

“I was so stoked with that one,” Fitzgibbons said. “We go out there in these heats and hope for a perfect performance and to find the best waves possible. There were so many good-looking waves everywhere but not in the same spot so it was a bit of a treasure hunt out there; I ended up finding some treasure. It felt good to get that one and come out of it and get that feeling. This is a really fun time in my career and I’m enjoying the different experiences and challenges especially when you throw in waves like we have today.”

Fitzgibbons’ compatriot Sophie McCulloch (AUS) also found near perfection at North Narrabeen, posting a 9.43 for a long, critical tube ride. Like Ftizgibbons, McCulloch missed the Mid-Season Cut last month and is in search of a Top 5 finish on the 2023 Challenger Series.

Californian Up-and-Comers Shine in Sydney

Despite the disappointment of veteran competitors Nat Young (USA) and Kolohe Andino (USA) losing their Round of 64 heats, the signs for Californian surfing were positive as a group of the younger guard shone in Sydney today.

Fresh off missing the Mid-Season Cut, Jake Marshall (USA) found serious form in the Round of 64, posting one of the highest two-wave totals of the event with a 15.10. Marshall’s critical approach was enough to just edge out San Clemente’s Kade Matson (USA) who progressed in the second spot with an impressive total of 14.87.

“That was a stressful heat to surf,” Marshall said. “Everyone was surfing so well and dropping solid scores from the get-go so it was super stressful. I’m just stoked I was able to get some decent waves and post some solid scores. I didn’t have a great event at Snapper and have had a really frustrating year so that heat win meant a lot. To just be able to keep my composure and get that score at the end when I needed it is great for my confidence.”

Crosby Colapinto (USA) hopes to back up his third-place finish on the Gold Coast with another big result here in Sydney. Colapinto found a couple of draining, right-hand tubes to earn a solid score and progress into the Round of 32 in second place behind an in-form Jacob Willcox (AUS). Willcox looked at home in the heavy barreling conditions as he also looks to continue his run of form in 2023.

The last heat of the men’s Round of 64 witnessed an epic back-and-forth battle between Taj Lindblad (USA) and Kalani Ball (AUS) who traded tubes and turns to both progress into the Round of 32. Ball looked in control for the majority of the heat until Lindblad found a long-running barrel that he came out of and smashed a solid closeout turn. Lindblad earned the heat win with a two-wave total of 15.23 which included an excellent 8.60 single-ride score.

“I’m fired up and the waves are firing so it’s just fun to surf,” Lindblad said. “I’ve had a few good warmups and feel really ready. I found out I was in the draw a week ago when I was at home watching my sister finish second on the Gold Coast. I packed my bags and now I’m here. I’m stoked to make a few heats.”

Eithan Osborne (USA) and Jett Schilling (USA) both progressed through their Round of 64 heat with mid-range scores and looked in good touch with the heavy surf at North Narrabeen.

North Narrabeen continued to pump as the women’s Round of 32 hit the water and San Diego’s Alyssa Spencer (USA) revelled, committing to closeout turns on her backhand and tube rides on her frontside to progress into the Round of 16. Spencer won the heat with a total of 13.10, progressing with fellow San Diegan Ella McCaffray (USA).

Championship Tour Hopefuls Step Up on Day 3

Competitive veteran Jadson Andre (BRA) showed his experience on Day 3 of competition, finding a long technical tube ride and riding out of a number of critical turns to find a spot in the Round of 32. Andre’s performance gave him a comfortable win over Kiwi competitor Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) who progressed in second place.

“I had last priority when I got that barrel,” Andre said. “I was so deep and I didn’t think I would be able to make it but I’m glad I took the chance because once I got that score it took all the pressure off. It’s pumping out there. If you get the right one you can get a good tube.”

Another former CT competitor who found a long technical tube ride to post a solid score was Morgan Cibilic (AUS) who earned a 9.00-point ride on his way to winning his heat. Cibilic’s compatriot Jacob Willcox (AUS) also posted some decent scores on his way to the Round of 32, showing his skill and finesse in chunky backhand barrels.

“It doesn’t feel like I had a good heat because I felt a bit lost but there are diamonds in the rough out there for sure,” Cibilic said. “I’m just lucky I found that one and was able to thread it. It definitely felt good to come out of it.”

The Portuguese contingent had a successful day at North Narrabeen with Yolanda Hopkins (POR), Teresa Bonvalot (POR), Carolina Mendes (POR) and Francisca Veselko (POR) all making it into the Round of 16. On the men’s side, Frederico Morais (POR) kept the trend going, progressing into the Round of 16 with a great performance in the opening heat of the Round of 32.

Bonsoy Surf Legends Heat Takes Over North Narrabeen

The last heat of the day saw some of Sydney’s and the Northern Beaches surfing icons, hit the lineup and put on a show for the Friday afternoon crowds. 2x World Champions Damian Hardman (AUS) and Tom Carroll (AUS) were joined by 1993 World Champion Pauline Menczer (AUS) as well as former CT competitors Laura Enever (AUS), Rob Bain (AUS) and Nathan Hedge (AUS).

For highlights from today’s GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy competition, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

The WSL Tours and Competition team will reconvene tomorrow, Saturday, May 20, at 6:45 a.m. AEST to make a call on competition getting back underway for a possible 7:05 a.m. AEST start.

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Men’s Round of 64 Results (Heats 9-16):
HEAT 9: Justin Becret (FRA) 13.83 DEF. Joel Vaughan (AUS) 12.50, Nat Young (USA) 11.44, Kian Martin (SWE) 8.50
HEAT 10: Jett Schilling (USA) 11.73 DEF. Eithan Osborne (USA) 11.50, Ian Gouveia (BRA) 10.24, Teva Bouchgua (MAR) 9.66
HEAT 11: Jake Marshall (USA) 15.10 DEF. Kade Matson (USA) 14.87, Joshua Moniz (HAW) 12.50, Evan Geiselman (USA) 9.10
HEAT 12: Marco Mignot (FRA) 12.90 DEF. Mihimana Braye (FRA) 10.70, Kolohe Andino (USA) 9.57, Kai Martin (HAW) 7.37
HEAT 13: Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.33 DEF. Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) 11.93, Soli Bailey (AUS) 8.74, Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) 3.27
HEAT 14: Jacob Willcox (AUS) 13.60 DEF. Crosby Colapinto (USA) 13.40, Alister Reginato (AUS) 10.93, Jarvis Earle (AUS) 7.60
HEAT 15: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 15.50 DEF. Joan Duru (FRA) 12.87, Brodi Sale (HAW) 11.73, Oney Anwar (INA) 6.60
HEAT 16: Taj Lindblad (USA) 15.23 DEF. Kalani Ball (AUS) 14.57, Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 13.24, Jackson Bunch (HAW) 12.44
GWM Sydney Surf Pro Women’s Round of 32 Results:
HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.57 DEF. Zahli Kelly (AUS) 14.23, Zoe McDougall (HAW) 10.57, Leilani McGonagle (CRC) 9.83
HEAT 2: Alyssa Spencer (USA) 13.10 DEF. Ella McCaffray (USA) 11.06, Alysse Cooper (AUS) 7.73, Vahine Fierro (FRA) 6.60
HEAT 3: Carolina Mendes (POR) 13.80 DEF. Macy Callaghan (AUS) 10.67, Sarah Baum (RSA) 7.70, Ariane Ochoa (EUK) 6.07
HEAT 4: Sophie McCulloch (AUS) 14.93 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 11.10, Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 8.20, Ellie Harrison (AUS) 4.87
HEAT 5: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 11.33 DEF. Francisca Veselko (POR) 6.86, Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 6.20, Tessa Thyssen (FRA) 1.87
HEAT 6: Teresa Bonvalot (POR) 13.57 DEF. Kobie Enright (AUS) 12.87, Luana Silva (BRA) 12.80, Sophia Medina (BRA) 10.06
HEAT 7: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 10.90 DEF. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 9.10, Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 8.50, Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) 5.50
HEAT 8: India Robinson (AUS) 14.33 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 12.33, Pauline Ado (FRA) 4.54, Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) 3.26GWM Sydney Surf Pro Men’s Round of 32 Results (Heats 1-2):
HEAT 1: Mikey McDonagh (AUS) 12.87 DEF. Jackson Baker (AUS) 11.76, George Pittar (AUS) 8.23, Adur Amatriain (EUK) 7.33
HEAT 2: Dylan Moffat (AUS) 11.74 DEF. Luke Thompson (RSA) 10.40, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.70, Michael Dunphy (USA) 9.30GWM Sydney Surf Pro Men’s Round of 32 Matchups (Heats 3-8):
HEAT 3: Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Marc Lacomare (FRA) vs. Adin Masencamp (RSA)
HEAT 4: Miguel Tudela (PER) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) vs. Eli Hanneman (HAW) vs. Lucas Silveira (BRA)
HEAT 5: Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Kade Matson (USA) vs. Mihimana Braye (FRA)
HEAT 6: Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Eithan Osborne (USA) vs. Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
HEAT 7: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Kalani Ball (AUS)
HEAT 8: Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) vs. Taj Lindblad (USA)GWM Sydney Surf Pro Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Ella McCaffray (USA)
HEAT 2: Alyssa Spencer (USA) vs. Zahli Kelly (AUS)
HEAT 3: Carolina Mendes (POR) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
HEAT 4: Sophie McCulloch (AUS) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS)
HEAT 5: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Kobie Enright (AUS)
HEAT 6: Teresa Bonvalot (POR) vs. Francisca Veselko (POR)
HEAT 7: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 8: India Robinson (AUS) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)

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DAY 3 Men’s Round of 64 & Women’s Round of 32 Called ON at GWM Sydney Surf Pro
Men’s Round of 64 Heats 9-16 Starts at 7:05 a.m. Friday AEST (11am Thursday HI time)
Women’s Round of 32 to Follow
Men’s Round of 32 Heats 1-2 on Standby
Northern Beaches Legends to Compete in Bonsoy Heritage Heat
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) will hit the water in Heat 1 of the Round of 32 today at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy. Credit: © WSL / Miers

NORTH NARRABEEN, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Friday, May 19, 2023) – Day 3 of competition has been called ON at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Bonsoy, Stop No.2 of the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series. North Narrabeen is turning on super-clean surf in the three-to-four foot range. Men’s Round of 64 Heats 9-16 will commence at 7:05 a.m. AEST. Women’s Round of 32 and the Bonsoy Heritage Heat will follow. Men’s Round of 32 Heats 1-2 are on standby.

Former Championship Tour (CT) star Kolohe Andino (USA) will hope to bounce back from a disappointing early-round loss at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast Pro with a solid result here at North Narrabeen. First, he will have to get past Timothe Bisso (FRA), Marco Mignot (FRA) and Kai Martin (HAW) in Heat 12 of the Round of 64.

Another big name hitting the water today at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro is former CT veteran Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), who is looking to back up her result on the Gold Coast. Fitzgibbons will take on up-and-comers Zoe McDougall (HAW), Zahli Kelly (AUS) and Leilani McGonagle (CRC) in Heat 1 of the Round of 32.

Later in the day, the Bonsoy Heritage Heat will witness a number of Northern Beaches legends battle at North Narrabeen for the ultimate bragging rights.

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Men’s Round of 64 Matchups (Heats 9-16): (4 Hawaii competitors left)
HEAT 9: Nat Young (USA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Kian Martin (SWE)
HEAT 10: Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Eithan Osborne (USA) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Teva Bouchgua (MAR)
HEAT 11: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Evan Geiselman (USA) vs. Kade Matson (USA) vs. Joshua Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 12: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Timothe Bisso (FRA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Kai Martin (HAW)
HEAT 13: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) vs. Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) vs. Soli Bailey (AUS)
HEAT 14: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Jarvis Earle (AUS) vs. Alister Reginato (AUS)
HEAT 15: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) vs. Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Oney Anwar (INA) vs. Brodi Sale (HAW)
HEAT 16: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Kalani Ball (AUS) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Taj Lindblad (USA)GWM Sydney Surf Pro Women’s Round of 32 Matchups: (1 Hawaiian left)
HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Zoe McDougall (HAW) vs. Zahli Kelly (AUS) vs. Leilani McGonagle (CRC)
HEAT 2: Alyssa Spencer (USA) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA) vs. Ella McCaffray (USA) vs. Alysse Cooper (AUS)
HEAT 3: Macy Callaghan (AUS) vs. Sarah Baum (RSA) vs. Ariane Ochoa (EUK) vs. Carolina Mendes (POR)
HEAT 4: Sophie McCulloch (AUS) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS) vs. Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
HEAT 5: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Tessa Thyssen (FRA) vs. Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Kirra Pinkerton (USA)
HEAT 6: Teresa Bonvalot (POR) vs. Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Kobie Enright (AUS) vs. Sophia Medina (BRA)
HEAT 7: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Yolanda Hopkins (POR)
HEAT 8: India Robinson (AUS) vs. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)

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Competitors Tackle Challenging Conditions at GWM Sydney Surf Pro
Women’s Next Generation Raise The Bar at North Narrabeen
Men’s Top Seeds Hit The Water, Rankings Leader Pupo Eliminated
Local Hopefuls Progress on Home Turf

Pictured: Ella McCaffray (USA) claimed a breakthrough heat win today at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy. Credit: © WSL / Dunbar

NORTH NARRABEEN, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Thursday, May 18, 2023) – The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Bonsoy, Stop No.2 of the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series has continued today at North Narrabeen with more tough conditions on offer. Day 2 saw the completion of the women’s Round of 48 as well as the first 8 heats of the men’s Round of 64. Competitors made light work of the bumpy three-to-four foot surf before increasing onshore winds forced an early finish to competition today.

Women’s Next Generation Raise The Bar at North Narrabeen

Aussie upstart Ellie Harrison (AUS) continued to show the Challenger Series what she’s capable of, posting another round-high heat total to progress into the Round of 32. Harrison’s forehand was on display at Snapper Rocks, and today at Narrabeen she showed she’s also got a lethal backhand, posting a 14.10 (out of a possible 20) for a series of critical turns. Harrison will have to keep lifting the bar when she takes on former CT competitors Sophie McCulloch (AUS) and Bronte Macaulay (AUS) as well as Californian prodigy Bella Kenworthy (USA).

“I get a lot of chunky beach breaks around my hometown and a lot of lefts so I feel at home in conditions like this,” Harrison said. “It feels good to get rewarded for my surfing at this level. I’ve always got positive feedback from my team but to get it from the judges and other competitors here means a lot.”

Reigning World Junior Champion Francisca Veselko (POR) took a narrow win over Brazilian standout Sophia Medina (BRA) in the Round of 48, and the pair both progressed into the Round of 32. Veselko made sense of the jumbled lineup, finding a few diamonds in the rough and held the lead with a mid-range two-wave total.

“It’s tricky out there right now,” Veselko said. “If you can find the right wave there are opportunities for big turns and fortunately I found some of those opportunities. It sounds like there will be better swell direction and better winds in the next few days so it should keep improving which is nice.”

Southern Californian Ella McCaffray (USA) didn’t get her Challenger Series campaign off to a great start with a first-round elimination on the Gold Coast. McCaffray looks to have bounced back as she earned a heat win at North Narrabeen today. McCaffray’s approach suited the peaks at Narrabeen and she’ll look to get her season on track with more good form in the Round of 32.

Men’s Top Seeds Hit The Water, Rankings Leader Pupo Eliminated

The last heat of the day witnessed plenty of excitement as former World Junior Champion Lucas Silveria (BRA) and 2023 form surfer Adin Masencamp (RSA) were able to overcome Kauli Vaast (FRA) and current rankings leader Samuel Pupo (BRA). All surfers were able to post solid scores but it was Silveria who made the most of his opportunities to get the win. Pupo, who is fresh off winning the first event of the Challenger Series will now leave Australia with a win and a throwaway result, as he looks to find his way back to the CT.

“That was a gnarly heat,” Silveria said. “They are all young guns but they all have so much experience. They’ve all done well at the CT level and I knew it was going to be tough and I’d have to take as many opportunities as I could. There were plenty of opportunities in the end so I’m glad I took them.”

Heat 5 of the men’s Round of 64 saw former CT competitor Deivid Silva (BRA) take the lead in the dying seconds to secure a spot in the Round of 32. The heat looked all but over with Ezekiel Lau (HAW) holding the lead as the minutes ticked down. Silva was then rewarded for two big backhand snaps and took the lead. Then, Miguel Tudela (PER) landed a huge ‘Kerrupt-flip’ aerial to post an 8.67, the highest single wave of the event so far, and move into second. This left Lau to drop into third and out of the event.

“I’ve had success here in Sydney before and it feels good to be back,” Silva said. “There is a lot of support for the Brazilians here and it builds a good atmosphere on the beach. That was a crazy heat with so many scores going down in the final minutes. It felt good to get the win in the end.”

Heat 1 of the men’s Round of 64 saw Aussie duo Mikey McDonagh (AUS) and Jackson Baker (AUS) progress in first and second place respectively. Both surfers had their moments at Snapper Rocks but will be hoping to improve their ranking by the week’s end here at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro.

Frenchmen Maxime Huscenot (FRA) and Marc Lacomare (FRA) looked comfortable in the shifting peaks of North Narrabeen, both progressing into the Round of 32 on Day 2 of competition. Huscenot is looking for a big result here in Sydney and put the disappointment of missing the Mid-season Cut behind him.

Ketut Agus (INA) is drawing inspiration from good friend Rio Waida (INA), the reigning event winner here at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro. Agus hopes he can repeat Waida’s success here in Sydney and make Indonesia proud by way of joining him on the elite Championship Tour.

“Seeing what Rio did here last year is so inspiring,” Agus said. “The win here is what sent him on the path to the CT and I’d love to be there with him one day. I know how proud Indo is of him and I hope to make the country proud as well.”

Local Hopefuls Progress on Home Turf

Dylan Moffat (AUS) gave the local crowd something to cheer about, taking a strong win in his first appearance at his home event. Moffat’s local knowledge paid off as he moved south to surf a righthand bank and secure a mid-range heat total that was enough to see him progress in the top spot.

“Having everyone down here at the beach cheering me on is so sick,” Moffat said. “It makes me so proud to be from here. I really hope the waves turn on later in the week because we all know what it can be like here. It’s good to get through that one because I think there will be waves coming. We moved over to ‘Carpark Rights’ and although I didn’t think I’d be surfing that bank this week, the waves were actually fun when they came.”

Trials winner Alysse Cooper (AUS) was also able to find herself a spot in the next round, progressing through the Round of 48 in second place behind fellow Australian Zahli Kelly (AUS). Cooper will take on Alyssa Spencer (USA), Vahine Fierro (FRA) and Ella McCaffray (USA) in Heat 2 of the Round of 32.

The WSL Tours and Competition team will reconvene tomorrow, Friday, May 19, at 6:45 a.m. AEST to make a call on competition getting back underway for a possible 7:05 a.m. AEST start.

For highlights from today’s GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy competition, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Women’s Round of 48 Results:
HEAT 1: Zahli Kelly (AUS) 9.00 DEF. Alysse Cooper (AUS) 7.40, Sol Aguirre (PER) 6.53, Zoe Benedetto (USA) 3.00
HEAT 2: Ella McCaffray (USA) 11.87 DEF. Leilani McGonagle (CRC) 10.43, Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 9.60, Dominic Barona (ECU) 6.00
HEAT 3: Ariane Ochoa (EUK) 9.74 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 9.20, Nyxie Ryan (AUS) 6.56, Sara Wakita (JPN) 6.33
HEAT 4: Ellie Harrison (AUS) 14.10 DEF. Carolina Mendes (POR) 9.90, Minami Nonaka (JPN) 9.27, Nora Liotta (HAW) 2.77
HEAT 5: Francisca Veselko (POR) 11.60 DEF. Sophia Medina (BRA) 9.67, Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) 5.97, Natasha Van Greunen (RSA) 5.20
HEAT 6: Kobie Enright (AUS) 12.34 DEF. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 10.50, Silvana Lima (BRA) 7.73, Paige Hareb (NZL) 6.20
HEAT 7: Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) 10.93 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 9.00, Anon Matsuoka (JPN) 8.80, Daniella Rosas (PER) 8.17
HEAT 8: Pauline Ado (FRA) 13.64 DEF. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 12.66, Philippa Anderson (AUS) 10.60, Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) 8.34GWM Sydney Surf Pro Men’s Round of 64 Results (Heats 1-8):
HEAT 1: Mikey McDonagh (AUS) 12.87 DEF. Jackson Baker (AUS) 11.76, George Pittar (AUS) 8.23, Adur Amatriain (EUK) 7.33
HEAT 2: Dylan Moffat (AUS) 11.74 DEF. Luke Thompson (RSA) 10.40, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.70, Michael Dunphy (USA) 9.30
HEAT 3: Ketut Agus (INA) 11.33 DEF. Frederico Morais (POR) 10.60, Carlos Munoz (CRC) 8.94, Connor Slijpen (RSA) 7.47
HEAT 4: Maxime Huscenot (FRA) 10.63 DEF. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) 9.74, Conner Coffin (USA) 9.47, Sheldon Paishon (HAW) 5.50
HEAT 5: Deivid Silva (BRA) 13.30 DEF. Miguel Tudela (PER) 13.27, Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 12.74, Billy Stairmand (NZL) 10.13
HEAT 6: Cole Houshmand (USA) 13.33 DEF. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 13.06, Mateus Herdy (BRA) 12.80, Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 10.43
HEAT 7: Eli Hanneman (HAW) 11.43 DEF. Marc Lacomare (FRA) 10.90, Edgard Groggia (BRA) 10.63, Lucca Mesinas (PER) 10.07
HEAT 8: Lucas Silveira (BRA) 13.63 DEF. Adin Masencamp (RSA) 13.20, Samuel Pupo (BRA) 12.67, Kauli Vaast (FRA) 12.67GWM Sydney Surf Pro Men’s Round of 64 Matchups (Heats 9-16):
HEAT 9: Nat Young (USA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Kian Martin (SWE)
HEAT 10: Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Eithan Osborne (USA) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Teva Bouchgua (MAR)
HEAT 11: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Evan Geiselman (USA) vs. Kade Matson (USA) vs. Joshua Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 12: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Timothe Bisso (FRA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Kai Martin (HAW)
HEAT 13: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) vs. Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) vs. Soli Bailey (AUS)
HEAT 14: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Jarvis Earle (AUS) vs. Alister Reginato (AUS)
HEAT 15: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) vs. Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Oney Anwar (INA) vs. Brodi Sale (HAW)
HEAT 16: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Kalani Ball (AUS) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Taj Lindblad (USA)GWM Sydney Surf Pro Women’s Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Zoe McDougall (HAW) vs. Zahli Kelly (AUS) vs. Leilani McGonagle (CRC)
HEAT 2: Alyssa Spencer (USA) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA) vs. Ella McCaffray (USA) vs. Alysse Cooper (AUS)
HEAT 3: Macy Callaghan (AUS) vs. Sarah Baum (RSA) vs. Ariane Ochoa (EUK) vs. Carolina Mendes (POR)
HEAT 4: Sophie McCulloch (AUS) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS) vs. Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
HEAT 5: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Tessa Thyssen (FRA) vs. Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Kirra Pinkerton (USA)
HEAT 6: Teresa Bonvalot (POR) vs. Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Kobie Enright (AUS) vs. Sophia Medina (BRA)
HEAT 7: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Yolanda Hopkins (POR)
HEAT 8: India Robinson (AUS) vs. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)

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Women’s Round of 48 Called ON at GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy
Women’s Round of 48 Starts at Thursday May 18th at 7:35 a.m. AEST (20 Hours ahead of HI time…so 1135am Wednesday)
Men’s Round of 64 to Heats 1 – 11 to Follow
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) will compete in Heat 8 of the Round of 48 today at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy. Credit: © WSL / Miers

NORTH NARRABEEN, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Thursday, May 18, 2023) – Competition has been called ON at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Bonsoy, Stop No.2 of the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series.

The wind has turned offshore and the waves are solid in the three-to-four foot range.

Competition will commence at 7:35 a.m. with the women’s Round of 48. The men’s Round of 64 Heats 1 – 11 will follow.

The opening heat of the women’s Round of 48 will see trials winner Alysse Cooper (AUS) take on fellow Australian Zahli Kelly (AUS) as well as Sol Aguirre (PER) and Zoe Benedetto (USA). All four surfers are searching for a spot in the seeded round at North Narrabeen.

Heat 8 of the Round of 48 will see form surfer Yolanda Hopkins (POR) compete with veterans Pauline Ado (FRA) and Philippa Anderson (AUS) along with South African upstart Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA).

Later today the men’s Round of 64 will commence and bring with it the event’s top seeds. Heat 1 will see Jackson Baker (AUS), Mikey McDonagh (AUS), and Adur Amatriain (EUK) do battle with local hopeful George Pittar (AUS).

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Women’s Round of 48 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Zahli Kelly (AUS) vs. Sol Aguirre (PER) vs. Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Alysse Cooper (AUS)
HEAT 2: Leilani McGonagle (CRC) vs. Moana Jones Wong (HAW) vs. Dominic Barona (ECU) vs. Ella McCaffray (USA)
HEAT 3: Ariane Ochoa (EUK) vs. Nyxie Ryan (AUS) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Sara Wakita (JPN)
HEAT 4: Minami Nonaka (JPN) vs. Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Carolina Mendes (POR) vs. Nora Liotta (HAW)
HEAT 5: Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Natasha Van Greunen (RSA) vs. Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) vs. Sophia Medina (BRA)
HEAT 6: Kobie Enright (AUS) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL) vs. Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Kirra Pinkerton (USA)
HEAT 7: Daniella Rosas (PER) vs. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Anon Matsuoka (JPN) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 8: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA) vs. Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) vs. Philippa Anderson (AUS)GWM Sydney Surf Pro Men’s Round of 64 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Jackson Baker (AUS) vs. Mikey McDonagh (AUS) vs. Adur Amatriain (EUK) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 2: Dylan Moffat (AUS) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Luke Thompson (RSA) vs. Michael Dunphy (USA)
HEAT 3: Carlos Munoz (CRC) vs. Frederico Morais (POR) vs. Ketut Agus (INA) vs. Connor Slijpen (RSA)
HEAT 4: Maxime Huscenot (FRA) vs. Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. Sheldon Paishon (HAW)
HEAT 5: Ezekiel Lau (HAW) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Miguel Tudela (PER) vs. Billy Stairmand (NZL)
HEAT 6: Imaikalani deVault (HAW) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA) vs. Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Hiroto Ohhara (JPN)
HEAT 7: Lucca Mesinas (PER) vs. Edgard Groggia (BRA) vs. Eli Hanneman (HAW) vs. Marc Lacomare (FRA)
HEAT 8: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Lucas Silveira (BRA) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA) vs. Adin Masencamp (RSA)
HEAT 9: Nat Young (USA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Kian Martin (SWE)
HEAT 10: Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Eithan Osborne (USA) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Teva Bouchgua (MAR)
HEAT 11: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Evan Geiselman (USA) vs. Kade Matson (USA) vs. Joshua Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 12: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Timothe Bisso (FRA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Kai Martin (HAW)
HEAT 13: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) vs. Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) vs. Soli Bailey (AUS)
HEAT 14: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Jarvis Earle (AUS) vs. Alister Reginato (AUS)
HEAT 15: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) vs. Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Oney Anwar (INA) vs. Brodi Sale (HAW)
HEAT 16: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Kalani Ball (AUS) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Taj Lindblad (USA)

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW…

DAY1. Competition Gets Underway at GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Bonsoy
CS#2: Experienced Surfers Shine in Tough Conditions at North Narrabeen
Josh Moniz wins 1st heat
Mixed Results For Northern Beaches Locals On Day 1
Upstarts Make Their Move in the Round of 80

Pictured: Kiwi veteran Billy Stairmand (NZL) was the standout performer on Day 1 at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented by Bonsoy. Credit: © WSL / Dunbar

NORTH NARRABEEN, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Wednesday, May 17, 2023) – Competition is underway at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Bonsoy, Stop No.2 of the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series. Opening day saw the completion of the men’s Round of 80. Competitors battled tough conditions with waves in the three-to-five foot range that were affected by strong cross-on-shore winds at North Narrabeen.

Experienced Surfers Shine in Tough Conditions at North Narrabeen

Kiwi veteran Billy Stairmand (NZL) put on the standout performance of Day 1, posting a near-excellent heat total of 15.20 (out of a possible 20). Stairmand’s sharp backhand was in sync with the Narrabeen lefts, particularly on his highest-scoring ride where he landed a massive blow-tail re-entry to consolidate his lead.

“I was a bit unsure about conditions this morning when the event was called on,” Stairmand said. “There are definitely opportunities out there and I love going left so I was glad to get that win. It looks like the rest of the window will offer up some good waves so it felt good to get through that one. I feel really at home here in North Narrabeen. I’ve spent a lot of time here and stay with a local family so I’m feeling comfortable.”

French qualification hopeful Marc Lacomare (FRA) is known for his prowess in chunky beach breaks and today’s conditions at Narrabeen suited the explosive goofy-footer perfectly. Lacomare’s critical approach on his backhand earned him an impressive 14.07 two-wave total and a spot in the Round of 64 when competition recommences.

Mixed Results For Northern Beaches Locals On Day 1

The opening heat of the day saw Manly Beach surfer George Pittar (AUS) take a comfortable win to book a spot in the Round of 64. Pittar only just snuck into the Challenger Series with a second-place finish at the last regional Qualifying Series event of the year and is making the most of his opportunities against the world’s best up-and-comers.

Local wildcard Jordy Lawler (AUS) was unable to find the waves he needed to progress past the opening day of competition at his home spot. Trials winner Saxon Reber (AUS) also failed to progress into the Round of 64 leaving Pittar to fly the flag for the Northern Beaches on the men’s side of the competition.

Upstarts Make Their Move in the Round of 80

Kian Martin (SWE) claimed his first heat win at the Challenger Series level today, utilizing both on-the-face maneuvers and a massive full-rotation air reverse to narrowly progress alongside Morocco’s Teva Bouchgua (MAR). Growing up in Bali, Martin has been one to watch for several years but the exciting young natural footer is only just beginning to couple his talent with competitive smarts. Today’s win will continue to grow his confidence in competing on the world stage.

“That felt great to get a heat win,” Martin said. “It was good to go to the air and feel like I could surf the way I wanted to and get rewarded for it. I had a shocker at the Snapper event so I’m just happy to have moved on from that and start off on the right foot here. This is a fun wave so I’m hoping to make a few more heats and get some more opportunities here.”

Hawaiian competitors Joshua Moniz (HAW), Sheldon Paishon (HAW), Kai Martin (HAW) and Brodi Sale (HAW) were all able to move through the opening round of competition at North Narrabeen on Day 1.

South African duo Connor Slijpen (RSA) and Adin Masencamp (RSA) also booked themselves spots in the Round of 64 at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro. Slijpen is looking to make his mark on the Challenger Series while Masencamp looks to back up his Round of 16 finish at Snapper Rocks with another keeper result in Sydney.

The WSL Tours and Competition team will reconvene tomorrow, Thursday, May 18, at 7:15 a.m. AEST to make a call on competition getting back underway.

GWM Sydney Surf Pro Men’s Round of 80 Results:
HEAT 1: George Pittar (AUS) 13.66 DEF. Michael Dunphy (USA) 10.00, Sheldon Simkus (AUS) 8.70, Leo Casal (BRA) 7.13
HEAT 2: Connor Slijpen (RSA) 12.44 DEF. Sheldon Paishon (HAW) 10.30, John Mark Tokong (PHL) 10.00, Guillermo Satt (CHL) 8.77
HEAT 3: Billy Stairmand (NZL) 15.20 DEF. Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 11.84, Kyuss King (AUS) 9.50, Jabe Swierkocki (USA) 9.17
HEAT 4: Marc Lacomare (FRA) 14.07 DEF. Adin Masencamp (RSA) 12.24, Rafael Teixeira (BRA) 10.17, Saxon Reber (AUS) 7.76
HEAT 5: Kian Martin (SWE) 11.83 DEF. Teva Bouchgua (MAR) 11.66, Josh Burke (BRB) 8.17, Tiago Carrique (FRA) 7.36
HEAT 6: Joshua Moniz (HAW) 11.83 DEF. Kai Martin (HAW) 10.10, Jordan Lawler (AUS) 9.36, Ryan Kainalo (BRA) 7.73
HEAT 7: Soli Bailey (AUS) 12.07 DEF. Alister Reginato (AUS) 11.67, Dimitri Poulos (USA) 11.43, Daniel Emslie (RSA) 7.47
HEAT 8: Brodi Sale (HAW) 12.77 DEF. Taj Lindblad (USA) 10.80, Shion Crawford (HAW) 9.37, Daiki Tanaka (JPN) 9.17GWM Sydney Surf Pro Women’s Round of 48 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Zahli Kelly (AUS) vs. Sol Aguirre (PER) vs. Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Alysse Cooper (AUS)
HEAT 2: Leilani McGonagle (CRC) vs. Moana Jones Wong (HAW) vs. Dominic Barona (ECU) vs. Ella McCaffray (USA)
HEAT 3: Ariane Ochoa (EUK) vs. Nyxie Ryan (AUS) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Sara Wakita (JPN)
HEAT 4: Minami Nonaka (JPN) vs. Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Carolina Mendes (POR) vs. Nora Liotta (HAW)
HEAT 5: Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Natasha Van Greunen (RSA) vs. Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) vs. Sophia Medina (BRA)
HEAT 6: Kobie Enright (AUS) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL) vs. Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Kirra Pinkerton (USA)
HEAT 7: Daniella Rosas (PER) vs. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Anon Matsuoka (JPN) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 8: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA) vs. Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) vs. Philippa Anderson (AUS)