2 NEW WORLD CHAMPS! The Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships

Soleil Errico and Kai Sallas Win 2023 WSL Longboard World Titles at Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co.

Errico Claims Third World Longboard Title, Earns Back-to-Back Wins at Malibu Longboard Championships
Sallas Claims Maiden World Longboard Title
Waikiki’s Own Kaleopa’a and Stewart Finish Runner-up

Front page: (From L to R) 2023 WSL Longboard Champions Soleil Errico (USA) and Kai Sallas (HAW) winners of the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. Credit: © WSL / Saguibo

MALIBU, California, USA (Monday, October 9, 2023) – Today, Soleil Errico (USA) and Kai Sallas (HAW) claimed the 2023 Longboard World Titles with victories at the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co., stop No. 4 on the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour.

Clean, two-to-three-foot surf provided a beautiful canvas for the world’s best longboarders to battle for the Longboard World Titles.

Soleil Errico Claims Back-to-Back World Longboard Titles At Home In Malibu

Today, Soleil Errico (USA) claimed her historic third World Title at her home break of Malibu. Errico won her first World Title in 2018 at the Taiwan Open Longboard Championships. Last season she earned her second Title here at Malibu. With her win today, Errico now joins a shortlist of three-time WSL Longboard Champions including Honolua Blomfield (HAW), Taylor Jensen (USA), Cori Schumacher (USA), Rusty Keaulana (HAW), Joel Tudor (USA), and Colin McPhillips (USA).

“It’s so insane, this is my home, and my heart and soul is here,” said Errico. “I appreciate everyone’s support. I have the best family ever, it’s insane. It doesn’t feel real. It’s been a really long day and weekend. It’s been weird, the fog kind of messed everyone up, but I just tried to stay strong mentally through it and trust the process. I’m really happy.”

Pictured: Errico’s poise under pressure was on full display from in her Match 4 bout to claiming a third World Title. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

Errico entered the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. ranked No. 2 and had to make it past Sophia Culhane (HAW) in order to join Kaleopa’a in the Title Match. Title Match 1 kicked off with a brilliant exchange, the nod going to Errico who earned a 7.17 (out of a possible 10). Errico utilized her priority at the halfway point in the heat to earn a 6.33 backup and force Kaleopa’a’s requirement to an excellent 8.00. The ocean did not provide anything of substance for Kaleopa’a to answer back and Errico led the Title Match 1-0.

In Title Match 2, Errico picked up right where she left off and earned a 7.50 for an early lead over Kaleopa’a. Errico then added an excellent 8.33 at the halfway mark. With just a few minutes left, Kaleopa’a got herself out of the combination situation by earning a 7.17 but she still needed a big score to take the lead. Errico emerged victorious out of Title Match 2 and was crowned the 2023 WSL Longboard Champion at home for the second-straight year.

“It took a lot of hard work,” said Errico. “I worked very hard. I mean that’s just how it goes. You need to work hard to achieve your dreams. Sometimes you can work as hard as you can and not know if it’s going to happen but it happened. I want to thank my mom, my dad, of course CJ Nelson. I’m really thankful he’s in my corner and riding this journey with me.”

Sallas Claims Maiden World Longboard Title

Today marks Kai Sallas’ (HAW) maiden World Title, over nearly two decades in the making.

After a sensational year on the 2023 WSL Longboard Tour including a massive win at Bells Beach, Sallas entered Malibu ranked No. 2. He was able to move past Ben Skinner (GBR) in Match 4 before meeting his good friend and apprentice, Kaniela Stewart (HAW), in the Title Match.

“I’ve been doing this for so long, and all I can say is finally,” said Sallas. “I’ve been trying for over 20 years, and to add my name to that list of Hawaiin World Champions is a dream come true. I’m very proud. I want to thank my wife and my kids. They always put up with my moods at contest time, and they’re always here supporting me. They came with me to a lot of the contests this year, thank you.”

Pictured: Nearly two decades in the making, long-time World Title threat Kai Sallas (HAW) made his dream happen. Credit: © WSL / Saguibo

The first of the three bouts in the Title Match went to Stewart who put on a showcase of style and poise on the nose. Steward accrued a 15.77 heat total and the win despite Sallas’ near-perfect 9.57. But, Sallas struck back in their second duel opening up with two key scores to put pressure on Stewart. Stewart couldn’t find a score of substance to match Sallas, and the World Title came down to a third, winner-take-all battle.

The third Title Match started slow but gave way to fireworks. In a back-to-back exchange, Stewart posted an excellent 8.67 and Sallas an excellent 8.60. Sallas then took the lead with a backup score of 6.83. Stewart’s last attempt fell short, and Sallas was confirmed as the 2023 Longboard World Champion.

“I’m standing next to my sparring partner back home (Stewart),” said Sallas. “This guy inspires me more than anyone. I believe he’s going to be the greatest longboarder of all time, and I’m going to be in his corner. So to win this against him is better than I ever dreamed.”

Pictured: Kaleopa’a’s dream run through 2023 ended with a World Title runner-up finish. Credit: © WSL / Saguibo

Waikiki’s Own Kaleopa’a and Stewart Finish Runner-up

Kaleopa’a finished the year as the World Title runner-up for the second-consecutive time today. The 18-year-old, Waikiki, competitor put on a showcase in 2023 with a win at Huntington Beach and runner-up finish in El Salvador to secure the No. 1 rank heading into Malibu. Now, Kaleopa’a prepares for another run at her maiden World Title in 2024.

Pictured: Stewart’s style was on full display once more on the way to his runner-up finish. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

One of longboarding’s modern-era icons, Stewart, showcased his world-class potential en route to becoming the World Title runner-up for a second straight year. Stewart entered Malibu as the No. 1 ranked men’s surfer after winning in Huntington Beach and El Salvador this season. The Waikiki competitor ultimately fell to mentor and shaper, Sallas, in the third and final Title Match and now looks to make history of his own in 2024.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Women’s Title Match Results:
HEAT 1: Soleil Errico (USA) 13.50 DEF. Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 7.73
HEAT 2: Soleil Errico (USA) 15.83 DEF. Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 11.90Men’s Title Match Results:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 15.77 DEF. Kai Sallas (HAW) 14.57
HEAT 2: Kai Sallas (HAW) 14.93 DEF. Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 11.10
HEAT 3: Kai Sallas (HAW) 15.43 DEF. Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 14.24Women’s Match 4 Results:
HEAT 1: Soleil Errico (USA) 14.66 DEF. Sophia Culhane (HAW) 13.77Men’s Match 4 Results:
HEAT 1: Kai Sallas (HAW) 17.87 DEF. Ben Skinner (GBR) 17.83

Women’s Match 3 Results:
HEAT 1: Sophia Culhane (HAW) 17.50 DEF. Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 16.33

Men’s Match 3 Results:
HEAT 1: Ben Skinner (GBR) 15.90 DEF. Taylor Jensen (USA) 15.24

Women’s Match 2 Results:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 14.50 DEF. Mason Schremmer (USA) 11.37, Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 10.97

Men’s Match 2 Results:
HEAT 1: Ben Skinner (GBR) 14.13 DEF. Tony Silvagni (USA) 12.90, Declan Wyton (AUS) 11.60

Women’s Match 1 Results:
HEAT 1: Mason Schremmer (USA) 13.73 DEF. Rachael Tilly (USA) 10.54, Chloe Calmon (BRA) 10.40

Men’s Match 1 Results:
HEAT 1: Tony Silvagni (USA) 11.23 DEF. Edouard Delpero (FRA) 8.37, Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 7.17

Next Stop: Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco do Brasil
The Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco do Brasil holds a competition window from October 14 – 21, 2023. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

The Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. is proudly supported by Original Sprout, Tractor Beverage Co., 805 Beer, Pacifico, Cup Noodles, and Boxed Water.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Presented by Tractor Beverage Co.

CONGRATS TO OUR NEW “PEOPLES’ WORLD CHAMP KAI SALLAS BEATING #1 CONTENDER KANIELA STEWART IN HEAT #3!

MEN’S LONGBOARD TITLE RETURNS TO HAWAII AFTER 13 YEARS (2010)

CONGRATS to WINNER & NEW WORLD CHAMP, SOLEIL ERRICO (MALIBU LOCAL) WHO OVERCAME KELIS KALEOPA’A IN THE GRAND FINAL!

Pictured: 2023 WSL Longboard Champions set to be crowned later today at Malibu’s famed First Point at the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

MALIBU, California, USA (Monday, October 9, 2023) – The O riginal Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co., the fourth and final stop on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour, has been called ON for a 7:30 a.m. PDT start. Competition is set to get underway in two-to-three foot, clean swell beginning with women’s Match 1, followed by men’s Match 1 with 2023 WSL Longboard Champions ready to be crowned later today.

The World Title showdown opens with former WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) up against No. 8 ranked Mason Schremmer (USA) and perennial World Title threat Chloe Calmon (BRA). The winner will move into Match 2 and take on three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) and No. 5 ranked Alice Lemoigne (FRA).

Men’s World Title action kicks off featuring Longboard Tour veterans Tony Silvagni (USA) and Edouard Delpero (FRA) facing off with rising star Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL), who represents the Philippines’ first-ever World Title contender.

Matches 3 and 4 will be one-on-one, with the winner advancing. Top-ranked competitors, Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) await in the Title Match, which is a best-of-three format. The winners of the Title Match will be crowned the 2023 WSL Longboard Champions.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Watch LIVE: Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co.
The Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. hold a competition window from October 3 – 13, 2023. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.The Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. is proudly supported by Original Sprout, Tractor Beverage Co., 805 Beer, Pacifico, Cup Noodles, and Boxed Water. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATES…

Continued Fog Forces Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. OFF for the Day

Next Call: Sunday, October 8, at 5:00 p.m. PDT

Pictured: Continued fog rolled into Malibu and forced another hold for the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

MALIBU, California, USA (Sunday, October 8, 2023) – The O riginal Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co., the fourth and final stop on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour, has been called OFF for the day due to continued, heavy fog. The WSL Tours and Competition team will reconvene at 5:00 p.m. PDT to determine the next call to start the competition.

“It was a tough day here at Malibu because we had great surf, but the fog prevented us from having a clear line of sight to the lineup to run competiton,” said Will Hayden-Smith, WSL Senior Manager, Global Development Tours. “We are going to check the fog and surf forecasts for the coming days and announce the next call at 5:00 p.m. PDT.”

When competition begins, the one-day, winner-take-all World Title showdown will start with former WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) taking on perennial World Title threat Chloe Calmon (BRA) and No. 8 ranked Mason Schremmer (USA). The winner will face No. 5 ranked, former event victor Alice Lemoigne (FRA), and three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW).

For the men, the race to the 2023 World Title begins with the Philippines’ first World Title contender Rogelio Jr Esquievel up against Longboard Tour veterans Edouard Delpero (FRA) and Tony Silvagni (USA) in Match 1. The winner will then head into Match 2 to face 2023 season standout Declan Wyton (AUS) and Longboard Tour veteran Ben Skinner (GBR).

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning the World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfers on the world’s best waves. WSL is comprised of the Tours and Competition division, which oversees and operates more than 180 global competitions each year; Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), home of the world’s largest high-performance, human-made wave; and WSL Studios, an independent producer of unscripted and scripted projects.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com .

SATURDAY: FINALS DAY CHANGED FROM ON TO OFF DUE TO FOG

SUNDAY: AWAITING CALL AT 2PM HAWAII TIME SUNDAY OCT 8

Presented by Tractor Beverage Co.

…Heavy Fog came in…NEXT CALL SUNDAY 8th

Women’s Match 1 Starts at 9:30 a.m. PDT
2023 WSL Longboard Champions Crowned Later Today
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: The iconic point break of First Point Malibu will decide the 2023 WSL Longboard Champions at the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co., Saturday, October, 7. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

MALIBU, California, USA (Saturday, October 7, 2023) – The Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. has been called ON for a 9:30 a.m. PDT start. Two-to-three foot, pristine conditions are pulsing into the iconic First Point Malibu cobblestone lineup. The stakes are high and competitors are ready to put everything on the line. By this afternoon, the 2023 WSL Longboard Champions will be crowned.

The one-day World Title showdown format, similar to the Rip Curl WSL Finals, kicks off with Match 1 featuring No. 8 ranked Mason Schremmer (USA) taking on former WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) and perennial World Title threat Chloe Calmon (BRA). The winner will then face off with No. 5 ranked, Alice Lemoigne (FRA) and three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) in Match 2.

The men’s road to the 2023 World Title begins in Match 1 featuring Longboard Tour veterans, No. 8 ranked Tony Silvagni (USA), and No. 6 ranked Edouard Delpero (FRA), taking on the Philippine’s first-ever World Title contender Rogelio Jr Esquievel. The winner of Match 1 will head into Match 2 featuring No. 5 ranked Ben Skinner (GBR) and No. 4 ranked Declan Wyton (AUS) before preparing for their respective, head-to-head Match 3 and Match 4 bouts.

Matches 3 and 4 will be one-on-one, with the winner advancing. Top ranked competitors, Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) await in the Title Match, which is a best-of-three format. The winners of the Title Match will be crowned the 2023 World Champions.