Kai Mana Henry (HAW) displaying power during last year’s competition. Image: WSL / Freesurf / PhotoKeoki

The holding period falls within Memorial Day weekend and is expected to provide contestable waves for four full days of competition. Contest organizers will make a call based on waves and conditions by 6:45 am on each day of the holding period.

Haleiwa, Oahu, HAWAII – (Thursday, May 12, 2016) — Few places in Hawaii are as iconic as Oahu’s South Shore. Waikiki, Diamond Head, The Duke statue – these symbols all are part of a legacy that is steeped in surfing. Part of this Hawaii imprint is the long-standing household name Local Motion, a surf lifestyle brand founded in the Islands in 1977. The company embodies the coastal-living roots and aloha spirit of Honolulu for the past 31 years as host to an event that weaves surf history even deeper into Hawaii’s framework.

Local Motion Surf Into Summer Presented by RVCA returns this May 26 – 31 to provide a platform for amateur and pro surfers to showcase their talent in an upper echelon of competition. With young guns like Noah Hill, 14, and Finn McGill, 15, and seasoned pros like Derek Ho, 51, and Myles Padaca, 45, claiming slots in the 96-man Pro field, the contest is a clash of generations that spans nearly forty years.

Finalists from last year’s event, L to R: Hank Gaskell, Sunny Garcia, Joel Centeio, Kaimana Jaquias. Image: WSL/Freesurf/Heff

Some of the world’s best the likes of Keanu Asing, Sunny Garcia, Zeke Lau and Joel Centeio – all who call Oahu home – have worked their way through the professional ranks, starting with Local Motion Surf Into Summer. A handful of the athletes have gone on to compete in the World Surf League (WSL) Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour, the most prestigious tier of professional competitive surfing in the world.

The long-standing event has offered regional surfers valuable ratings points and qualification opportunities for over three decades in the heart of Honolulu. And as of last year, united with WSL to add a QS1,000-rated event to the holding period, which affords even more opportunity for aspiring and pro surfers. The Local Motion Surf Into Summer Presented by RVCA also bodes well for qualification into the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

“Local Motion is proud to continue the relationship with WSL in providing a high quality pro event for Hawaii surfers and the Pacific region,” said Local Motion GM Tim Mock. “Local Motion Surf into Summer has a great history as an amateur event and our goal is to continually improve and provide a quality competitive experience for both amateur and pro surfers. Teaming up with the WSL not only assists pro surfers with an additional event – hosting both amateur and pros at the same venue – but also provides a setting in which both can learn and be inspired.”

The 96-man field is comprised mainly of local surfers and gives priority to regional athletes, but also sees Barbados, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, US, Peru, French Polynesia, Taipei, Japan and Mexico fighting for representation in the competition. Centeio, who placed first in last year’s Pro event, will return to defend his title and battle against some of Hawaii’s best.

Defending champion Joel Centeio was the most in-form surfer during last year’s event. Image: WSL/Freesurf/PhotoKeoki 

“It’s really awesome to see Local Motion step up and support Hawaiian surfing,” said Centeio. “I can speak for the surfers and were all super grateful that we get to surf another great event, especially at Bowls. So thank you Tim and crew at Local Motion!”

Held at the South Shore’s most iconic left-breaking wave, Ala Moana Bowls is known for its long, barreling surf that challenges athletes’ fundamentals. True to its namesake, the event epitomizes the shift in swells to the South Shore and celebrates the beautiful summer months of Honolulu.

The holding period falls within Memorial Day weekend and is expected to provide contestable waves for four full days of competition. Contest organizers will make a call based on waves and conditions by 6:45 am on each day of the holding period. Daily video and photo assets will be distributed to local news along with a press release for every ON day of the Pro competition.
Aloha!

Lauren Rolland
WSL Hawaii Media Manager
lrolland@worldsurfleague.com

For more information, log onto WorldSurfLeague.com