• Championship Tour Standouts Bryan, Mamiya Steal the Show
• All-Important Runner-Ups For Billy Kemper and Nora Liotta
• Finalists Brianna Cope, Eweleiula Wong, Shion Crawford, Kai Paula Make Their Move

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu/Hawaii (Friday, November 4, 2022) – Today, Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Barron Mamiya (HAW) emerged victorious at the World Surf League (WSL) Sunset Pro presented by HIC, a regional Qualifying Series (QS) 1000 event, over their respective, top-tier fields with three-to-four foot swell pulsing into Sunset Point. The 2022 Championship Tour (CT) standouts brought that confidence to the QS and showcased their dominant form throughout the event with phenomenal surfing. Valuable, runner-up points belonged to Nora Liotta (HAW) and Billy Kemper (HAW) as they look to secure their places into the 2023 Challenger Series (CS).

But, Bryan’s two-score combination had Liotta and her competitors in need of a brilliant answer as time expired, earning the former Pro Junior event winner’s first Sunset QS win.

“It’s so good to have a QS win under my belt,” said Bryan. “My first heat gave me so much confidence even though I haven’t surfed Vals (Reef) a lot, but you never know. The CT could be like that one day so the more heats, the more practice, the more better I’ll be.”

In 2019, Bryan solidified herself as an emerging star after a breakthrough win at the Sunset Open Pro Junior in solid conditions. Fast-forward two years and she made her dreams of qualifying a reality, becoming the 2022 CT Rookie of the Year, and taking that confidence back to the QS here at the Sunset Pro presented by HIC – accruing the event’s highest heat total of a 16.50 (out of a possible 20) in her debut.

Mamiya held firm and claimed a second win in 2022 in his backyard of Sunset Beach to keep his momentum alive heading into the 2023 CT season.

“I’m super stoked to surf Sunset again in a contest and to get another win,” said Mamiya. “It’s been a super good event. The waves were small the first couple days, but the last day was super fun so I’m stoked to get some good waves.”

Eventual winner, 22-year-old Mamiya, entered this event as the man to beat, winning the CT Hurley Pro Sunset earlier this year, and didn’t lose that title on the way to a second-consecutive Sunset Beach Final. Surfing in his backyard, Mamiya was right at home and earned wins in both his Round of 32 and Quarterfinal heats before advancing behind Crawford into the Final and taking a massive win ahead of the 2023 CT season.

A valuable runner-up for Liotta pushes her up the rankings after battling her way to the Final. Liotta continues to show she’s one of Hawaii’s rising threats and notched an impressive Semifinal victory after advancing into Finals Day.  The 18-year-old chose to forego the Challenger Series event in Brazil and focus on regional success, and capitalized on the moment as she now prepares for the Challenger Series conclusion at Haleiwa.

“These events are so important because we only have so many events to get good results in,” said Liotta. “Getting a good result here feels really good just for confidence as well. I haven’t done very well in the Challenger Series, Sunset was vital just so I could get back on the Challenger next year.”

Eventual runner-up Kemper’s track record at Sunset is one the venue’s best with three wins headed into this event and despite smaller conditions, thrived under pressure to secure back-to-back, event Finals appearances. Kemper’s persistence on Finals Day was relentless, advancing in each of his Round of 32, Quarterfinal, and Semifinal battles to show his fighting spirit is still one of the fiercest among his competitors.

The 32-year-old is ready for the road ahead with this result pushing him to 1,000 points on the regional rankings, but Kemper now sets his eyes on bigger waves.

“If there was one person I’d accept losing to it’d be Barron (Mamiya), he’s been my training partner the last couple years under Kahea Hart,” said Kemper. “After Barron won this event at the CT, he took a big step up in his surfing and really matured in all aspects. Now, there’s one event on my mind and that’s Jaws. I’ve put my entire life, everything into it and I get emotional just thinking about it.”

Valuable Finishes For Finalists, Challenger Series Qualification Race Narrows

Cope entered this event, putting the Challenger Series (CS) on hold, to garner valuable points toward her regional QS ranking and made it worth her while with a Finals appearance. Wong pulled one of the event’s most notable upsets in her Quarterfinal debut, alongside Lucy Jarrard (ASM), by eliminating Moana Jones Wong (HAW), former Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1, and continued that form through the Semifinals behind an in-form Liotta.

Eventual third-place finisher Crawford debuted in phenomenal fashion and kept that momentum going all the way to the Final, unleashing a 14.65 heat total in the Semifinals after advancing out of his Quarterfinal and Round of 32 affairs to start Finals Day. Paula made his statement in the Quarterfinals with an impressive 15.65 and backed it up in the Semifinals with another 15.95, but couldn’t find that form in the Final and managed a fourth-place finish.

The event is also supported by the Hawaii Youth Surfing Development Organization (HYSDO), a local nonprofit working to support Hawaii’s next generation through career and competitive development, in and out of the water.

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.

Sunset Pro pres. by HIC Women’s Final Results:
1 – Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 13.25    1,000 points
2 – Nora Liotta (HAW) 11.00              800 points
3 – Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 10.50      650 points
4 – Brianna Cope (HAW) 5.25            600 points

Sunset Pro pres. by HIC Men’s Final Results:
1 – Barron Mamiya (HAW) 15.35     1,000 points
2 – Billy Kemper (HAW) 12.60            800 points
3 – Shion Crawford (HAW) 11.40        650 points
4 – Kai Paula (HAW) 10.05                   600 points

Sunset Pro pres. by HIC Women’s Semifinal Results:
Heat 1: Brianna Cope (HAW) 11.40, Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 10.50, Mahulia Lima (HAW) 10.10, Erin Brooks (HAW) 7.40
Heat 2: Nora Liotta (HAW) 11.65, Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 11.45, Malia Lima (HAW) 9.30, Lucy Jarrard (ASM) 8.80

Sunset Pro pres. by HIC Men’s Semifinal Results:
Heat 1: Shion Crawford (HAW) 14.85, Barron Mamiya (HAW) 12.50, Joshua Moniz (HAW) 12.45, Finn McGill (HAW) 10.50
Heat 2: Kai Paula (HAW) 15.95, Billy Kemper (HAW) 13.65, Kainehe Hunt (HAW) 11.85, Sheldon Paishon (HAW) 7.90

Sunset Pro pres. by HIC Men Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Finn McGill (HAW) 14.35, Shion Crawford (HAW) 12.85, Diego Ferri (HAW) 11.75, Kai Lenny (HAW) 11.25
Heat 2: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 13.00, Joshua Moniz (HAW) 12.60, Isaiah Moniz (HAW) 10.20, Luke Tema (HAW) 9.35
Heat 3: Sheldon Paishon (HAW) 9.10, Billy Kemper (HAW) 8.40, Eli Hanneman (HAW) 6.35, Sage Tutterow (HAW) 6.10
Heat 4: Kai Paula (HAW) 15.60, Kainehe Hunt (HAW) 14.40, Oliver Zietz (HAW) 10.65, Jackson Bunch (HAW) 8.25

Sunset Pro pres. by HIC Men Round of 32 Results:
Heat 1: Diego Ferri (HAW) 8.20, Luke Tema (HAW) 5.05, Rylan Beavers (HAW) 4.85, Jackson Dorian (HAW) NS
Heat 2: Finn McGill (HAW) 13.75, Isaiah Moniz (HAW) 13.25, Robert Grilho (HAW) 13.00, MaiKai Burdine (HAW) 12.75
Heat 3: Joshua Moniz (HAW) 12.20, Shion Crawford (HAW) 9.90, Cole Alves (HAW) 9.70, Gavin Klein (HAW) 6.15
Heat 4: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 13.50, Kai Lenny (HAW) 13.00, Tyler Newton (HAW) 10.65, Kekoa Cazimero (HAW) 6.60
Heat 5: Eli Hanneman (HAW) 12.00, Kai Paula (HAW) 11.70, Kai Martin (HAW) 11.25, Shiloh Tennberg (HAW) 9.15
Heat 6: Sheldon Paishon (HAW) 9.45, Oliver Zietz (HAW) 8.25, Gregg Nakamura (HAW) 7.70, Benji Brand (HAW) 6.95
Heat 7: Kainehe Hunt (HAW) 12.55, Sage Tutterow (HAW) 10.75, Liam Wilson (HAW) 9.30, Tanner Hendrickson (HAW) 8.60
Heat 8: Jackson Bunch (HAW) 16.20, Billy Kemper (HAW) 13.15, Kylen Yamakawa (HAW) 12.35, Kainaru Kato (HAW) 6.65

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu/Hawaii (Tuesday, November 1, 2022) – Finals Day is locked in at the World Surf League (WSL) Sunset Pro presented by HIC, a regional Qualifying Series (QS) 1000 event, as top-seeded men and women took control in continued two-to-three foot swell. The men’s Round of 64 finished in its entirety with brilliant showcases before the women debuted in dominant form to power through the Round of 20 and Quarterfinals with a few big upsets.

Kauai, Hawaii’s Gabriela Bryan (HAW) made her dreams of qualifying for the elite Championship Tour (CT) a reality in 2021 and earned the 2022 Rookie of the Year. The former Sunset Pro Junior victor debuted in phenomenal fashion with an excellent 16.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total and Maluhia Kinimaka (HAW) advancing behind her. The 20-year-old is capitalizing on an early chance to get reps in Sunset Beach despite the small conditions, and knows the importance of time in a jersey.

“This last year on the CT did so much for confidence with the level being so high, and I think I’ve gotten some amazing experience,” said Bryan. “It’s super important doing this contest for jersey time. There’s a pretty big break until the CT starts back up so it’s good to stay in heats and it’s tough competition. These young girls are really good.”

Emerging threat Eweleiula Wong (HAW) helped dismantle current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Moana Jones Wong (HAW) with an impressive 14.25 heat total alongside fellow newcomer Lucy Jarrard (ASM), also advancing. This marks the 17-year-old’s second year competing in the QS and also already has an ISA World Junior Championship to her name. Now, the Wahiawa, Oahu competitor looks to finish at Sunset Beach strong.

For the Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Pro Juniors, competitors 20-and-under, such as Wong, this event is another crucial stepping stone in their season as it earns them points toward WSL World Junior Championships. Erin Brooks (HAW), Malia Lima (HAW), Mahulia Kinimaka (HAW), and Nora Liotta (HAW) are all in the hunt with their Finals Day appearances.

“It would be awesome to get into the World Juniors and also the Challenger Series,” said Wong. “I would love to make it to the World Tour eventually. I’m super excited to be back into Finals Day and hopefully get some fun waves.”

Also, a vital Quarterfinal win for Brianna Cope (HAW) earned her way into the Semifinals with a brilliant 14.60 heat total after a crushing, Quarterfinal loss to start her QS season, and Lima handled her Quarterfinal Heat 3 battle in clutch fashion – also earning a big upset over current No. 2 Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW).

Men’s Remaining Top Seeds Shine in Small Conditions

Rising talent Shion Crawford (HAW) brought out some of his best forehand attacks to earn a brilliant 14.50 heat total, including an excellent 8.00. The Haleiwa born-and-raised competitor made a statement at the Priority Destinations Pro presented by Mastercard to kickstart his 2022/23 season, but fell short of a major result and now looks to build on early success at Sunset Beach.

“It feels good to compete at home, we only have two contests so far so you have to make use of them,” said Crawford. “A good start is what you want, you start off strong and that builds some confidence. You just have to get a second score and you’re stoked. I just try to surf with no pressure so that you just surf freely and have fun out there.”

2022 Championship Tour (CT) standout, starting from a wildcard and earning a full-time place into the 2023 season, Barron Mamiya (HAW) made his time in the jersey count with an impressive debut heat win. The 22-year-old notched the win of his young career right in this very lineup and now looks for another victory.

“I’m stoked to be home and it’s kind of the off-season for me, but I’m excited to do another competition,” said Mamiya. “It’s amazing to be back at Sunset. I haven’t surfed out here since the last contest and I’m stoked to be having fun. It’s sick to be on Tour finally and go to all the spots. I’ve been preparing for next year, training a lot, and I’m fired up to finish strong here tomorrow.

Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Rankings Leaders Continue to Set the Pace

Current Hawaii/Tahiti No. 3 Joshua Moniz (HAW) started the day off with a clutch victory, but his fellow rankings leaders, No. 1 Eli Hanneman (HAW), No. 2 Jackson Bunch (HAW), and No. 4 Kai Martin (HAW) all earned respective wins of their own. An all-important Finals Day awaits to see who makes a charge closer to Challenger Series qualification, as well as the highest-ranked Pro Juniors.

Bunch’s impressive backhand attack earned the Maui competitor a 13.65 heat total to secure his place into Finals Day and moves one step closer to securing his place into the World Junior Championships.

“You just have to be on the best waves and right now it’s not normal Sunset where there’s a golden egg in every heat,” said Bunch. “It’s a lot of the same waves and the best surfer wins. It’s always nice to win that first heat and I’m excited for Finals Day, hopefully the waves are fun, but I had a blast out there.”

Also notching important Round of 64 wins, former event victor Billy Kemper (HAW), Kainehe Hunt (HAW), Tanner Hendrickson (HAW), Tyler Newton (HAW), Kai Paula (HAW), Gregg Nakamura (HAW), and Benji Brand (HAW) are into Finals Day.

CLICK HERE FOR SUNSET PRO Pres. BY HIC DAY TWO RESULTS 

Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. HST to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. HST start to Finals Day.

The event is also supported by the Hawaii Youth Surfing Development Organization (HYSDO), a local nonprofit working to support Hawaii’s next generation through career and competitive development, in and out of the water.

The Sunset Pro presented by HIC will run on the best three days of the event window beginning October 28 – November 6.

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.