to Win SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown

Gabriel Medina and Caitlin Simmers Finish Runner-Up
Jack Robinson Claims Famous Victory in Tahiti to Clinch Last Spot in WSL Final 5
Caitlin Simmers and Joao Chianca Will Compete in Rip Curl WSL Finals
Molly Picklum Provisionally Qualifies for Olympic Games Paris 2024

Pictured: SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown at Teahupo’o Finalists [Left-to-Right] Gabriel Medina (BRA), Caitlin Simmers (USA), Caroline Marks (USA), and Jack Robinson (AUS). Credit: © WSL / Ryder

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti, French Polynesia (Wednesday, August 16, 2023) – Today Jack Robinson (AUS) and Caroline Marks (USA) won the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, the penultimate event of the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour (CT). The pair overcame Gabriel Medina (BRA) and Caitlin Simmers (USA), who finished runners-up, as Teahupo’o delivered windy four-to-six foot surf on Finals Day.

With the completion of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, all the spots in the WSL Final 5 have been clinched. The final Olympic qualification spot for the women representing the United States will be against winner Marks and runner-up Simmers, and will decided at the Rip Curl WSL Finals. The last spot in the men’s Final 5 came down to a surf-off between Medina and Robinson with Robinson emerging victorious.

Jack Robinson Claims Famous Victory in Tahiti to Clinch Spot in WSL Final 5

Ahead of the men’s Final, the equation for Jack Robinson (AUS) and Gabriel Medina (BRA) was simple: win the event and and clinch a spot in the Rip Curl WSL Finals. The pair were the last two still in contention after Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), John John Florence (HAW), and Yago Dora (BRA) were all eliminated in the Semifinals and Quarterfinals, respectively. Both Robinson and Medina were the men to beat on Finals Day and seemed destined to meet in the Final.

In true Medina fashion, the two-time Teahupo’o winner got off to a busy start, catching multiple waves to take a solid lead with a 15.00 point (out of a possible 20) heat total. Robinson opted for a more patient approach, waiting for particular waves that eventually came, giving him long hollow tube rides for a pair of 7.83s (out of a possible 10) which gave him a slim win with a two-wave combination of 15.66.

“I was so in ‘it’ coming into this event and so focused – but I was still enjoying myself, it’s so hard to describe the feeling. I don’t know what it is but I feel like It was meant to be,” Robinson said. “I just never stopped, when it was down through the year I pulled it back up and with the help of the people around me who know who they are – it’s a small crew but it has a lot of ‘mana’ (good energy) like this place (Tahiti). I felt like it was my time. You never know when it’s your time, but I felt like I envisaged it was my time now and I’m so happy. After starting this year the way I did then dropping off then coming back and all of that stuff I feel like this was my time. I always said that the Finals would be my last event for the year and I can’t wait for it. I’m excited.”

After winning the first event of the year, then claiming a third and a second-place finish to back it up and head towards the mid-season cut wearing the yellow Leader’s Jersey, Robinson suffered multiple injuries through the middle of the year and came into the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro in 8th place on the rankings. Robinson needed to win the event to secure his spot in the WSL Final 5 and that is what he did, overcoming fellow Final 5 contenders Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and Yago Dora (BRA) in the Semifinal and Quarterfinal to set up his matchup with Medina. Robinson will finish the season in 5th on the rankings, having already provisionally qualified for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Today saw Gabriel Medina (BRA) contest his sixth Final in Tahiti having won the event in 2014 and 2018. The three-time WSL Champion was fresh off a third-place finish at the Corona J-Bay Open last month and was looking to add another victory to his Western Australia Margaret River Pro title from earlier this year. The exciting goofy-footer was on fire all event, posting some of the highest scores for his deep technical tube rides but his runner-up finish wasn’t enough to see him move out of 6th place on the rankings.

“This is a special place to me and a place I love to come to,” Medina said. “I love my time here and love the people here so it’s nice to make another Final in Tahiti. Teahupo’o has given so much to me over the years so it’s great to be here and just enjoy the place and getting barrelled. I did everything I could to make it tough for everyone but in the end, it wasn’t enough but that’s life – I’m happy.”

Caroline Marks Wins All-American Final For Second CT Victroy of The Year

Caroline Marks (USA) claimed her second event win of the season today at Teahupo’o. Marks finished 5th here last year and today she demonstrated an increased level of confidence and dominance in waves of consequence. Marks’ road to the Final was not easy as she had to take down two Tour veterans, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Tyler Wright (AUS), along the way. After taking time away from the Tour at times in 2021 and 2022, this is Marks’ first full season back and her most successful to date with two CT victories from three Finals in 2023.

“I’m stoked – this is like a dream event to win so I’m super pumped,” Marks said. “The waves got a little weird with that wind and after I fell on that barrel I had to go to turns on my second to last wave. It was good to be able to change the plan and see it work out. To win this event as a goofy footer is a real feather in your cap.”

In the Final, Marks came up against 2023 CT rookie Caitlin Simmers (USA) in an all-American match-up. With both surfers having already locked in spots at the Rip Curl WSL Finals all that was on the line was a prestigious Teahupo’o title. As a rain squall came through the lineup it, was Marks who successfully changed tact and posted her winning score with turns on the face rather than in the tubes Teahupo’o is known for.

“Surfing against Caity in the Final was super cool, she had a really good Semifinal heat so I knew it was going to be a tough match-up with her. She’s had such a stellar year and has that real rookie energy with no pressure and nothing to lose which is really cool. To have an all-American final was really fun. I’m super grateful to have Luke (Egan) in my corner. I think he made a Final out here with Andy (Irons) so it’s amazing to have all of his knowledge. It’s been such a rad year and I’ve got more to look forward to at the Rip Curl WSL Finals at Lowers.”

Rookie Caitlin Simmers Clinches Last Spot in Women’s WSL Final 5 With Runner-Up Finish

Rookie Caitlin Simmers (USA) clinched the last spot in the women’s WSL Final 5 today with her runner-up result. The 17-year-old put the Tour on notice this year, winning the CT events in Portugal and Brazil. This week was Simmer’s first event at Teahupo’o and she was a clear standout, taking down chargers Molly Picklum (AUS) and Vahine Fierro (FRA) on her way to the Final as well as posting a 9.23 (out of a possible 10) for a late, deep, critical tube ride, the highest single-wave score of the women’s event. Simmer’s home of Oceanside, California is just up the road from Lower Trestles and she is sure to be a threat at the Rip Curl WSL Finals.

“There were a bunch of implications in that heat,” said Simmers. “I was watching Steph (Gilmore), she’s my favourite surfer so I wanted her to win but If she didn’t win I would make it to Lowers so it was weird. My heart was racing watching that heat. Lowers is pretty close to where I live so I’m excited. This has been a rad event. Getting barreled and tested by such an intimidating wave has been enjoyable and I’m looking forward to coming back here next year.”

WSL Final 5 Set for World-Title Deciding Rip Curl WSL Finals

Following the completion of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, the WSL Final 5 have been determined and are ready to compete at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California for the Rip Curl WSL Finals. The one-day winner-take-all event will crown the 2023 World Champions. The competition will run on the best day of waves determined by the WSL Tours and Competition team between September 8 – 16, 2023.

WSL Final 5 Women
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW)
2 – Tyler Wright (AUS)
3 – Caroline Marks (USA)
4 – Molly Picklum (AUS)
5 – Caitlin Simmers (USA)

WSL Final 5 Men
1 – Filipe Toledo (BRA)
2 – Griffin Colapinto (USA)
3 – Ethan Ewing (AUS)
4 – Joao Chianca (BRA)
5 – Jack Robinson (AUS)

Molly Picklum Qualifies for Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Last Qualifications to be Determined at Rip Curl WSL Finals

With her Quarterfinal result today, Molly Picklum (AUS) has provisionally qualified through the WSL CT to represent Australia at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. This will be Picklum’s first Olympic Games.

The SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, Stop No. 10 on the 2023 WSL CT, was the final decider of the rankings. Fittingly, this event that decided the Olympic contestants will be the same venue for the Olympic Games held in Paris next year. The iconic wave, Teahupo’o, is known for massive barrels, heavy drops, and a shallow reef.

18 Olympic Qualifiers Through the WSL Championship Tour:

Men
Filipe Toledo (BRA)
Griffin Colapinto (USA)
Ethan Ewing (AUS)
Jack Robinson (AUS)
John John Florence (USA)
To be decided at Rip Curl WSL Finals (BRA)
Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)
Jordy Smith (RSA)
Matthew McGillivray (RSA)

Women
Carissa Moore (USA)
Tyler Wright (AUS)
Molly Picklum (AUS)
To be decided at Rip Curl WSL Finals (USA)
Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
Johanne Defay (FRA)
Brisa Hennessy (CRC)
Teresa Bonvalot (POR)

Learn more about the Qualification Season and the provisionally qualified CT athletes at WorldSurfLeague.com.com/QualificationSeason.

Mayhem Surfboards Wins Inaugural VISSLA CT Shaper Rankings

Mayhem Surfboards, led by Matt Biolos and based out of San Clemente, CA, has won the inaugural VISSLA CT Shaper Rankings with the completion of today’s SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown. A season-long, combined men’s and women’s ranking, the CT Shaper Rankings measured the performances of the world’s best surfers on the 2023 WSL Championship Tour across the 10-event season, counting results in the Quarterfinals or better for their respective shapers. Leading Mayhem’s surfer team are five-time WSL Champion and current WSL No. 1 Carissa Moore (HAW), WSL Final 5 combatants Griffin Colapinto (USA), Caroline Marks (USA) and Yago Dora (BRA), and contributing team members Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Ian Gentil (HAW). A globally-respected board builder for multiple decades, Matt Biolos and Mayhem Surfboards now get to add 2023 CT Shaper of the Year to their list of accomplishments and be treated to a stay and surf at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore, Calif. courtesy of the WSL and the Kelly Slater Wave Company.

For more of today’s highlights and features from the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Final Results:
1 – Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.66
2 – Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.00SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Women’s Final Results:
1 – Caroline Marks (USA) 9.23
2 – Caitlin Simmers (USA) 3.94SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Seminal Results:
HEAT 1: Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.83 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 8.84
HEAT 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 13.33 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 5.17SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Women’s Seminal Results:
HEAT 1: Caroline Marks (USA) 11.66 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 9.80
HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 15.73 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 12.34SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 15.10 DEF. Kauli Vaast (FRA) 11.70
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) 12.93 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 11.10
HEAT 3: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 11.43 DEF. Mihimana Braye (PYF) 2.50
HEAT 4: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.10 DEF. John John Florence (HAW) 10.10

SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.50 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 12.26
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) 8.50 DEF. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 2.93
HEAT 3: Vahine Fierro (FRA) 8.83 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 8.00
HEAT 4: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 6.60 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 6.53

Next Stop: The Rip Curl WSL Finals
The next and final stop on the 2023 WSL Championship Tour will be the Rip Curl WSL Finals, held at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, Calif. This event is the one-day, winner-take-all showdown that will determine the 2023 World Champions and holds a competition window from Friday, September 8 through Saturda, September 16, 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.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW…

MARKS & ROBINSON Victorious – SHISHIEDO Tahiti Pro Presented By Outerknown

FULL STORY COMING…

EARLIER UPDATE BELOW….

Finals Day Called ON at SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown
Finals Day Starts at 8:05 AM TAHT
Today’s Competition Order: Women’s Quarterfinals, Men’s Quarterfinals, Women’s Semifinals, Men’s Semifinals, Women’s Final, Men’s Final
Remaining Spots in WSL Final 5 and Olympic Provisional Qualification Will Be Determined Today
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com
the WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

Pictured: Tyler Wright (AUS) will surf against Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) in women’s Quarterfinal 1 at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown at Teahupo’o. Credit: © WSL / Dunbar

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti, French Polynesia (Wednesday, August 16, 2023) – Finals Day is ON at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, Stop No. 10 of the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour (CT). Five-to-seven-foot and building swell is looking promising to provide a day of technical barrels and high-performance surfing.

The stakes are extremely high as today’s competition will decide who will clinch the last remaining spots in the WSL Final 5 and be able to compete for the 2023 World Titles at the Rip Curl WSL Finals. Olympic qualification is also on the line today as two more women and one more man will be confirmed to represent their countries at the Paris 2024 Olympics. By the end of today, the winners of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown will be crowned and the 2023 regular CT season will come to a close.

The Quarterfinals will feature several must-win matchups for the three women who are still in contention for a spot in the WSL Final 5. Rookie Caitlin Simmers (USA) currently holds the No. 5 spot, but Tour veterans Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) are close behind her.

Weston-Webb currently sits at No. 7 on the rankings and must overcome Tyler Wright (AUS) in the first heat of the day. Then, defending World Champion Gilmore will take on Caroline Marks (USA) in Heat 2 in order to keep her dreams of a ninth World Title alive. Simmers will try to maintain her lead over the two Tour veterans by making it past Molly Picklum (AUS) in Heat 4.

Event wildcard Vahine Fierro (FRA) will try to play spoiler to five-time World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) in Quarterfinal, Heat 3. Moore has yet to win this event and she hopes today is the day she will add a win at Teahupo’o to her name.

The men’s Quarterfinals will start with a matchup between event wildcard Kauli Vaast (FRA) and Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA). Vaast has taken down several top seeds on his way to the Quarterfinals and will hope to continue his streak all the way to the Final.

Men’s Quarterfinal, Heat 2 will feature two Round of 16 standouts, Yago Dora (BRA) and Jack Robinson (AUS). Dora is currently sitting at No. 5 on the rankings and is hoping to claim his spot in the WSL Final 5. Robinson is currently ranked No. 8 but he still has a chance of moving into the Top 5 if he can find a big win here in Tahiti.

The men’s Quarterfinals will finish with a highly-anticipated matchup of Gabriel Medina (BRA) versus John John Florence (HAW). Both are currently just outside of the Top 5 and this will be a must-win heat to stay in World Title contention.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
HEAT 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
HEAT 4: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Caitlin Simmers (USA)SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kauli Vaast (FRA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 2: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Jack Robinson (AUS)
HEAT 3: Mihimana Braye (PYF) vs. Barron Mamiya (HAW)
HEAT 4: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. John John Florence (HAW)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Big Scores and Buzzer Beaters Determine Men’s Quarterfinalists…

…at SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown…

Robinson and Florence Earn Highest Scores of the Event Thus Far
Colapinto Secures Second-Highest Seed, Last Spots in WSL Final 5 Remain Up for Grabs
Local Wildcards Vaast and Braye Take Out Top Seeds
Robinson, Igarashi, and Smith Provisionally Qualify for the Olympics

Pictured: Australian Jack Robinson (AUS) has provisionally qualified for the 2024 Olympics with his impressive heat win at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown at Teahupo’o today. Credit: © WSL / Ryder

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti, French Polynesia (Tuesday, August 15, 2023) – The men’s Quarterfinalists have been decided after a full day of competition at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, Stop No. 10 of the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour (CT). Six-to-eight-foot conditions provided plenty of opportunities for big scores and buzzer-beater upsets. The day also saw several more surfers provisionally qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. With the men’s and women’s Quarterfinalists now decided, and several spots in the WSL Final 5 still up for grabs, the stage is set for an epic Finals Day to complete the 2023 CT season before the Rip Curl WSL Finals, where the World Champions will be crowned.

Florence and Robinson Earn Highest Scores of the Event Thus Far

The last heat of the day saw John John Florence (HAW) continue his successful return to Tahiti, posting a near-perfect 9.57 (out of a possible 10) on the last wave of his matchup with 2023 CT rookie Rio Waida (INA), the highest single wave of the event so far. Florence built momentum throughout the heat, first posting an excellent 8.07. He then found one of the best waves of the day, took off deep and got blown out perfectly with the spit. As the heat came to a close, the two-time World Champion secured the highest two-wave heat total of the event so far, a 17.64 (out of a possible 20).

“It feels super good. I was kind of getting frustrated because we didn’t get any of those good clean double-ups throughout the whole heat,” said Florence. “I kept getting these crumbly ones and having to just work my way through the ‘pinchiness’ of them. So yeah, I was really stoked to get that last wave.”

Jack Robinson (AUS) earned the second-highest score of the event so far in his Round of 16 match, a 9.40 (out a of possible 10). Robinson made a steep takeoff and completely disappeared from sight in the barrel before emerging from a wall of water behind the foam ball and riding out into the channel. After battling an injury that occurred at Bells Beach, Robinson slid down the rankings and is now World No. 8. He still has a chance of making the WSL Final 5, but he will need to make the Final in order to have a shot.

“Such a special moment. The drop was so crazy then I did this big pump I couldn’t see anything and then I came out,” Robinson said. “I’m not thinking about qualifying for the Final 5 right now. Just taking it step by step, one by one. Just going with the flow. It’s going to be a really fun heat with Yago (Dora). Hopefully, we get some good waves.”

Also going into the nine-point range was Barron Mamiya (HAW). Mamiya fell from the sky into a large barrel and got spat out, earning a 9.17. He will now face event wildcard Mihimana Braye (PYF) in the Quarterfinals. If Mamiya can make the Semifinals, he will earn the best result of his 2023 season here in Tahiti.

Colapinto Secures Second-Highest Seed, Last Spots in WSL Final 5 Remain Up for Grabs

With Joao Chianca’s (BRA) early exit in the Elimination Round, Griffin Colapinto (USA) has clinched the second-highest seed going into the Rip Curl WSL Finals. Chianca’s elimination has also left the door open for current No. 6 Gabriel Medina (BRA), and current No. 7 John John Florence (HAW) to potentially sneak into the Top 5.

Medina advanced out of his Round of 16 matchup with Seth Moniz (HAW) in excellent form, posting an 8.17. Florence also made his way to the Quarterfinals after overcoming Rio Waida (INA). Medina and Florence will now go head-to-head in the Quarterfinals to keep their dreams of making the WSL Final 5 a reality.

Local Wildcards Vaast and Braye Take Out Top Seeds

Event wildcard Kauli Vaast (FRA) was able to overcome two of the highest-ranked surfers on his way to the Quarterfinals today. He first took down current World No. 4 Joao Chianca (BRA) in the Elimination Round, then went on to eliminate current World No. 3 Griffin Colapinto (USA) in the Round of 16. Vaast entered this event as a wildcard last year and made it all the way to the Final where he finished runner-up. He is now close to reaching the Final once again.

Injury replacement Mihimana Braye (FRA) secured his spot in the Quarterfinals after taking down current World No. 1 and reigning World Champion Filipe Toledo (BRA) in the Round of 16. Braye was in the lead with a 7.00 and left no room for Toledo to answer back as he posted an excellent 8.50 in the final seconds of the heat. This is Braye’s first CT and he is certainly establishing himself as a threat to the world’s best.

“I’ve been struggling a lot this year, you know,” said Braye. “The first half of this year was really hard for me, and I just tried to keep my head up. I knew this was the biggest contest over here for us Tahitians, so I moved here a month ago and just trained. Surfed every day in every condition, and you know, I feel ready. I’m so connected with this spot, Teahupo’o, so much and I feel good. I’m ready.”

Dora Overcomes Slater with Buzzer-Beater Barrel

Yago Dora (BRA) secured his spot in the Quarterfinals after an exciting Round of 16 match with 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater (USA). Slater held the lead the entirety of the heat and left Dora needing a 7.76. With just over one minute left the ocean gave Dora one last opportunity. He successfully navigated a long barrel to earn an 8.00 and turn the heat on Slater. This win was a critical one for Dora who needed the win to keep himself within the Top 5 on the rankings.

“I was angry at the end of that heat because he was in such a good rhythm,” Dora said. “I saw him get another good one so I knew I had to risk it on the last one. I knew it was going to be a long one and it was getting so shallow on the inside but I had to stay in it for as long as I could and it felt amazing to come out. Sorry Kelly (Slater), it was my time.”

Robinson, Igarashi, Smith Provisionally Qualify for the Olympics

Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), Jordy Smith (RSA), and Jack Robinson (AUS) have provisionally qualified through the WSL CT to represent their respective countries at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. This will be Igarashi’s second Olympic appearance, having won Silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Smith and Robinson will both make their Olympic debut in 2024. Smith qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 but an injury prevented him from competing.

The 2024 Olympics will be held at this very location, Teahupo’o, the iconic wave known for massive barrels, heavy drops, and a shallow reef. The WSL CT, the highest level of competitive surfing that crowns the World Champions, is surfing’s tier-one qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games. WSL will provisionally qualify the first ten men and eight women for Paris 2024. Learn more about Surfing’s Olympic Qualification process.

For more of today’s highlights and features from the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 10.84 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 5.93
HEAT 2: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 12.84 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 6.83
HEAT 3: Yago Dora (BRA) 14.50 DEF. Kelly Slater (USA) 14.26
HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) 16.40 DEF. Liam O’Brien (AUS) 12.03
HEAT 5: Mihimana Braye (PYF) 15.50 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 5.73
HEAT 6: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 14.50 DEF. Ian Gentil (HAW) 12.37
HEAT 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.17 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 8.77
HEAT 8: John John Florence (HAW) 17.64 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 10.43SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 10.16 DEF. Matahi Drollet (PYF) 8.66
HEAT 2: Rio Waida (INA) 10.07 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 7.50
HEAT 3: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 13.00 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 4.90
HEAT 4: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 9.83 DEF. Callum Robson (AUS) 3.96
HEAT 5: Kelly Slater (USA) 14.27 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 12.50
HEAT 6: Ian Gentil (HAW) 8.00 DEF. Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 3.17
HEAT 7: Seth Moniz (HAW) 12.23 DEF. Connor O’Leary (AUS) 9.66
HEAT 8: Liam O’Brien (AUS) 11.00 DEF. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 10.84SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kauli Vaast (FRA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 2: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Jack Robinson (AUS)
HEAT 3: Mihimana Braye (PYF) vs. Barron Mamiya (HAW)
HEAT 4: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. John John Florence (HAW)SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
HEAT 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
HEAT 4: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Caitlin Simmers (USA)

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

Tuesday 730am, Day 5 of the holding period has a 6′ swell for SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown
ITS ON! Tuesday, August 15
Men’s Elimination Round Matchups kicks us off 735am…

Then we roll into Round of 16

Men’s Elimination Round Started at 7:35 AM TAHT
Men’s Round of 16 To Follow, Women’s Competition Called OFF for the Day
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Matahi Drollet (PYF) will face current world No. 3 Griffin Colapinto (USA) in the first heat of the men’s Elimination Round at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown. Credit: © WSL / Ryder

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti, French Polynesia (Tuesday, August 15, 2023) – The SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, the penultimate stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour (CT) season, is ON starting at 7:35 a.m TAHT with the men’s Elimination Round, followed by the men’s Round of 16. With the spots in the WSL Final 5 and provisional Olympic Qualification on the line, the competitors will push themselves to advance in the six-to-eight-foot waves at Teahupo’o. The women’s Quarterfinals are OFF for the day.

The first heat of the men’s Elimination Round will see current World No. 3 Griffin Colapinto (USA) take on the winner of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Trials, Matahi Drollet (PYF). Colapinto is hoping for a big win here to move up the rankings and secure the second-highest seed going into the Rip Curl WSL Finals.

Another dangerous event wildcard, Kauli Vaast (FRA), awaits in Heat 3. He will face Joao Chianca (BRA), who will clinch a spot in the WSL Final 5 if he can win their Elimination Round matchup. The men’s Elimination Round will wrap up with a head-to-head match between Caio Ibelli (BRA) and Liam O’Brien (AUS).

Provisional qualification is on the line for Matthew McGillivray (RSA) today as he faces Ian Gentil (HAW) in Heat 6. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) and Jordy Smith (RSA) could also provisionally qualify for the Olympic Games through the CT, which could open more spots for the other qualification pathways. Their provisional qualification via the CT will depend on the results of the Elimination Round.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Matahi Drollet (PYF)
HEAT 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Rio Waida (INA)
HEAT 3: Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA)
HEAT 4: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Callum Robson (AUS)
HEAT 5: Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
HEAT 6: Ian Gentil (HAW) vs. Matthew McGillivray (RSA)
HEAT 7: Connor O’Leary (AUS) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 8: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
HEAT 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
HEAT 4: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Caitlin Simmers (USA)

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

Pictured: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) will be against two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) in Quarterfinal 1 when the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown resumes. Credit: © WSL / Poullenot

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti, French Polynesia (Saturday, August 12, 2023) – Competition has been called OFF again for the day at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, the penultimate stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour (CT) season. The WSL Tours and Competition team is looking to continue competition tomorrow and into the week but called today’s event off due to the small surf on offer at Teahupo’o.

“We are off again today at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro,” said Renato Hickel, WSL Director of Tours and Competition. “We’re looking to run a full day of competition tomorrow, as a medium-size swell is forecast to arrive. Today is one of the smallest days in the window, so we’ll be off as we await improved conditions tomorrow and in the coming days. The next call will be earlier, as we hope to start at 7:05 a.m. local time.”

When competition resumes, three women will be battling for their opportunity to clinch a spot in the WSL Final 5. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) will need wins in the Quarterfinals to further their chances of taking over the No. 5 ranking, currently held by teenager Caitlin Simmers (USA).

Eight-time World Champion Gilmore must advance against Caroline Marks (USA) to keep her chances of making a run for another record-setting World Title alive. But, Weston-Webb, who sits a place below Gilmore on the leaderboard, can also make a run for the WSL Final 5 position, should she advance out of her heat against two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS).

On the men’s side, the first heat of the men’s Elimination Round will see current world No. 3 Griffin Colapinto (USA) take on the winner of the Shiseido Tahiti Pro Trials, Matahi Drollet (PYF).

Joao Chianca (BRA) is hoping to secure his spot as the second-highest seed going into the Rip Curl WSL Finals. He will have to overcome dangerous event wildcard Kauli Vaast (FRA) in Elimination Round, Heat 3, in order to do so.

Pictured: Local up-and-coming girls and WSL CT women participate in the WSL Rising Tides activation prior to the commencement of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown. Credit: © WSL / Ryder

WSL Rising Tides Closes Teahupo’o Lineup for Tahiti’s Up-And-Coming Talents

On August 10th, WSL Rising Tides reserved the Teahupo’o lineup to give Tahiti’s up-and-coming surfers and CT stars a chance to showcase their skills and share waves. Event wildcard and local hero Vahine Fierro (FRA) led the group, sharing her insights and experiences with the young surfers. Fierro won her Opening round heat and will surf against current World No. 1, Carissa Moore (HAW) in Quarterfinal 3 once competition continues at Teahupo’o. WSL Rising Tides is a cornerstone of WSL’s values, providing young surfers access to the world’s best surfers and a platform to explore and learn from their heroes about pursuing their dreams in and out of the water.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Pictured: Johanne Defay (FRA) plants a coral fragment during the WSL One Ocean Activation with Coral Gardeners and Tahiti Iti Surfc Club ahead of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Credit: © WSL / Ryder

WSL One Ocean, Coral Gardeners, and Tahiti Iti Surf Club Help Restore the Reef in Teahupo’o

To kick off the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, WSL One Ocean teamed up with WSL PURE Grantee Coral Gardeners and Tahiti Iti Surfclub to help restore the reef in Teahupo’o. WSL CT athletes and volunteers helped outplant coral fragments, which were put in nurseries during last year’s activation, onto a damaged reef in order for them to grow and restore biodiversity.

Join WSL One Ocean and share how you’re protecting our one ocean by posting to social media highlighting a sustainability action you’re taking and tag @WSL @WSLOneOcean #WSLOneOcean in your post!

SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
HEAT 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
HEAT 4: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Caitlin Simmers (USA)SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Matahi Drollet (PYF)
HEAT 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Rio Waida (INA)
HEAT 3: Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA)
HEAT 4: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Callum Robson (AUS)
HEAT 5: Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
HEAT 6: Ian Gentil (HAW) vs. Matthew McGillivray (RSA)
HEAT 7: Connor O’Leary (AUS) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 8: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)

Watch LIVE: SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown
The SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown holds a competition window through Sunday, August 20, 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.