Day Three Called ON at Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented By Pacifico

Men’s Challenger Series Round of 64 Starts at 8:05 AM PDT
Championship Tour Qualification Frontrunners Make Their Debuts

Pictured: Round of 80 standout Shion Crawford (HAW) returns to the water in the Round of 64, Heat 1 against top-seeded competitors at the Wallex US Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico. Credit: © WSL / Nolan

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., USA (Monday, July 31, 2023) – The World Surf League (WSL) Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, Stop No. 4 of the 2023 Challenger Series, has been called back ON for an 8:05 a.m. PDT start in solid, three-to-four swell. Top-seeded competitors are set to make their Round of 64 debuts and continue the hunt for Championship Tour qualification. The Round of 64 is scheduled to run in its entirety today. The women’s Challenger Series and the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 of the 2023 Longboard Tour, have been called OFF for the day.

Heat 1 of the Round of 64 features former CT competitor and current Challenger Series No. 6, Samuel Pupo (BRA). He will be taking on perennial qualification threat Jorgann Couzinet (FRA), emerging talent Gatien Delahaye (FRA), and the North Shore of Oahu’s Shion Crawford (HAW).

Current Challenger Series No.1 Cole Houshmand (USA) will surf in the Round of 64, Heat 3, against fellow Southern Californian standout Nolan Rapoza (USA), former CT competitor Lucca Mesinas (PER), and New Zealand’s Te Kehukehu Butler.

Reigning World Champion Filipe Toledo (BRA) has withdrawn from the event. He will be replaced by North American standout John Mel (USA) in Heat 8 of the Round of 64.

Also making their highly-anticipated debuts are current Challenger Series No. 2 Jacob Willcox (AUS) (Heat 11), two-time US Open of Surfing victor Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) (Heat 16), Southern California’s CT qualification hopefuls Kade Matson (USA) (Heat 5), Jett Schilling (USA) (Heat 6), and Crosby Colapinto (USA) (Heat 8), defending event victor Ezekiel Lau (HAW) (Heat 7), and many more.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Men’s Round of 64 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Gatien Delahaye (FRA) vs. Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) vs. Shion Crawford (HAW)
HEAT 2: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) vs. Dylan Moffat (AUS) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. Joshe Faulkner (RSA)
HEAT 3: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Lucca Mesinas (PER) vs. Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) vs. Nolan Rapoza (USA)
HEAT 4: Jackson Baker (AUS) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Kalani Ball (AUS) vs. Brodi Sale (HAW)
HEAT 5: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Kade Matson (USA) vs. Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA)
HEAT 6: Maxime Huscenot (FRA) vs. Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Jabe Swierkocki (USA)
HEAT 7: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) vs. Luke Thompson (RSA) vs. Adin Masencamp (RSA)
HEAT 8: John Mel (USA) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA) vs. Michael Dunphy (USA)
HEAT 9: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Timothe Bisso (FRA) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA) vs. Rafael Teixeira (BRA)
HEAT 10: Frederico Morais (POR) vs. Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Jarvis Earle (AUS) vs. Eli Hanneman (HAW)
HEAT 11: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Edgard Groggia (BRA) vs. Evan Geiselman (USA) vs. Alister Reginato (AUS)
HEAT 12: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Eithan Osborne (USA) vs. Keanu Asing (HAW) vs. Sheldon Simkus (AUS)
HEAT 13: Nat Young (USA) vs. Mikey McDonagh (AUS) vs. Lucas Silveira (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 14: Imaikalani deVault (HAW) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Leo Casal (BRA)
HEAT 15: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Carlos Munoz (CRC) vs. Miguel Tudela (PER) vs. Tiago Carrique (FRA)
HEAT 16: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Jordan Lawler (AUS)

Watch LIVE: Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico
The Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico holds a competition window Saturday, July 29, through Sunday, August 6, 2023. 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 Wallex US Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico is proudly supported by Wallex.US, Pacifico, Cup Noodles, Hurley, 805 Beer, Red Bull, Sambazon, Shiseido, Surfshark, YETI, Aloha Collection, Aventon E-Bikes, Board & Brew, Boxed Water, Deville Canned Cocktails, Feelgoodz, Flexfit, Fuji Film, Huntington Surf & Sport, Jack’s Surfboards, Nixon Watches, Pura Vida, Ralphs, Tractor Beverage Company, USAF 330th Special Warfare, Visit Huntington Beach, William Grant & Sons, Professional Teqball, Tractor Soda, Victoria White, and Youtheory.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW…

Presented by Pacifico

Day 2 Pau: Emerging Challenger Series Talents and Longboard Icons Take Control at Wallex US Open of Surfing
Lima Soars To Near-Perfection, While Harrison, Kelly, and Kenworthy Keep CT Dreams Alive
Defending Event Victor Kaleopa’a and Former WSL Longboard Champions Debut In Dominant Form
More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Silvana Lima (BRA) posted the highest score of the event so far, a near-perfect 9.33 (out of a possible 10), for her aerial today at the Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico. Credit: © WSL / Nolan

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.,USA (Sunday, July 30, 2023) – The women made their highly-anticipated debuts today at the World Surf League (WSL) Wallex US Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico, Stop No. 4 of the Challenger Series, and Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 of the WSL Longboard Tour, in continued, pulsing swell at Huntington Beach. The full day of competition saw electric performances from emerging Challenger Series contenders in their Round of 48 debuts. Following the Challenger Series, the world’s best longboard talents showcased poise and grace during their Opening Round.

Former Championship Tour (CT) surfer and progression pioneer, Silvana Lima (BRA), put on a spectacle in her Round of 48, Heat 6 debut with a near-perfect 9.33 (out of a possible 10). The Brazilian icon took to the air and stomped the landing, continuing to show her ability to push women’s surfing. She then earned a 6.33 to post the day’s highest heat total, a 15.66 (out of a possible 20).

“When I saw that wave I knew it was perfect for an air,” said Lima. “Big thanks to everyone watching in Brazil. I’m sure my girlfriend probably screamed when I landed that air, it was a sick one. I’m really happy with my performance. I know I was a little lost in the beginning of the heat and it probably made a few people nervous, but everything worked out in the end and I look forward to the next round.”

One of the sport’s rising stars Erin Brooks (CAN) set the scale in her US Open of Surfing debut, posting a brilliant 14.27 heat total in dominant form. The 16-year-old capitalized on the waves on offer, taking control of the heat over former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Pauline Ado (FRA), and emerging talent Eweleiula Wong (HAW). Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) advanced in second place behind her.

“Well, I’ve been surfing out here the last few days, and since I am a goofy footer I have been going left a lot, so I found those little, fun lefts by the pier and I’m super stoked,” said Brooks. “I had a pretty bad heat in South Africa, so it was really nice to win this heat. It definitely was a boost to my confidence.”

Current Challenger Series No. 15 Ellie Harrison (AUS) has made a name for herself with moments of brilliance throughout the 2023 season. She notched another impressive heat win today in her US Open of Surfing debut. Harrison’s powerful forehand combination led to one of the highest single-wave scores of the day, a 7.83. She now looks to build on this momentum to better her season’s best result so far of an equal ninth.

“It was good to start with that 7-point ride, a bit of a confidence boost for the rest of the heat,” said Harrison. “In Snapper and Ballito I got a couple of ninths and it was fun making some heats. Coming here I watched all the heat analyzers from the past couple of years, so I was excited to come here and just try showing my surfing. The goal is to make the Top 10 and to try and requalify for the Challenger next year, so if I can do that then that’s perfect, and if not, then I’ll go back to the Qualifying Series and that will be fun too.”

Another qualification threat from Australia and current No. 9 on the Challenger Series, Zahli Kelly, earned a valuable heat win in the Round of 48. Southern Californian and current No. 10 Bella Kenworthy advanced to the Round of 32 alongside her in second position. Also, notching debut heat wins were South America’s rising threats Sophia Medina (BRA) and Sol Aguirre (PER). They will join Leilani McGonagle (CRC) and Yolanda Hopkins (POR) in the Round of 32 where top-seeded competitors await.

Women’s Longboard Tour Displays Poise Under Pressure at Huntington Beach Pier to Start 2023 Season

Following the Challenger Series showcase, the world’s best women longboarders kickstarted their 2023 World Title race and put on a clinic of poise and style at the Huntington Beach Pier.

Defending event victor and 2022 World Title runner-up Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) started her season in pristine form. Kaleopa’a earned the highest scores of the Opening Round, a 7.83 single-wave score and a 14.00 heat total. The 18-year-old’s agility on the opportunities presented proved to make the difference over 2022/2023 North America Longboard Regional Champion Avalon Gall (USA) and event wildcard Chloe Coleman (USA) and she will move directly into the Round of 16.

Reigning WSL Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA) kept her winning form intact in her 2023 season debut. Errico overcame the afternoon conditions by using her style and nose-riding capabilities to demonstrate a glimpse of her potential. The Malibu, California, local has her eyes on back-to-back World Titles and will need a big result here to be in the running.

“I was just happy to get the first heat jitters out just because I haven’t competed since October,” said Errico. “I just have to make that Top Eight, but having it at Malibu is great. That’s my favorite wave in the world and it’s home, so yeah, I am excited for this year. I definitely wanted to win that heat so I don’t go into the Elimination Rounds, so I am glad to skip that round.”

Three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) kickstarted her fourth World Title hunt with a brilliant Opening Round victory. Blomfield’s comfort level on the nose with the tricky afternoon conditions earned her a solid win over Longboard Tour veteran Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) and 2023 Season Wildcard Liv Stokes (CAN).

“I am pretty excited about this event because it is my first contest this year, so it felt good to just get the jersey back on,” said Blomfield. “I am looking forward to there being three events in places I have never surfed before, except for here, but I am looking forward to Bells. It might be a little cold but we will see what we can do there, and then in El Salvador should be fun too.”

Also notching key Opening Round victories were 2016 World Champion Rachael Tilly (USA), multiple World Title Runner-Up Chloe Calmon (BRA), Keani Canullo (HAW), Maya Glasenapp (REU), and Tully White (AUS).

Tomorrow’s competition looks likely to run the men’s Challenger Series Round of 64. The competition will start at 8:05 a.m. PDT.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Women’s Round of 48 Results:
HEAT 1: Zahli Kelly (AUS) 10.50 DEF. Sara Freyre (USA) 10.33, Carolina Mendes (POR) 8.60, Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 8.53
HEAT 2: Ellie Harrison (AUS) 12.70 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) 10.93, Minami Nonaka (JPN) 9.47, Anon Matsuoka (JPN) 7.54
HEAT 3: Erin Brooks (CAN) 14.27 DEF. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) 9.87, Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 9.20, Pauline Ado (FRA) 8.93
HEAT 4: Sophia Medina (BRA) 11.63 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 10.83, Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) 8.27, Natasha Van Greunen (RSA) 7.37
HEAT 5: Sol Aguirre (PER) 12.10 DEF. Zoe Benedetto (USA) 10.23, Francisca Veselko (POR) 10.17, Talia Swindal (USA) 9.17
HEAT 6: Silvana Lima (BRA) 15.66 DEF. Daniella Rosas (PER) 9.87, Tessa Thyssen (FRA) 9.24, Ella McCaffray (USA) 8.03
HEAT 7: Leilani McGonagle (CRC) 10.17 DEF. Ariane Ochoa (EUK) 8.43, Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) 8.36, Dominic Barona (ECU) 5.83
HEAT 8: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 10.93 DEF. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 9.23, Nyxie Ryan (AUS) 7.74, Nora Liotta (HAW) 7.30Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Women’s Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Zoe McDougall (HAW) vs. Zahli Kelly (AUS) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK)
HEAT 2: Sophie McCulloch (AUS) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS) vs. Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Sara Freyre (USA)
HEAT 3: Bronte Macaulay (AUS) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
HEAT 4: India Robinson (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Sophia Medina (BRA) vs. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN)
HEAT 5: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Sol Aguirre (PER) vs. Daniella Rosas (PER)
HEAT 6: Vahine Fierro (FRA) vs. Teresa Bonvalot (POR) vs. Silvana Lima (BRA) vs. Zoe Benedetto (USA)
HEAT 7: Alyssa Spencer (USA) vs. Sarah Baum (RSA) vs. Leilani McGonagle (CRC) vs. Kirra Pinkerton (USA)
HEAT 8: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) vs. Ariane Ochoa (EUK)Huntington Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 11.40 DEF. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) 9.84, Liv Stokes (CAN) 9.16
HEAT 2: Keani Canullo (HAW) 11.17 DEF. Kirra Molnar (AUS) 9.70, Sophia Culhane (HAW) 7.27
HEAT 3: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 14.00 DEF. Avalon Gall (USA) 8.67, Chloe Coleman (USA) 3.73
HEAT 4: Soleil Errico (USA) 12.23 DEF. Haley Otto (HAW) 11.00, Luella Pace (USA) 7.90
HEAT 5: Chloe Calmon (BRA) 13.17 DEF. Lindsay Steinriede (USA) 11.13, Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 8.00
HEAT 6: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 9.07 DEF. Maya Glasenapp (REU) 9.04, Mason Schremmer (USA) 8.23
HEAT 7: Rachael Tilly (USA) 12.94 DEF. Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 12.00, Roisin Carolan (AUS) 6.97
HEAT 8: Tully White (AUS) 7.83 DEF. Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) 7.54, Luana Soares (BRA) 6.40Huntington Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Luella Pace (USA)
HEAT 2: Lindsay Steinriede (USA) vs. Maya Glasenapp (REU)
HEAT 3: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA)
HEAT 4: Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)
HEAT 5: Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) vs. Liv Stokes (CAN)
HEAT 6: Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Luana Soares (BRA)
HEAT 7: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
HEAT 8: Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Haley Otto (HAW)Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Men’s Round of 64 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Gatien Delahaye (FRA) vs. Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) vs. Shion Crawford (HAW)
HEAT 2: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) vs. Dylan Moffat (AUS) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. Joshe Faulkner (RSA)
HEAT 3: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Lucca Mesinas (PER) vs. Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) vs. Nolan Rapoza (USA)
HEAT 4: Jackson Baker (AUS) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Kalani Ball (AUS) vs. Brodi Sale (HAW)
HEAT 5: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Kade Matson (USA) vs. Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA)
HEAT 6: Maxime Huscenot (FRA) vs. Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Jabe Swierkocki (USA)
HEAT 7: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) vs. Luke Thompson (RSA) vs. Adin Masencamp (RSA)
HEAT 8: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA) vs. Michael Dunphy (USA)
HEAT 9: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Timothe Bisso (FRA) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA) vs. Rafael Teixeira (BRA)
HEAT 10: Frederico Morais (POR) vs. Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Jarvis Earle (AUS) vs. Eli Hanneman (HAW)
HEAT 11: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Edgard Groggia (BRA) vs. Evan Geiselman (USA) vs. Alister Reginato (AUS)
HEAT 12: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Eithan Osborne (USA) vs. Keanu Asing (HAW) vs. Sheldon Simkus (AUS)
HEAT 13: Nat Young (USA) vs. Mikey McDonagh (AUS) vs. Lucas Silveira (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 14: Imaikalani deVault (HAW) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Leo Casal (BRA)
HEAT 15: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Carlos Munoz (CRC) vs. Miguel Tudela (PER) vs. Tiago Carrique (FRA)
HEAT 16: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Jordan Lawler (AUS)

Huntington Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. Brendan White (USA)
HEAT 2: Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. Saxon Wilson (USA)
HEAT 3: Cole Robbins (USA) vs. Troy Mothershead (USA)
HEAT 4: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Chase Lieder (USA)
HEAT 5: Kaimana Takayama (USA) vs. Jack Van Wagoner (USA)
HEAT 6: Max Weston (AUS) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS)
HEAT 7: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Ben Considine (AUS)
HEAT 8: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Nicolás Andrade (ESP)

Watch LIVE: Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico
The Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico holds a competition window through Sunday, August 6, 2023. 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.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW…

Day Two Called ON at Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented By Pacifico
Women’s Challenger Series Round of 48 Starts at 8:05 AM PDT
Women’s Longboard Opening Round Will Immediately Follow

Pictured: Current Challenger Series No. 10 and Southern California’s own Bella Kenworthy (USA) returns to the Huntington Beach Pier arena in Round of 48, Heat 4 of the Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico. Credit: © WSL / Ryder

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., USA (Sunday, July 30, 2023) – The World Surf League (WSL) Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, Stop No. 4 of the 2023 Challenger Series (CS), and the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 of the 2023 Longboard Tour (LT) have been called back ON for an 8:05 a.m. PDT start in clean, three-to-four swell. The hunt for Championship Tour (CT) qualification continues for the women with their Round of 48. Then, the women’s Longboard Tour contingent will get their World Title race officially underway. Men’s Challenger Series and Longboard Tour competitions are off for the day.

The first heat of women’s Challenger Series competition will feature Huntington Beach’s own Sara Freyre. She will be up against 2022/2023 Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) Regional Champion Moana Jones Wong (HAW), Australia’s rising talent Zahli Kelly, and Portugal’s proven threat Carolina Mendes (POR).

Several of Freyre’s fellow Southern Californians will also make their debuts including current Challenger Series No. 10 Bella Kenworthy (Heat 4), 2018 World Junior Champion Kirra Pinkerton (Heat 8), Ella McCaffray (Heat 6), and 2023 North America Pro Junior Regional Champion Talia Swindal (Heat 5). But, they will have to face the likes of former CT competitor Pauline Ado (FRA) (Heat 3), reigning World Junior Champion Francisca Veselko (POR) (Heat 5), 2021 Olympian Leilani McGonagle (CRC) (Heat 7), and more.

The women’s 2023 WSL Longboard Tour World Title race officially begins immediately following the Challenger Series action.

Three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) will start her road toward a historic fourth World Title. She will face a very capable Liv Stokes (CAN) and LT veteran Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) in Heat 1 of the Opening Round.

Also looking to get her season off to a winning start is reigning WSL Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA) (Heat 4). She will face a talented field of competitors over the course of the event including defending event victor Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) (Heat 3), multiple World Title Runner-Up Chloe Calmon (BRA) (Heat 5), and 2016 WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) (Heat 7).

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Women’s Round of 48 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Zahli Kelly (AUS) vs. Moana Jones Wong (HAW) vs. Carolina Mendes (POR) vs. Sara Freyre (USA)
HEAT 2: Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Minami Nonaka (JPN) vs. Anon Matsuoka (JPN) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK)
HEAT 3: Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA) vs. Eweleiula Wong (HAW) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 4: Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Natasha Van Greunen (RSA) vs. Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) vs. Sophia Medina (BRA)
HEAT 5: Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Sol Aguirre (PER) vs. Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Talia Swindal (USA)
HEAT 6: Tessa Thyssen (FRA) vs. Daniella Rosas (PER) vs. Ella McCaffray (USA) vs. Silvana Lima (BRA)
HEAT 7: Ariane Ochoa (EUK) vs. Leilani McGonagle (CRC) vs. Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) vs. Dominic Barona (ECU)
HEAT 8: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) vs. Nyxie Ryan (AUS) vs. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) vs. Nora Liotta (HAW)Huntington Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Liv Stokes (CAN)
HEAT 2: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW)
HEAT 3: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA)
HEAT 4: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Haley Otto (HAW) vs. Luella Pace (USA)
HEAT 5: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs. Lindsay Steinriede (USA) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
HEAT 6: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Maya Glasenapp (REU)
HEAT 7: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)
HEAT 8: Tully White (AUS) vs. Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) vs. Luana Soares (BRA)

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW…

Challenger Series Newcomers Shine and World’s Best Longboarders Style Through Opening Day at Wallex US Open of Surfing

Presented by Pacifico

Local Wildcard Rapoza Surges Early, Crawford Finds His Rhythm with Commanding Start
Longboard World Title Race Kicks off With Skinner, Stewart, and Cravey Leading the Charge

Pictured: Nolan Rapoza (USA) put on a stand-out performance during Opening Day of the Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico. Credit: © WSL / Nolan

Huntington Beach, Calif.,USA (Saturday, July 29, 2023) – Today marked the opening day of the Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, Stop No. 4 of the Challenger Series, and the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 of the 2023 WSL Longboard Tour. Today’s competition started with a high-performance shortboard showcase followed by world-class longboard style and poise. Pristine, three-to-five foot swell provided plenty of opportunities throughout the day for the men’s Challenger Series Round of 80 and men’s Longboard Tour Opening Round to be completed.

Pictured: Blake “Bilko” Williams jumps a school bus during Nitro Circus’ Full Throttle FMX show. Credit: © WSL / Morris

In addition to the action in the lineup, fans on the sand enjoyed engaging activations hosted by the event’s partners, athlete autograph signings, as well as the thrill of Nitro Circus’ Full Throttle FMX show. Tomorrow’s schedule will host Nitro Circus Full Throttle FMX shows at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. PT, as well as entertainment and activation booths on the southside of the Huntington Beach Pier. Check out the full schedule of events at the Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico.

One of the North Shore of Oahu’s, newest threats, Shion Crawford, went straight to work and raised the bar for what to expect from some of the world’s top contenders this week. Crawford’s aerial show earned the 18-year-old an impressive 14.10 heat score (out of a possible 20) to earn his way into the Round of 64.

“The past few events I haven’t really found a rhythm and not surfing my best in heats,” said Crawford. “But, I’m slowly starting to get it and it feels really good. I’m hoping to keep the rhythm with the ocean, catch the good waves, and just flow.”

Hailing from just down the Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach’s Nolan Rapoza returned to the Huntington Beach arena, this year as a wildcard threat. The former event Semifinalist put the Challenger Series on notice with a Quarterfinal finish in Ballito and now looks to translate that success into another stellar performance near home with friends and family in full support.

“It’s always nerve-wracking competing at your home break,” said Rapoza. “I was just trying to be present and in the moment and it was one of the hardest heats to stay present in just with so many nerves worked up. I’m so happy my friends and family came down for my first heat to support me so hopefully keep it going.”

Alongside the emerging talents, proven competition veterans made opening day statements of their own. Former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Ian Gouveia (BRA) earned a 7.60 (out of a possible 10), the highest single-wave score of the Round of 80. Gouveia’s experience and patience proved to make the difference, as he kept his composure to take the win in the final minutes.

“It feels really good,” said Gouveia. “I think this was my best heat on the Challenger Series this year. I’ve been doing so well in Brazil and in the QS, but I didn’t click in the Challenger Series. I’m still positive and I’ll try to do my best in this event. That was a good start.”

Also notching crucial Round of 80 victories, Adin Masencamp (RSA), Rafael Teixeira (BRA), Alister Reginato (AUS), George Pittar (AUS), and Tiago Carrique (FRA) all move into the Round of 64 with winning momentum.

2023 Men’s Longboard World Title Race Kicks off Today at Huntington Beach

Following the men’s Challenger Series Round of 80, the world’s best male longboarders got their 2023 season officially underway with the men’s Opening Round.

Longboard Tour veteran and perennial standout Ben Skinner (GBR) demonstrated his dynamic nose-riding skills to earn a brilliant 14.57 heat total against Australian duo Max Weston and Ben Considine. Skinner showcased his ability to adapt under pressure last season and kept his spot on the WSL Longboard Tour. He now looks to carry that momentum into 2023 for a shot at the Longboard World Title.

“I’m really stoked to be back here in Huntington and kick off the first WSL event of the year with a heat win. It’s a nice feeling,” said Skinner. “I mean, I just have to keep enjoying myself and reminding myself as much as we all want to win a World Title, it’s not the end of the world and we just gotta have fun and enjoy surfing, and hopefully the best man will win.”

Longboard Tour newcomer and 2022/2023 North America Regional Longboard Champion Richie Cravey (USA) stunned the crowd with a brilliant heat victory over three-time WSL Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) and event wildcard Troy Mothershead (USA), sending them to the Elimination Round. Cravey stormed onto the Longboard Tour after a successful run on the North America Longboard Qualifying Series. Today he brought that confidence with impressive nose rides and smooth transitions in the afternoon conditions.

“I can’t help but be stoked,” said Cravey. “There’s definitely some names that I’m familiar with here. Obviously, Taylor (Jensen) did really well last year, he won the event and Troy (Mothershead) was runner-up at Pismo for North America, so having those two guys in the first Heat was a little intimidating. But it kinda feels like I got the hard stuff over with at the beginning and now it feels good, maybe I’ll start some momentum and see how the next rounds go.”

Style and poise are signatures of 2022 World Title runner-up Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and he put them on full display in his 2023 debut. Stewart’s runner-up finish at this event last season still resides in the Oahu, Hawaii, competitor’s mind and delivered a 14.00 to start his redemption run in dominant fashion.

“I love it here,” said Stewart. “The waves are super fun, but the goal is to probably just try and win the event now. I’ve been training a bunch at DNA Performance with Bryce, my trainer, and we have just been working on a bunch of strength, endurance, and everything like that, and just surfing a bunch too.”

Competitors who also bypassed the Elimination Round with clutch victories included former WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA), Longboard Tour veteran Kai Sallas (HAW), Declan Wyton (AUS), Taka Inoue (JPN), and Rogelio Jr. Esquievel (PHL). They will now await their Round of 16 duals.

Tomorrow’s competition looks likely to run the women’s Challenger Series Round of 48, as well as the women’s Longboard Opening Round. The competition will start at 8:05 a.m. PDT.

For highlights and more information about today’s competition, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Men’s Round of 80 Results:
HEAT 1: Shion Crawford (HAW) 14.10 DEF. Joshe Faulkner (RSA) 11.77, Joshua Moniz (HAW) 11.17, Marc Lacomare (FRA) 10.17
HEAT 2: Nolan Rapoza (USA) 12.10 DEF. Brodi Sale (HAW) 11.56, Dimitri Poulos (USA) 10.00, Josh Burke (BRB) 8.57
HEAT 3: Ian Gouveia (BRA) 13.27 DEF. Jabe Swierkocki (USA) 11.57, Ryan Kainalo (BRA) 10.64, Taj Lindblad (USA) 9.87
HEAT 4: Adin Masencamp (RSA) 12.83 DEF. Michael Dunphy (USA) 10.46, Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 10.40, Connor Slijpen (RSA) 8.74
HEAT 5: Rafael Teixeira (BRA) 12.77 DEF. Eli Hanneman (HAW) 10.54, John Mark Tokong (PHL) 7.37, Sheldon Paishon (HAW) 6.97
HEAT 6: Alister Reginato (AUS) 12.93 DEF. Sheldon Simkus (AUS) 11.20, Billy Stairmand (NZL) 8.80, Daniel Emslie (RSA) 7.73
HEAT 7: George Pittar (AUS) 12.77 DEF. Leo Casal (BRA) 11.30, Daiki Tanaka (JPN) 9.30, Guillermo Satt (CHL) 7.93
HEAT 8: Tiago Carrique (FRA) 11.63 DEF. Jordan Lawler (AUS) 10.17, Oney Anwar (INA) 9.10, Kian Martin (SWE) 8.70Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Men’s Round of 64 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Gatien Delahaye (FRA) vs. Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) vs. Shion Crawford (HAW)
HEAT 2: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) vs. Dylan Moffat (AUS) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. Joshe Faulkner (RSA)
HEAT 3: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Lucca Mesinas (PER) vs. Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) vs. Nolan Rapoza (USA)
HEAT 4: Jackson Baker (AUS) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Kalani Ball (AUS) vs. Brodi Sale (HAW)
HEAT 5: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Kade Matson (USA) vs. Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA)
HEAT 6: Maxime Huscenot (FRA) vs. Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Jabe Swierkocki (USA)
HEAT 7: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) vs. Luke Thompson (RSA) vs. Adin Masencamp (RSA)
HEAT 8: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA) vs. Michael Dunphy (USA)
HEAT 9: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Timothe Bisso (FRA) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA) vs. Rafael Teixeira (BRA)
HEAT 10: Frederico Morais (POR) vs. Joan Duru (FRA) vs. Jarvis Earle (AUS) vs. Eli Hanneman (HAW)
HEAT 11: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Edgard Groggia (BRA) vs. Evan Geiselman (USA) vs. Alister Reginato (AUS)
HEAT 12: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Eithan Osborne (USA) vs. Keanu Asing (HAW) vs. Sheldon Simkus (AUS)
HEAT 13: Nat Young (USA) vs. Mikey McDonagh (AUS) vs. Lucas Silveira (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 14: Imaikalani deVault (HAW) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Leo Casal (BRA)
HEAT 15: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Carlos Munoz (CRC) vs. Miguel Tudela (PER) vs. Tiago Carrique (FRA)
HEAT 16: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Jordan Lawler (AUS)Huntington Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Ben Skinner (GBR) 14.57 DEF. Ben Considine (AUS) 13.54, Max Weston (AUS) 12.03
HEAT 2: Declan Wyton (AUS) 12.10 DEF. Jack Van Wagoner (USA) 11.04, John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 10.43
HEAT 3: Richie Cravey (USA) 13.80 DEF. Taylor Jensen (USA) 11.47, Troy Mothershead (USA) 11.46
HEAT 4: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 14.00 DEF. Brendan White (USA) 11.67, Nicolás Andrade (ESP) 9.33
HEAT 5: Kai Sallas (HAW) 13.26 DEF. Edouard Delpero (FRA) 11.60, Saxon Wilson (USA) 10.70
HEAT 6: Steven Sawyer (RSA) 14.43 DEF. Cole Robbins (USA) 12.17, Chase Lieder (USA) 11.93
HEAT 7: Taka Inoue (JPN) 11.80 DEF. Kaimana Takayama (USA) 11.77, Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) 11.00
HEAT 8: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 14.40 DEF. Kevin Skvarna (USA) 12.44, Tony Silvagni (USA) 10.67Huntington Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. Brendan White (USA)
HEAT 2: Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. Saxon Wilson (USA)
HEAT 3: Cole Robbins (USA) vs. Troy Mothershead (USA)
HEAT 4: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Chase Lieder (USA)
HEAT 5: Kaimana Takayama (USA) vs. Jack Van Wagoner (USA)
HEAT 6: Max Weston (AUS) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS)
HEAT 7: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Ben Considine (AUS)
HEAT 8: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Nicolás Andrade (ESP)Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Women’s Round of 48 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Zahli Kelly (AUS) vs. Moana Jones Wong (HAW) vs. Carolina Mendes (POR) vs. Sara Freyre (USA)
HEAT 2: Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Minami Nonaka (JPN) vs. Anon Matsuoka (JPN) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK)
HEAT 3: Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA) vs. Eweleiula Wong (HAW) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 4: Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Natasha Van Greunen (RSA) vs. Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) vs. Sophia Medina (BRA)
HEAT 5: Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Sol Aguirre (PER) vs. Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Talia Swindal (USA)
HEAT 6: Tessa Thyssen (FRA) vs. Daniella Rosas (PER) vs. Ella McCaffray (USA) vs. Silvana Lima (BRA)
HEAT 7: Ariane Ochoa (EUK) vs. Leilani McGonagle (CRC) vs. Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) vs. Dominic Barona (ECU)
HEAT 8: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) vs. Nyxie Ryan (AUS) vs. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) vs. Nora Liotta (HAW)Huntington Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Liv Stokes (CAN)
HEAT 2: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW)
HEAT 3: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA)
HEAT 4: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Haley Otto (HAW) vs. Luella Pace (USA)
HEAT 5: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs. Lindsay Steinriede (USA) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
HEAT 6: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Maya Glasenapp (REU)
HEAT 7: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)
HEAT 8: Tully White (AUS) vs. Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) vs. Luana Soares (BRA)

Watch LIVE: Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico
The Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico holds a competition window through Sunday, August 6, 2023. Each day of the window, 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.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATE BELOW

DAY ONE OF HOLDING PERIOD GETS SWELL

Opening Day Called ON at Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented By Pacifico HUNTINGTON BEACHMen’s Challenger Series Round of 80 Started at 8:05 AM PDT(6am HI Time)
Men’s Longboard Opening Round Set to Follow
Escuela de Surf Cuyagua Announced as June #SpeakUpForTheOcean Hero
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: [From L-R] Shannon Wingfield, Richard Rodman, Ellen Sue Schneider, Heidi Lucero, Adelia Sandoval, Mariah Doyle and Robin Cruze of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians and Acjachemen Nation give a traditional offering during the Opening Ceremony, prior to the commencement of the Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico .Credit: © WSL / Hughes

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., USA (Saturday, July 29, 2023) – The World Surf League (WSL) Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, Stop No. 4 of the 2023 Challenger Series, and the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 of the 2023 Longboard Tour have been called ON for an 8:05 a.m. PDT start. The Men’s Challenger Series Round of 80 will kick off the day and will see the first eliminations of competition. The start of the Huntington Beach Longboard Class will follow with the men’s Longboard Tour contingent getting their 2023 World Title races underway. The women’s Challenger Series and Longboard Tour are off for the day but will get underway tomorrow, Sunday, July 30, 2023.

The first heat of the day will feature current No. 25 on the Challenger Series Marc Lacomere (FRA) who is looking to earn a big result here in Huntington Beach. He will face rising threats Shion Crawford (HAW), Joshe Faulkner (RSA), and Joshua Moniz (HAW).

Also hoping to catapult up the rankings are Josh Burke (BRB) (Heat 2), Long Beach, California’s own Nolan Rapoza (Heat 3), former event victor Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) (Heat 4), rising star Eli Hanneman (HAW) (Heat 5), 2021 Olympian Billy Stairmand (NZL) (Heat 6), and more.

Immediately following the Challenger Series Round of 80, the men’s 2023 Longboard Tour competitors will begin their hunt for a World Title. Last year’s World Title hopeful Ben Skinner (GBR) will face off with Australian duo Max Weston and Ben Considine. A plethora of world-class talents including three-time WSL World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) (Heat 3), 2022 World Title Runner-Up Kaniela Stewart (HAW) (Heat 4), Longboard Tour veteran Kai Sallas (HAW) (Heat 5), Southern California’s own Kaimana Takayama (Heat 7) and Kevin Skvarna (Heat 8), and more look to set the pace for their respective World Title hunts.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Escuela de Surf Cuyagua Announced as June #SpeakUpForTheOcean Hero

On World Ocean Day, June 8, 2023, WSL One Ocean announced it’s #SpeakUpForTheOcean campaign. The campaign asks fans to share their stories and sustainability initiatives through social media with the hashtag #WSLOneOcean and tagging @wsl and @wsloneocean. Escuela de Surf Cuyagua was recently announced as June’s #SpeakUpForTheOcean hero.

Nestor Rodriguez and his wife Julia Quijano founded Escuela de Surf Cuyagua in 2018 to connect children and young people to surfing and create ecological values. It is important to them that children understand that part of the essence of being a good surfer is to protect our ocean and environment. Their vision is to become the first High-Performance Academy applied to surfing in Venezuela and to continue with their programs of Integral and Sporting Development, where apart from teaching them about this lifestyle, they also learn about the world of audiovisuals, English, tourism, and to be protectors of our planet.

“The biggest success we have had so far on an ecological level has been to show important values in our community through surfing. Where most of our members have changed their habits, to be protectors and ambassadors of the environment.” – Nestor Rodríguez, Founder of Escuela de Surf Cuyagua in Venezuela

The WSL will continue to amplify the voices of people around the world who are taking action to protect our ocean and encourage others to do the same through the #SpeakUpForTheOcean campaign.

To learn more and get involved, visit wsloneocean.org

Here’s how you can get involved:

Record yourself doing a sustainable action. Big or small we want to see it all.
Post your video to your socials, tag @WSL and @WSLOneOcean and use the hashtag #WSLOneOcean and #SpeakUpForTheOcean
Celebrate all the people, communities and initiatives who are collectively protecting our one ocean