Nora Liotta & Shion Crawford Win The Hawaiian Islands Pres. the Sunset Pro

Maiden Qualifying Series Victories for Crawford and Liotta
Notable Runner-up Finishes for Braye and Tomoda-Bannert
Rankings Shift Heading Into Back-Half of 2023/2024

Pictured: Nora Liotta (HAW) (L) and Shion Crawford (HAW) (R) claimed their first-ever WSL wins at The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro. Credit: © WSL / Heff

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii (Thursday, November 2, 2023) – Today, Nora Liotta (HAW) and Shion Crawford (HAW) claimed their maiden World Surf League (WSL) victories at The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro, a Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, over formidable fields. Four-to-six foot waves provided moments of magic throughout Finals Day that witnessed Liotta and Crawford capitalize on opportunities, and hold their compusre under pressure. A runner-up performance from Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) kept her atop the rankings as Mihimana Braye’s (FRA) Finals Day run garnered a runner-up finish and now places him as Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1.

A big conclusion to women’s competition awaited featuring Hawaii/Tahiti No. 1 Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW), Challenger Series standout Eweleiula Wong (HAW), 2022 event runner-up Nora Liotta (HAW), and rising threat Haylee Boverman (HAW). Liotta stole the opening exchange with a 7.50 (out of a possible 10) with Wong earning a 5.65 to stay within reach. But, Liotta’s 5.00 extended her lead ahead of the Final contingent as Tomoda-Bannert worked her way back into the heat to accrue an 11.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total heading into final minutes. But, Liotta held firm and earned her first-ever WSL victory to garner 1,000 valuable points.

“It feels so good and I love this wave,” said Liotta. “I feel really good taking my first win near home. I’ve had a really tough year. I competed in some Challenger Series events and I didn’t do too well so this is a really big confidence booster that I really needed. It took a lot of training at home, working on my heat surfing, and one of my goals is to now qualify for the 2024 Challenger Series.”

Maui, Hawaii’s, own Liotta started the day with an advancing position behind Tomoda-Bannert in their Semifinal bout to start their respective Finals Day surges. Liotta’s Quarterfinal victory on opening day helped kickstart her run atop the podium and now moves to No. 4 on the Hawaii/Tahiti Nui rankings.

The men’s Final included some of the region’s 2023 standouts including reigning Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Jackson Bunch (HAW), recent Corona Saquarema Pro Challenger Series finalist Mihimana Braye (FRA), rising threat Shion Crawford (HAW), and fellow emerging talent Diego Ferri (HAW). A slow start to the bout then gave way to Crawford’s powerful forehand putting on a display for a 7.25. Braye wasn’t far behind, posting a 6.00 of his own before Crawford answered back with a 6.00 to push himself further into the lead, recreating a Saquarema Quarterfinal battle between the two. Braye was able to find a 6.60 heading into the final minutes, but Crawford maintained composure with priority and held his lead until the end, solidifying his maiden WSL win.

“It feels really good and I’m just super stoked, kind of speechless right now,” said Crawford. “Everything hasn’t really hit yet and it’s just now starting to sink in that I realy did win. Our bracket was pretty stacked and I just needed to do my surfing. I’m pretty confident right now and I believe I could win [Haleiwa] too, and I believe in myself so much now.”

The North Shore’s own, Crawford now moves to No. 2 on the Hawaii/Tahiti Nui rankings after a flawless run through The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro, not losing a single heat throughout the event. Crawford’s Finals Day surge began with a Round of 32 victory before posting some of the day’s best heat totals en route to the Final. Now, Crawford looks to maintain his position heading to his home break of Haleiwa beginning November 26 – December 7.

Pictured: Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) remains at No. 1 on the regional rankings after a second Finals appearance in 2023/2024. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Tomoda-Bannert and Braye Lead Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Rankings Leaving Sunset Beach

Another impressive event for Tomoda-Bannert witnessed her overpower fellow contenders toward a third-straight Finals Day, her second Finals appearance of the 2023/2024 year. Tomoda-Bannert nearly earned her second win of the season and fell just short to Liotta after besting the Maui competitor in their Semifinal, Heat 1 clash. Kauai’s own, Tomoda-Bannert, now sets her eyes on the U.S. Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro before heading back to Hawaii to conclude the women’s season at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro.

“I just don’t want to be satisfied with these results, and I’m hungry to get more wins,” said Tomoda-Bannert. “Heading into the Super Girl, I want to take the win there and I feel very mentally and physically ready for it. This year, I’m not looking to just qualify for the Challenger Series, I want to win the region and so far I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job of that but I want to keep it going.”

Pictured: Nora Liotta (HAW) (L) and Shion Crawford (HAW) (R) claimed their first-ever WSL wins at The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro. Credit: © WSL / Heff

One of Tahiti’s prominent competitors, Braye, stormed through Finals Day on his march toward a runner-up finish. Braye earned the day’s highest heat total, a 14.95, in his Semifinal, Heat 2, battle with eventual fourth-place finisher Ferri, multiple event victor Billy Kemper (HAW), and Hawaii/Tahiti standout Joshua Moniz (HAW). After a runner-up in Saquarema, Braye brought that confidence to Sunset Beach and now sits at No. 1 on the regional rankings.

“this has been one of the best run’s of my life in competitive surfing so far after getting my best result in Brazil and it felt good carrying that same rhythm here,” said Braye. “Sunset is a tricky wave on your backhand and to be the only Tahitian here, and make the Final, I’m very stoked. I’m just trying to keep my momentum moving forward and I want to try and qualify for both the Olympics and the Championship Tour. I’m going to make it happen.”

For the women, the U.S. Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro gets underway in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, beginning November 10 – 12 before rejoining the men’s QS 2023/2024 season at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro beginning November 26 – December 7.

Current Women’s Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS Rankings:
1. Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW)
2. Eweleiula Wong (HAW)
3. Zoe McDougall (HAW)
4. Nora Liotta (HAW)

Current Men’s Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS Rankings:
1. Mihimana Braye (FRA)
2. Shion Crawford (HAW)
3. Keanu Asing (HAW)
4. Isaiah Moniz (HAW)
4. Kai Martin (HAW)
6. Robert Grilho (HAW)

Women’s Final Results:
1 – Nora Liotta (HAW) 12.50 1,000 points
2 – Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) 11.50 800 points
3 – Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 10.75 650 points
4 – Haylee Boverman (HAW) 6.85 600 points

Men’s Final Results:
1 – Shion Crawford (HAW) 13.25 1,000 points
2 – Mihimana Braye (FRA) 12.60 800 points
3 – Jackson Bunch (HAW) 10.20 650 points
4 – Diego Ferri (HAW) 9.85 600 points

Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) 12.50, Nora Liotta (HAW) 9.65, Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) 8.50, Isla Sexton (HAW) 5.00
HEAT 2: Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 12.50, Haylee Boverman (HAW) 11.10, Zoe McDougall (HAW) 9.00, Ellie Brown (HAW) 8.90

Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Shion Crawford (HAW) 13.60, Jackson Bunch (HAW) 10.60, Shayden Pacarro (HAW) 10.30, Rylan Beavers (HAW) 9.95
HEAT 2: Mihimana Braye (FRA) 14.95, Diego Ferri (HAW) 12.60, Billy Kemper (HAW) 12.50, Joshua Moniz (HAW) 12.15

Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Shion Crawford (HAW) 12.20, Ryan Beavers (HAW) 11.90, Brodi Sale (HAW) 11.05, Jackson Dorian (HAW) 10.45
HEAT 2: Jackson Bunch (HAW) 11.40, Shayden Pacarro (HAW) 11.25, Kai Matin (HAW) 10.85, Barron Mamiya (HAW) 7.55
HEAT 3: Joshua Moniz (HAW) 12.60, Billy Kemper (HAW) 11.15, Seth Moniz (HAW) 11.15, Sheldon Paishon (HAW) 11.10
HEAT 4: Diego Ferri (HAW) 13.40, Mihimana Braye (HAW) 12.25, Eala Stewart (HAW) 9.15, Robert Grilho (HAW) 8.60

Men’s Round of 32 Results:
HEAT 1: Brodi Sale (HAW) 10.80, Jackson Bunch (HAW) 10.75, Eimeo Czermak (PYF) 7.70, Isaiah Moniz (HAW) 7.45
HEAT 2: Shion Crawford (HAW) 11.00, Shayden Pacarro (HAW) 8.30, Shiloh Tenneburg (HAW) 8.25, Mason Ho (HAW) 6.25
HEAT 3: Kai Martin (HAW) 9.90, Jackson Dorian (HAW) 9.70, Coconut Willie (HAW) 9.40, Finn McGill (HAW) 9.35
HEAT 4: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 14.10, Rylan Beavers (HAW) 11.50, Cody Young (HAW) 10.10, Kala Willard (HAW) 3.00
HEAT 5: Seth Moniz (HAW) 11.40, Diego Ferri (HAW) 10.50, Nalu Deodato (HAW) 10.50, Logan Bediamol (HAW) 9.70
HEAT 6: Sheldon Paishon (HAW) 10.85, Eala Stewart (HAW) 8.90, Kai Paula (DEU) 8.15, Kalanoweo DeSoto (HAW) 5.90
HEAT 7: Robert Grilho (HAW) 13.75, Joshua Moniz (HAW) 10.85, Kalani Rivero (HAW) 7.35, Roran Miller (HAW) 7.30
HEAT 8: Mihimana Braye (FRA) 13.00, Billy Kemper (HAW) 10.90, Ezra Clark (HAW) 9.15, Sage Tutterow (HAW) 8.65

About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning the World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfers on the world’s best waves. WSL is comprised of the Tours and Competition division, which oversees and operates more than 180 global competitions each year; WSL WaveCo, home of the world’s largest high-performance, human-made wave; and WSL Studios, an independent producer of unscripted and scripted projects.For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com .About Hawaii Tourism Authority
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is the state agency responsible for representing The Hawaiian Islands around the world, and for holistically managing tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with community desires, economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, and visitor industry needs. HTA works with the community and industry to Mālama Hawaiʻi – care for our beloved home. For more information about HTA, visit hawaiitourismauthority.org or follow @HawaiiHTA on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Twitter.

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Pictured: Nora Liotta (HAW) (L) and Shion Crawford (HAW) (R) claimed their first-ever WSL wins at The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Pictured: Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) remains at No. 1 on the regional rankings after a second Finals appearance in 2023/2024. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Tomoda-Bannert and Braye Lead Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Rankings Leaving Sunset Beach

Pictured: Nora Liotta (HAW) (L) and Shion Crawford (HAW) (R) claimed their first-ever WSL wins at The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Current Women’s Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS Rankings:
1. Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW)
2. Eweleiula Wong (HAW)
3. Zoe McDougall (HAW)
4. Nora Liotta (HAW)

Current Men’s Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS Rankings:
1. Mihimana Braye (FRA)
2. Shion Crawford (HAW)
3. Keanu Asing (HAW)
4. Isaiah Moniz (HAW)
4. Kai Martin (HAW)
6. Robert Grilho (HAW)

Men’s Final Results:
1 – Shion Crawford (HAW) 13.25 1,000 points
2 – Mihimana Braye (FRA) 12.60 800 points
3 – Jackson Bunch (HAW) 10.20 650 points
4 – Diego Ferri (HAW) 9.85 600 points

PRIOR UPDATES…

Day 2: Rising Contenders Flourish Alongside World-Class Competitors at The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset ProCrawford Tips the Scale with Near-Perfection in Debut
Bunch, Finn, and more Push the Pace
Championship Tour Competitors Mamiya and Moniz Thrive
SNN SURF FORECAST: Small but fun contestable NNW for competition through the holding period with a new NNW filling Wednesday to 2-3′ maybe 4′ later in the day with Thursday holding up to 4′. Winds will be lite variables and tricky sea breezes midday to afternoon.

Pictured: Shion Crawford (HAW) found a gem and capitalized for near-perfection in his Round of 64 debut. Credit: © WSL / Heff

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii (Monday, October 30, 2023) – Top seeds made their stunning debuts at The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro, a Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, to raise the bar of competition in four-to-five foot waves at Sunset Point. Men’s Round of 96, Heats 13 – 16, and Round of 64 were finished in their entirety with women’s competition called OFF for the day. Competition has been called OFF for Tuesday, October 31, and event organizers will reconvene to determine a possible start for Wednesday, November 1.

Pictured: Shion Crawford (HAW) made his presence felt with goals set on a maiden QS win. Credit: © WSL / Heff

The Hawaii/Tahiti Nui’s newest competitive threats put on a showcase led by one of North Shore’s standouts, Shion Crawford (HAW). Crawford’s dynamic and powerful forehand earned an event-best, single-wave score so far of a near-perfect 9.00 (out of a possible 10) and 15.50 (out of possible 20) heat total. Haleiwa’s own, Crawford, now eyes down a big Finals Day to push himself up the rankings early in the season.

“I just had to choose the right waves and that wave just came right to me, and just wanted to surf it to my best,” said Crawford. “It feels good to be back home and get on a good program. My goals are to win this event and take that into Haleiwa to try and win there too. I learned a lot on the Challenger Series from my losses and that good result in Brazil to finish on, and just to believe in myself and that I can make heats.”

Crawford’s fellow North Shore standout, Finn McGill (HAW), surged into the Round of 32 with a 15.10 heat total of his own in an impressive debut.

Pictured: Jackson Bunch (HAW) brought his talent to the world on the 2023 Challenge Series and now looks to return with a big result near home. Credit: © WSL / Tostee

Joining Crawford on the Challenger Series earlier this year and making noise of his own, Jackson Bunch (HAW) represented for Maui in stunning form. Maui’s own, Bunch, earned the Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS Regional Title after his first-ever QS win in Rangiroa, Tahiti, and looks to continue building his young career with more success.

“It’s a bit tricky but it’s really nice with no wind on it and a pretty fun size where you can go to Sunset Point or the wide bowl,” said Bunch. “I got the really good wave at the point and then I moved to the middle. I had a rough event at Ala Moana Bowls and so I’m stoked to show some good surfing here, as well as take it to Haleiwa. I just want to surf good and get back on the Challenger Series since I missed it by three spots.”

Pictured: Multiple Sunset Beach victor Barron Mamiya (HAW) is back for more ahead of the 2024 CT season. Credit: © WSL / Heff

2024 Championship Tour Competitors Thrive

Alongside Hawaii/Tahiti Nui’s rising contenders clashing with proven competitors, some of the region’s Championship Tour (CT) elite stepped into the Sunset Beach arena and put on a showcase. Defending event winner, multiple Sunset Beach victor, Barron Mamiya (HAW) and fellow CT competitor Seth Moniz (HAW) both earned debut heat wins.

“It’s nice to be back home and surfing Sunset, hopefully get some waves for Finals Day but I’m just stoked to be out there with the jersey back on,” said Mamiya. “There’s not too much pressure being a defending winner, I’m just having fun and working on a few things to better my surfing. I’m just trying to stay healthy and try to win this event and Haleiwa, not trying to over surf or anything, but I want to do good in these events.”

Pictured: Seth Moniz (HAW) may have his goals on the 2024 CT, but he’s hungry for a win of his own among the stout QS contenders. Credit: © WSL / Heff

“I’m stoked to be at home and surfing an event, this event means a lot to the up-and-coming kids trying to qualify for the Challenger Series,” said Moniz. “It’s a really important event and as I’m competing with a lot of them, I’m rooting for them too to get on the Challenger Series and get some more Hawaiians on Tour. I’ve had a break and now it’s good to stay warm, and take it seriously because there’s some good competition here.”

Moniz is joined into the Round of 32 with both of his brothers after their debut heat wins including current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Isaiah Moniz (HAW) and QS veteran Joshua Moniz (HAW).

Also earring their way into the Round of 32 with big heat wins are multiple Sunset Beach victor, and multiple WSL Big Wave World Champion, Billy Kemper (HAW), QS veterans Shayden Pacarro (HAW) and Sheldon Paishon (HAW), former event victor Cody Young (HAW), rising threats Kai Martin (HAW), Diego Ferri (HAW), Kai Paula (DEU), and Robert Grilho III (HAW).

Competition has been called OFF for Tuesday, October 31. Event organizers will reconvene to make a call Wednesday, November 1, at 7:00 a.m. HST.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW…

Standard Set on Opening Day at The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro
Liotta Shines in Sunset Pro Debut
Current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Tomoda-Bannert Ups the Pace
Stewart Surges in Men’s Debuts

Pictured: Nora Liotta (HAW) debuted in stunning form and moved straight into the Semifinals at Sunset Beach. Credit: © WSL / Heff

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii (Sunday, October 29, 2023) – Opening day is in the books at The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro, a Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 event. The women surged in the four-to-six foot waves on offer with light winds to finish their Round of 24 and Quarterfinal bouts. The men followed with Round of 96, Heats 1-12, battles to start setting up all-important Round of 64 match-ups when competition resumes.

Pictured: Nora Liotta (HAW) all smiles after making her way into the Semifinals. Credit: © WSL / Heff

The women’s Quarterfinals kicked off with an exciting come-from-behind heat win by Nora Liotta (HAW), finding a last-minute score to jump from last to first, win the heat, and advance ahead of defending event champion and Championship Tour (CT) No. 9 Gabriela Bryan (HAW). Liotta continues to show she’s one of the region’s top threats and looks to secure a major victory in the 2023/2024 season.

“I didn’t know what scores I had, and I saw a few girls catch some good waves,” said Liotta. “It was definitely a relief walking up the beach and hearing that I made it. Those were a lot of good surfers in my heat.”

Pictured: Current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) pushed the pace once more. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Also through to the Semifinals is Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW), advancing through along with Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW). Tomoda-Bannert continues her outstanding 2023/2024 season, having already won the Local Motion Surf Into Summer Regional QS 1,000 at Ala Moana Bowls, and finishing equal-third at the co-sanctioned Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro QS 3,000.

“I’m just trying to keep the flow going and definitely had a lot more confidence after the Bowls win, and then the third place in Super Girl,” said Tomoda-Bannert. “For me, I feel like at Sunset no matter what you just gotta keep busy. Catch a wave if there’s a wave in front of you and just go for it.”

Pictured: Challenger Series threat Eweleiula Wong (HAW) is back and feeling right at home. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Despite a slow start to her heat, current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 5 Eweleiula Wong (HAW) found two of the better waves on offer to advance on to the Semifinals. Wong looks for her chance to rejoin the Chalenger Series contenders and stay atop the regional rankings for that opportunity.

“I’m really excited for the rest of the event,” said Wong. “The conditions are a little bit tricky out there, but happy to make it through. My goal for this event is to win, and hopefully to requalify for Challenger.”

Pictured: Eala Stewart (HAW) laid down on of the day’s best performances in his Round of 96 debut. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Following women’s opening rounds, the men got their competiton underway to determine their first eliminations. One of Hawaii/Tahiti Nui’s mainstays, Eala Stewart (HAW), continues to show his style and power in the jersey and posted the day’s highest single-wave score of a 7.25 (out of a possible 10). The South Shore’s own looks to keep his momentum going in the jersey and eyes on the winter season ahead.

“Some of my goals this winter is to have a beautiful winter and just stay healthy and happy,” said Stewart. “Everyone’s saying it should be El Niño and a lot of crazy swell. It’s been a good start so far and any contest I can get into I’ll be stoked to do my best. I’m just grateful to be home.”

Also joining Stewart into the Round of 64, Kane Turable (HAW), Branden DeFilippo (USA), Shayden Picarro (HAW), Tigure Abudo (HAW), Chase Burnes (HAW), Rylan Beavers (HAW), Merrick Mochkatei (HAW), Kainanoweo DeSoto (HAW), Logan Bediamol (HAW), and Nalu Deodatu (HAW), all earned impressive debut heat wins.

Event organizers will reconvene for a 7:00 a.m. HST call for a possible 8:00 a.m. HST start.

EARLIER UPDATE BELOW

IT’S ON STARTING 8AM! The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro Opening Day! World-Class Field In AttendanceA new small-moderate NNW is here making for a fun day of comp….lite trades are filling into moderate paces later and it’s a beautiful day. SNN

Defending Event Winners, CT Standouts, Mamiya and Bryan Return
Emerging Talents Set to Clash with Proven Competitors
Competition OFF for Saturday, October 28, Next Call Sunday, 7:00 a.m. HST

Pictured: The famed lineup of Sunset Beach plays host to The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro beginning October 28 – November 6. Credit: © WSL / Heff

HALEIWA, Oahu, Hawaii (Friday, October 27, 2023) – Opening Day awaits the first call at The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro, a Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000. A formidable field stands by in hopes of claiming an all-important result to hold their place atop the rankings alongside those looking to break through and put their name in the mix of 2024 Challenger Series qualification contenders. But, they will have to deal with the likes of defending event winners, Championship Tour (CT) standouts, Barron Mamiya (HAW) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW). Competition has been called OFF for Saturday, October 28, and event organizers will reconvene to make a 7:00 a.m. HST call Sunday, October 29.

Former CT Rookie of the Year, Gabriela Bryan (HAW), returns to the venue where she’s found success both on the Pro Junior and QS level throughout her career. A wave that will test competitors’ ability to read the open ocean swell and maintain their composure against fellow regional standouts, Kauai’s own, Bryan has shown she’s capable of holding her ground. After maintaining her spot among the world’s best once again for 2024, Bryan looks to utilize this opportunity to stay sharp and bring out the best amid a hungry field.

“For everyone in Hawaii, anytime you get to compete is really good and help us, there’s so much that goes into [competing],” said Bryan. “Sunset is one important events [for the QS], because it is a CT venue. I’m excited to be out there with some of the young up-and-comers, and Luana Silva is doing it and she used to be on the CT with me so there’s definitely a lot of talented girls in it.”

That field includes the likes of current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW), former CT competitor Luana Silva (BRA), reigning Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional QS titleholder Moana Jones Wong (HAW), Sunset Beach’s own rising talent Chesney Guinotte (HAW), proven QS threats Eweleiula Wong (HAW), Zoe McDougall (HAW), Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW), Brianna Cope (HAW), and more.

Also returning to defend his title and add a fourth Sunset Beach win to his name, Barron Mamiya (HAW) brings his world-class forehand against some of the region’s best. Mamiya finished with a career-best, No. 12 finish on the CT in 2023 with consistent results throughout the season. Now, the North Shore’s own is eager to get back in the jersey and continue improving throughout the winter at home ahead of the 2024 CT start.

“I’m super excited to put the jersey on and surf an event at home,” said Mamiya. “I think it’s insane. This gives a lot of opportunity to the young kids in Hawaii. It’s been a little hard the past few years, but I feel like they’re starting to revamp it back up. It’s cool to see the youth of Hawaii, and me being a kid from Hawaii, and seeing these kids get the opportunities they deserve. Obviously all I want to see is a bunch of kids from Hawaii qualify and we saw that this year with Eli [Hanneman] and Imaikalani [deVault]. It’ll be super to watch these [emerging] kids at this event and see how they do.”

Mamiya will have to fend off the likes of fellow CT standout Seth Moniz (HAW), recently qualified CT rookie Eli Hanneman (HAW), multiple Sunset Beach victor Billy Kemper (HAW), one of surfing’s most iconic names, Mason Ho (HAW), current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Isaiah Moniz (HAW), reigning Hawaii/Tahiti Nui titleholder Jackson Bunch (HAW), and many more.

Event organizers have called competition OFF for Saturday, October 28, and will reconvene to make a 7:00 a.m. HST call Sunday, October 29, for a possible 8:00 a.m. HST start.

The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro will run on the best three days of the event window beginning October 28 – November 6.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW…

Regional Qualifying Series Season Resumes on the North Shore at “The Hawaiian Islands” Present the “Sunset Pro”
Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Contingent Prepare for Sunset Beach
Hawaii Tourism Authority Continues to Support Local Athletes
For stop #2 on this QS the Holding period is October 28 – November 7

Pictured: The world-renowned lineup of Sunset Beach is back on the Qualifying Series October 28 – November 7. Credit: © WSL / Heff

HALEIWA, Oahu, Hawaii (Monday, October 23, 2023) – The World Surf League (WSL) Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) is back in action October 28 – November 7 with The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro QS 1,000.

Men and women return to the famed Sunset Point for Stop No. 2 of the 2023/2024 QS season looking for valuable points toward 2024 Challenger Series qualification.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority continues to provide a viable season for local competitors to build careers and earn points at home.

Some of Hawaii/Tahiti Nui’s emerging threats and proven competitors converge once more for Stop No. 2 of the QS season with Isaiah Moniz (HAW) and Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) leading the rankings, respectively.

This event provides a pivotal opportunity to earn valuable points early on in the season and begin pulling ahead in the Challenger Series qualification race.

“Sunset is such a great venue to showcase the incredible talent in our region,” said Robin Erb, WSL North America/Hawaii Regional Director. “We’re looking forward to more incredible performances and qualification stories as the Regional QS season rolls on, and are grateful for the continued support of the North Shore community and our event partners in helping us deliver these competitive opportunities for our local athletes.”

Pictured: Current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Isaiah Moniz (HAW) returns in search of maintaining that position. Credit: © WSL / Heff

“HTA is proud to continue our comprehensive partnership with the World Surf League as a way to reinvest in Native Hawaiian sporting pursuits here in the home of surfing, including at Paumalū (Sunset Beach),” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “We are honored to support Hawai‘i’s surfers as WSL’s esteemed events allow our homegrown competitors to qualify locally and compete globally.”

HTA was also a presenting partner of WSL’s Local Motion Surf Into Summer At Home in the Hawaiian Islands earlier this June. HTA will also serve as the presenting sponsor of The Hawaiian Islands Present HIC Hale‘iwa Pro from November 26 to December 7.

A heavy-hitting field awaits included No. 1’s Moniz and Tomoda-Bannert, and are joined by the likes of CT standouts, and defending event winners, Barron Mamiya (HAW) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW), Challenger Series threat Zoe McDougall (HAW), Shion Crawford (HAW), and Sheldon Paishon (HAW). Plus, Hawaii surfing icon Mason Ho, reigning Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional QS Champion Moana Jones Wong (HAW), and more look for a crucial result to carry into their 2023/2024 QS season.

The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro will run on the best three days during the event window beginning October 28 – November 7.