Rachael Tilly and Taylor Jensen Win Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, Claim 2024 World Longboard Titles

- Tilly and Jensen Deliver So-Cal Sweep of 2024 WSL Longboard Titles
- Tilly Earns Long-Awaited Second World Longboard Championship
- Jensen Claims Fourth World Longboard Title

Pictured: Rachael Tilly (USA) and Taylor Jensen (USA) won the 2024 Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships to become the 2024 WSL Longboard Champions. Credit: WSL / Tommy Pierucki

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Saturday, October 12, 2024) – Today, Rachael Tilly (USA) and Taylor Jensen (USA) won the World Surf League (WSL) Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships to claim the 2024 World Longboard Titles. The Southern California duo, Tilly and Jensen, dominated their showings in flawless form to emerge victorious in beautiful, three-to-five-foot conditions at El Sunzal in El Salvador. In their Title Matches, Tilly bested reigning WSL Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA) for her second World Longboard Title before Jensen’s commanding win over defending WSL Longboard Champion Kai Sallas (HAW), marking his historic fourth World Longboard Title.

Rachael Tilly Earns Long-Awaited Second World Longboard Championship

Rachael Tilly (USA), 26, claimed her first World Longboard Title in 2015 to become the youngest WSL Longboard Champion and now boasts her second after her success today. Dana Point, California’s own Tilly returned from her brief competition hiatus in 2022 and continues to show her love for the sport each year as a World Longboard Title threat.

“I’ve dreamed of having a second one, and it’s been almost ten years,” said Tilly. “I didn’t know if it could happen, and now I can’t believe we’re here. There were maybe years where I didn’t have the focus but this year I just tried to start trusting in my ability and that I could win, and with that came my win at the US Open. It was really hard to maintain the focus and energy of this event, but here we are.”

The women’s first Title Match witnessed Tilly hold her momentum from a brilliant Match 3 bout with three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) into the Title Match against No. 1 seeded competitor Soleil Errico (USA). Tilly’s opening 6.67 bested that of Errico’s 6.27 (out of a possible 10) as the two traded off in multiple exchanges. The Southern Californians, Tilly and Errico, continued to battle, with Tilly earning a backup 6.23 and pushing Errico into needing a solid score. But, Tilly held strong and claimed the first Title Match.

Tilly continued her incredible showing with another excellent performance in Title Match 2 against Errico, posting an 8.17 to establish a dominant lead heading into the final minutes. Errico, needing a 9.40, posted a 6.57 to lower her requirement, but Tilly answered right back with a 6.87 in another exchange as time dwindled down. Errico’s response earned her an excellent 8.10, but it wasn’t enough after Tilly’s showcase already raised the requirement once more. Time expired and Tilly emerged the 2024 WSL Longboard Champion, her second World Longboard Title.

“Soleil and Honolua have been on a tear,” added Tilly. “It was me, then Tory, then it was Soleil and Honolua since, so I knew getting through them would be hard work, and it was because they’re incredible surfers. Thank you to my family, my dad, and my mom, who’s here, and my brother, who’s flying right now, and I was hoping he’d land to some awesome news. Where I am right now isn’t possible without God, and I felt that out there.”

Taylor Jensen Joins History Books with Fourth World Longboard Title

Oceanside, California’s own Taylor Jensen (USA) joins an elite list of World Longboard Champions after capturing his fourth. With Jensen earning his first World Longboard Title in 2011, he continues to show he’s capable of setting the bar after a stunning Title Match performance today against Kai Sallas (HAW). At age 40, Jensen shows no sign of slowing down after joining his father-in-law Nat Young (USA) as a four-time World Longboard Champion.

“I’m still in shock, but a lot went into this one, so it feels good,” said Jensen. “It’s a crazy format. I’ve been down the bottom coming up, and to sit at the top and watch everybody surfing amazing all day just thinking I hope they run out of steam or something. I’m just glad I had some legs left, and it seemed like the other guys got tired. I had a lot of wanting-to-surf energy and just went out there, picked a good one, and got lucky right away. I try not to get emotional, but having my family here is everything.”

Men’s Title Match 1 tested the patience of two of the sport’s icons between No. 1 seed Jensen and defending WSL Longboard Champion Kai Sallas (HAW). Jensen broke the tense start with a solid opportunity, showcasing his variety on the nose and signature powerful rail game. The judges rewarded Jensen’s efforts with an excellent 8.00 and put early pressure on Sallas.

Jensen picked up where he left off in Title Match 1, beginning the second Title Match with a 7.33 to Sallas’ 3.50. But Jensen wasn’t close to done and posted the day’s highest single-wave score of a near-perfect 9.33 to post a decimating heat total over Sallas. When the dust settled and the horn sounded, Jensen earned his fourth World Longboard Title.

“I embraced evolving and adapting and what I labeled myself as a surfer and changing that,” continued Jensen. “The kids keep you relevant. Kaniela and Johnny, all those guys coming up are smoking us so we have to adapt and put in more time than they are so just been doing that and it paid off. I just wanted to separate myself from Joel, Colin and Rusty. And just to put myself in that position is a privilege.”

2023 World Longboard Champions Soleil Errico and Kai Sallas Nearly Complete Repeat Wins

The reigning WSL Longboard Champions, Soleil Errico (USA) and Kai Sallas (HAW), finished their 2024 campaigns in second place. Errico entered this event as the No. 1 seeded competitor and recently overcame a knee injury that forced her to withdraw from competition in Abu Dhabi. A valiant performance from the three-time WSL Longboard Champion earned her an excellent 8.10 in the dying moments of Title Match 2, but it was too late to mount a comeback against Tilly.

Sallas’ performance throughout 2024 landed him back into the Top 8 to defend his World Longboard Title, entering as the No. 4 seed. After dealing with an in-form Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and fellow Longboard Tour veteran Ben Skinner (GBR) in Match 2, Sallas then went on to face No. 3 seed Rogelio JR Esquievel (PHL). Sallas’ form bested Esquievel to then take on fellow Waikiki standout, World No. 2 John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW), with the two trading off in brilliant exchanges. In the end, Sallas took control and returned to the Title Match in hopes of defending his Longboard World Title. But Jensen’s impeccable form was unstoppable, and Sallas fell just short, and he ended the season ranked No. 2 in the world.

For highlights from the 2024 Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

2024 Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships Women’s Results:
Women’s Title Match 2: Rachael Tilly (USA) 15.04 DEF. Soleil Errico (USA) 14.67
Women’s Title Match 1: Rachael Tilly (USA) 12.90 DEF. Soleil Errico (USA) 11.60
Women’s Match 4: Rachael Tilly (USA) 15.00 DEF. Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 13.20
Women’s Match 3: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 12.84 DEF. Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 12.84
Women’s Match 2: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 16.03 DEF. Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 12.50, Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 10.34
Women’s Match 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 14.03 DEF. Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) 10.80, Sophia Culhane (HAW) 10.67

2024 Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships Men’s Results:
Men’s Title Match 2: Taylor Jensen (USA) 16.66 DEF. Kai Sallas (HAW) 10.46
Men’s Title Match 1: Taylor Jensen (USA) 16.23 DEF. Kai Sallas (HAW) 11.73
Men’s Match 4: Kai Sallas (HAW) 14.00 DEF. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 12.60
Men’s Match 3: Kai Sallas (HAW) 12.73 DEF. Rogelio JR Esquievel (PHL) 12.43
Men’s Match 2: Kai Sallas (HAW) 13.67 DEF. Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 13.10, Ben Skinner (GBR) 12.50
Men’s Match 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 13.60 DEF. Steven Sawyer (RSA) 13.00, Chase Lieder (USA) 8.90

The Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships are proudly supported by Surf City El Salvador and Corona.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Taylor Jensen & Rachael Tilly are our New World Champs!

Saturday: Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships

Rachael Tilly is now 2X World Longboard Champ!

330pm El Salvador time: Taylor Jensen Wins the Final Heat against Kai Sallas to become 4x World Champion~

Women’s Match 1 started at 8:00 a.m. CST (4 hours ahead of Hawaii)
Honolua Blomfeld made it to match 4 just before the Title Match before eliminated by #2 Rachael Tilly (12:20pm El Salvador time).
Current World Champ and #4 rated Kai Sallas beat current #2 John Michael Van Hohenstein to Win match 4!
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com
Or on YouTube HERE

Pictured: Conditions aligned this morning and the Top 8 will battle for the 2024 WSL Longboard Title at El Sunzal. Credit: WSL / Tommy Pierucki

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Saturday, October 12, 2024) – The World Surf League (WSL) Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, the final stop of the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour, has been called ON for an 8:00 a.m. CST start. Three-to-four foot, clean conditions pulse into the premier point break of El Sunzal with more swell forecast to fill in throughout the day. The 2024 WSL Longboard Champions will be determined by day’s end.

The event will start with women’s Match 1 featuring a three-person battle between the No. 8 seed, No. 7 seed, and No. 6 seed, followed by men’s Match 1. Then, women’s Match 2 will ensue with the winner of Match 1 taking on the No. 5 seed and No. 4 seed before men’s Match 2 follows suit.

Match 3 shifts action to head-to-head duels with the winner of Match 2 facing the No. 3 seed. The winner then takes on the No. 2 seed in Match 4. Then, the winner will face No. 1 seeds Soleil Errico (USA) and Taylor Jensen (USA) in the best two-out-of-three Title Match.

Women’s Match 1 is an all-Hawaii bout featuring No. 8 seed Sophia Culhane (HAW), No. 7 seed, 2023 World Longboard Title runner-up, Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW), and the No. 6 seed, three-time WSL Longboard Champion, Honolua Blomfield (HAW). As the No. 6 seed, Blomfield will have priority to start the heat and have her pick of any wave to begin the heat.

For the men, a stacked Match 1 will see No. 8 seed Chase Lieder (USA) face No. 7 seed, former WSL Longboard Champion, Steven Sawyer (RSA), and No. 6 seed, 2023 World Longboard Title runner-up, Kaniela Stewart (HAW). Similar to women’s Match 1, Stewart will begin the heat with priority.

Women’s Match 2 follows with the winner of Match 1 facing Longboard Tour veterans, No. 4 seed Natsumi Taoka (JPN) and No. 5 seed Zoe Grospiron (FRA). This notes Taoka’s and Grospiron’s first-ever opportunity to achieve a World Longboard Title with their signature poise and style set to be on full display.

Men’s Match 2 awaits the Match 1 winner ready to take on No. 4 seed, and reigning WSL Longboard Champion Kai Sallas (HAW), alongside No. 5 seed Ben Skinner (GBR). Sallas and Skinner both have a commanding rail game in their arsenal along with the ability to showcase their time on the nose in critical sections to make for a brilliant Match 2 battle.

Match 3 begins the head-to-head action with women’s battles featuring the winner of Match 2 set to take on No. 3 seed Alice Lemoigne (FRA). Lemoigne’s win in Abu Dhabi pushed her from No. 8 to No. 3 where she returns a World Longboard Title threat with her composure under pressure and combination of footwork and rail game ready for her contender.

One of the sport’s fastest-rising stars awaits in Match 3 as Rogelio JR Esquievel (PHL) took the Longboard Tour by storm in 2023 to enter the Top 8. Now, Esquievel returns ready to showcase more of his world-class style in the limelight against the winner of Match 2.

Women’s Match 4 brings former WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) to the El Sunzal arena seeded at No. 2. Tilly enters this event ready to face the winner of Match 3 with her ambitions locked on a second World Longboard Title.

But, the No. 1 seed and reigning WSL Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA) awaits the winner of Match 4 ready to give everything she has in the best two of three heats toward a third-consecutive World Longboard Title and historic fourth.

For the men, No. 2 seed John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) has proven he belongs among the world’s best with three event Final appearances in just two seasons and now awaits the winner of Match 3.

The winner of men’s Match 4 then takes on No. 1 seed, three-time WSL Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA), in the same, best two of three battles for the 2024 World Longboard Title.

Watch Live
The Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships is the final stop on the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour, where the Top 8 men and women will contest for the World Longboard Titles. The competition window opens on Wednesday, October 9, and runs through Sunday, October 13, 2024. The competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.The Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships are proudly supported by Surf City El Salvador and Corona.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Off for Friday. Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships Sets the Stage for the WSL Longboard World Title Showdown

Top 8 Contenders Await the One-Day Longboard World Title Showdown
Next Call, Saturday October 11 at 7:30 a.m. CST (4 hours ahead of Hawaii)

Pictured: Event organizers and the Top 8 contenders await El Sunzal to deliver its premier conditions for the one-day Longobard World Title showdown. Credit: WSL / Tommy Pierucki

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Thursday, October 10, 2024) – The World Surf League (WSL) Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, the final stop of the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour, has been called OFF for the day. Event organizers await the impending swell with a better wind forecast for ideal conditions to run the one-day, WSL Longboard Championship showdown featuring the Top 8 men and Top 8 women contenders. With El Sunzal’s premier location being open to an array of swell and a solid forecast outlook, a world-class showcase from the world’s best longboarders is imminent.

Once called ON, the the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships will include the Top 8 competitors battling in the one-day showdown format. Match 1 will feature the No. 8, No. 7, and No. 6 seeded competitors with the winner of that match moving into Match 2. Similar to Match 1, Match 2 features a three-person heat, but only one will prevail to move into Match 3 against the No. 4 seeded competitor.

The winner of Match 3 then goes on to face the No. 3 seeded competitor before the victor will square off with World No. 2. Then, it all boils down to the best two-out-of-three Title Match against World No. 1 for the 2024 WSL Longboard Title.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow, Friday, October 11 at 7:30 a.m. CST to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. CST start.

PRIOR UPDATES

World’s Top Longboard Contenders Ready for the One-Day Final at Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships

No. 1 Ranked Seeds and Three-Time WSL Longboard Champions Soleil Errico and Taylor Jensen Hope to Earn Historic Fourth World Longboard Titles
Veterans and Rising Stars Prepare to Make History of Their Own
Building Forecast Shows Promising Conditions
Next Call, Thursday October 10 at 7:30 a.m. CST

Pictured: Sixteen of the world’s best longboarders are ready to enter the arena of El Sunzal to determine the 2024 WSL Longboard Champions. Credit: WSL / Tommy Pierucki

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Wednesday, October 9, 2024) – The Top 8 men and Top 8 women have arrived at the World Surf League (WSL) Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, the final stop of the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour. Following the same format as 2023, current No. 1 seeds Soleil Errico (USA) and Taylor Jensen (USA) will wait to see who will make their way through the world-class field to the Title Match. An elite cast of former World Longboard Champions, perennial World Longboard Title threats, and fresh faces will compete in the one-day format with the window open now through Sunday, October 13.

Competition has been called OFF for the day. Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow, Thursday, October 10 at 7:30 a.m. CST to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. CST start.

No. 1 Ranked Seeds and Three-Time WSL Longboard Champions Soleil Errico and Taylor Jensen Hope to Earn Historic Fourth World Longboard Titles

It was an incredible year for both No. 1 seeded contenders, Soleil Errico (USA) and Taylor Jensen (USA), and now they hope to make history and win their fourth WSL Longboard Titles. Errico and Jensen both kicked off the season with victories at Bell’s Beach and went on to Final matches at stop no. 2, the Lexus US Open of Surfing, in Huntington Beach. Jensen went on to win against No. 3 Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL), and Errico had a runner-up finish to Rachael Tilly (USA).

Last year, Errico earned her third WSL Longboard Title at her home break of Malibu and hopes to earn her fourth in El Salvador. As the defending champion, she prepares to fend off the surge of talent coming her way for the Title Match when competition begins.

“It’s very exciting. Obviously being injured in the middle of the season is not ideal, but it’s made me just that much more excited and fired up to be surfing again,” said Errico. “I’m super relieved to have kept the top spot without having to go to Abu Dhabi. I’m honestly just thankful that my injury wasn’t bad enough to miss out on this event as well, I’m just happy to be surfing at this point. I know the wave more just from being here last year, and the atmosphere, and just the dynamic of the place. It’s not as hot as last year, which is game-changing.”

For Jensen earning a fourth World Longboard Title would put him equal to his father-in-law, four-time World Longboard Champion, Nat Young (USA). After nearly two decades of competing and a sensational season, Jensen, 40, continues to push the standard and adapts to the evolving criteria.

“It’s great. You go into the year with that number one spot as the goal and put yourself in the best position possible for this Championship,” said Jensen. “To secure that with back to back event wins; to kick things off really takes the pressure off. It’s given me time to process what that means, the advantages that it gives me, and given me a lot of time to prepare.”

“Physically you’ve got to be ready for long waves and polling paddles in the tropics,” continued Jensen. “The mental side is probably a little bit trickier, the pressure of the Championship format is pretty intense. I enjoy being in high-pressure situations, I’m comfortable there. I’ve done a lot of mental prep for this away from the water. I’ve had a surf off for a world title back in 2017, so that all-or-nothing feeling is something I’ve had experience with.”

Veterans and Rising Stars Prepare to Make History of Their Own

This year features another elite cast of Top 8 competitors on both the men’s and women’s side, including multiple former WSL Longboard Champions and perennial Longboard World Title threats. No. 6 seed Honolua Blomfield (HAW) enters the event with the opportunity to claim her fourth World Longboard Championship. While the defending WSL Longboard Champion Kai Sallas (HAW) joins former WSL Longboard Champions Rachael Tilly (USA) and Steven Sawyer (RSA) in the hunt for their second Titles.

“It’s pretty special to still be going for a World Title each year,” said Blomfield. “I think I’ve been on the Longboard Tour for close to 10 years now, but to still be competing with these girls is super cool. I love El Salvador and I’m really excited for the week to come with all my friends.”

Some of the perennial WSL Longboard Title threats are back, including Alice Lemoigne (FRA), Ben Skinner (GBR), 2023 World Longboard Championship runner-ups Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) and Kaniela Stewart (HAW), and 2023 El Salvador Longboard Classic victor Sophia Culhane (HAW). But, they have the experience of Zoe Grospiron (FRA) alongside rising talents Rogelio JR Esquievel (PHL), John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW), and Chase Lieder (USA) in the mix looking for glory all their own after terrific showings on the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour.

“It’s such an experience to be here in the Top 8 and be in the spot to win a World Title again,” said Skinner. “I absolutely love this sport and I’ve put a lot of hard work into staying toward the top of the rankings each year. To share the water with some of my best friends and favorite surfers in the world at the same time. To battle with them, and go for a World Title with them; it’s really exciting, and I can’t wait.”

Building Forecast Shows Promising Conditions

The open coastline of El Salvador receives plenty of swell from an array of directions and the pristine cobblestone point break of El Sunzal is no exception. A building swell could provide ideal conditions for the Top 8 to showcase their world-class abilities as they battle for the 2024 WSL Longboard Title. Event organizers will monitor winds and the impending swell to determine the best day for the 2024 Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships to run.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow, Thursday, October 10 at 7:30 a.m. CST to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. CST start.

For press inquiries, please contact:
press@worldsurfleague.com

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW…

The Top 8 Men and Top 8 Women Prepare for the Pristine Point Break of El Sunzal
The One-Day, Finals Showdown Will Determine the 2024 WSL Longboard Champions

Pictured front page: The beautiful cobble stone point break of El Sunzal will host the WSL Longboard Tour Top 8 to compete for the 2024 World Longboard Titles. Credit: WSL / Cait Miers

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Thursday, October 3, 2024) – The world’s best longboarders now await the the one-day, World Surf League (WSL) Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships. The Top 8 men and Top 8 women will take on the right-hand point break of El Sunzal in El Salvador in the winner-take-all format that was introduced to the WSL Longboard Tour last season. The competition window for the one-day final opens on Wednesday, October 9, and runs through Sunday, October 13.

Following a groundbreaking event at the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic, the competitors are seeded and ready to vie for their opportunity at World Title glory. Led by current No. 1’s Taylor Jensen (USA) and Soleil Errico (USA), they await who will reach the Title Match after contenders battle their way through world-class fields beginning with Match 1.

Pictured: The current No. 1 Soleil Errico (USA) looks to earn back-to-back World Titles in the Top 8 format, this time at El Sunzal. Credit: WSL / Cait Miers

The Top 8 Men and Top 8 Women Prepare for the Pristine Point Break of El Sunzal

The 2023 Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic culminated in incredible wins from Sophia Culhane (HAW) and Kaniela Stewart (HAW) at El Sunzal’s dreamy right-hand point break. The cobblestone break provides multiple sections for competitors to showcase their dynamic footwork, and ability on the nose. El Sunzal also tests stamina with the wave extending over one-minute rides in the El Salvadorian heat. El Sunzal favors a SSW, SW swell, and due to the point jutting out further from the coastline, it will receive much more swell than surrounding areas to keep it consistent.

The world’s best put on iconic performances in 2023 and now that the World Title is on the line at El Sunzal, fans can expect nothing but their top form.

The One Day Showdown Will Determine the 2024 WSL Longboard Champions

Similar to the 2023 Longboard Championships, the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships will include the Top 8 competitors qualified for the World Title showdown. Match 1 will feature the No. 8, No. 7, and No. 6 seeded competitors with the winner of that match moving into Match 2. Similar to Match 1, Match 2 features a three-person heat, but only one will prevail to move into Match 3 against the No. 4 seeded competitor.

Women’s Top 8 Qualifiers
1 – Soleil Errico (USA)
2 – Rachael Tilly (USA)
3 – Alice Lemoigne (FRA)
4 – Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
5 – Zoe Grospiron (FRA)
6 – Honolua Blomfield (HAW)
7 – Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW)
8 – Sophia Culhane (HAW)

Men’s Top 8 Qualifiers
1 – Taylor Jensen (USA)
2 – John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
3 – Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
4 – Kai Sallas (HAW)
5 – Ben Skinner (GBR)
6 – Kaniela Stewart (HAW)
7 – Steven Sawyer (RSA)
8 – Chase Lieder (USA)