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.” |