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Alice Lemoigne of France surfs in Heat 1 of the Elimination Round
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MALIBU, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 4: Taka Inoue of Japan surfs in Heat 5 of the Seeding Round at the Cuervo Classic Malibu Longboard Championship on October 4, 2022 at Malibu, California, United States. (Photo by Aaron Hughes/World Surf League)
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Ben Skinner of United Kingdom and Tosh Tudor of United States after surfing in Heat 5 of the Opening Round
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Ben Skinner of United Kingdom surfs in Heat 5 of the Opening Round
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Kaniela Stewart of Hawaii surfs in Heat 3 of the Seeding Round
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Kaniela Stewart
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Honolua Blomfield of Hawaii surfs in Heat 3
MALIBU, Calif., USA (Tuesday, October 4, 2022) – Finals Day is set at the Cuervo Classic Malibu Longboard Championship Presented by O’Neill, the third and final stop on the 2022 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour after a full day of competition.
Current World No. 1 Kaniela Stewart (HAW) demonstrated that he is up for the task of holding off his opponents as he earned an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10) debut score in his chase for a maiden World Title. Stewart’s effortless approach of beautiful noserides, footwork, and railwork garnered him the day’s best 8.67 and 16.87 (out of a possible 20) heat total against former WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA) and fellow World Title contender Kaimana Takayama (USA).
“It feels super good to be back here at Malibu,” said Stewart. “The waves are fun, a little slow, but as they pick up it’ll get super fun. I’ve been training a bunch at DNA Performance with Bryce and working on a bunch of cardio, strength endurance, and fatigue. Just making sure that I’m on for this contest. With the right waves, I feel like I have a chance at winning it.”
“The whole heat I felt like I was just catching waves and having a blast,” said Blomfield. “I borrowed my friend’s board and liked it so much she sold it to me (laughs). I love the board I’m on, and the waves are so fun, and I’m very excited for tomorrow.”
Blomfield’s fellow World Title contender Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) also shined in both of her opening day heats as she styled her way directly into Round 3. Kaleopa’a is in her second consecutive World Title race and is looking for redemption and to take home her first World Title.
“I knew that when waves like that come through they’re really worthwhile and to make the most out of them,” said Roach. “I was riding one of my models last year, and I felt like I was surfing my best but couldn’t get out of the high seven-point-ride range. They were looking for more hang-tens, and so I changed my equipment to give them that.”
“After twenty minutes of not getting a wave I was just thinking, ‘This is not happening right now,” said Errico. “I just needed an opportunity and then, thank God, a couple of sets came in. In my heart I knew they were going to come, every other heat had sets prior. It was super stressful, but I made it out. I do feel pressure, but it’s also very exciting because everyone I love is here.”
Prominent World Title contender Ben Skinner (GBR) also debuted with an excellent 8.00, with WSL Longboard Tour newcomer Tosh Tudor (USA) advancing over veteran Tony Silvagni (USA). Tudor showed full control while perched on the nose through critical sections of the wave and now looks to find his way to the Final here at Malibu.
Kai Sallas (HAW) also kept on pace to continue his search for a maiden World Title with a clutch debut win. A heart-racing moment for World Title contender Chloe Calmon (BRA) nearly witnessed the multiple Title runner-up face elimination, but a critical 7.10 turned the tide for her in the dying minutes against an in-form Sally Cohen (HAW).
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