Perfect Chapter

Perfect Chapter

Aritz Aranburu won the Perfect Chapter today in offshore six-foot barreling waves at Carcavelos Beach in Cascais, Portugal. In the final, the Basque Country surfer scored a total of 12 points, besting Cory Lopez who scored 10,25. In third and fourth place came local surfer Pedro Boonman (6,05) and Hawain Kiron Jabour.

Aritz also won the Go Chill Best Score and 58 Surf Best Tube awards. Besides the winner’s cheque, Aritz also took home an electric bike courtesy of ElectrikFatBike.

The Best Portuguese Surfer Award went to Pedro Boonman, sole Portuguese surfer in the final Russel Bierke won the Ricard dos Santos Attitude award, and Clay Marzo took home the G-Shock Best Wipeout award.

“It’s amazing to win here in Carcavelos, with a huge crowd on the beach, the support was incredible. The level during the contest was amazing, with everyone getting some really good barrels. I’m really stoked to win this contest in perfect conditions and with such great surfers,” said a visibly pleased Aritz Aranburu.

“We have the best open-air stadiums for the surfing in Cascais. We want to continue to show both in Portugal and abroad what Cascais has to offer and the quality of our waves. But we also look at surfing in a social context, as sport means reducing social asymmetries and reinforcing territorial cohesion. You can count on us for the next editions of the Perfect Chapter,” said Marco Pina, from the Cascais City Council.

“It’s a real win to be able to hold the contest on a Saturday in Cascais, with a packed beach. It’s a really great way to showcase surfing in Portugal: Perfect 6 foot plus waves, offshore winds all day, and a group of amazing surfers pushing the level in every heat,” said Rui Costa, who’s been organizing the Perfect Chapter since 2012.

“We work hard every year to put on a great show, and with conditions like we had today it’s easy to motivate surfers, sponsors and the fans to keep coming back year after year.”

For further information and full results, check out
capituloperfeito.com

Hennessy & Mamiya Victorious

Hennessy & Mamiya Victorious

• Hennessy Becomes First Costa Rican to Win Championship Tour Event
• Hawaii’s Mamiya Clinches Wildcard Win
• Runner-ups Manuel and Igarashi Head To Portugal Second on World Rankings

Brisa Hennessy (CRI) and Barron Mamiya (HAW) won the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO, the second stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), in six-to-eight foot surf. This win marks the first CT victory for both surfers, and for Hennessy, the first time a Costa Rican has won a CT event. Hennessy and Mamiya now climb to World No. 1 on the WSL rankings, while runner-ups Malia Manuel (HAW) and Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) sit at World No. 2.

Hennessy Becomes First Costa Rican to Win Championship Tour Event
22-year old Hennessy (above) earned her first CT victory after besting Manuel in the Final and rookie Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) in the Semifinals today at Sunset Beach.
A Final with hefty implications unfolded as Hennesy and local charger Manuel battled to see who would take the No. 1 spot on the World Rankings. Hennessy started off her first-ever CT Final with an early lead but Manuel’s opening 6.33 put her right back in the heat and quick in-and-out to take the lead before making a priority error halfway through the affair.
Hennessy’s 5.23 put her back into the lead and required a 4.73 of Manuel heading into the final six minutes as the Kauian went for it all on a major maneuver and fell from the top to the bottom. The Costa Rica representative found one last opportunity and turned in a 7.00 to secure her a massive victory, the country’s first on the CT.

“I’ve just dreamed about this moment and never thought it was possible,” said Hennessy. “It was an honor to surf against Malia. I feel like she has such an amazing connection out here and just all the people in my life, thank you. This is the reason I was able to do this today.” 

“You definitely reflect and think about all those moments that brought you here and made you who you are,” added Hennessy. “I barely made it back into the CT. I had to go to the Challenger Series and that was an emotional rollercoaster. I think it’s the people that are behind you and in your village that make you who you are and really are your light. My family, my friends, my mom and dad, my grandparents, Glen Hall who was with me since the beginning in my rookie year and has seen me grow and has seen me at my lowest. Costa Rica’s given me so much, it’s literally given me the gift of surfing. The gift of the ocean and the gift of connection to so many people around the world. I hope I can carry the love of Pura Vida around the world and hopefully inspire people.” 

An immaculate run through the competition for eventual runner-up Manuel (above) ended in dismay after taking down event threat and in-form rookie Gabriela Bryan (HAW) for their Semifinal duel. Manuel’s final effort, a 7.33, was enough to secure the heat win and take her into her seventh-career CT Final. Manuel came into the season as a WSL wildcard and now sits at No. 2 in the world. 

“It was a tough end to my year coming so close,” said Manuel.”I’m very thankful to Jessi and everyone at WSL for giving me an opportunity to have a wildcard in this first half of the year. It really gave me motivation to prove to myself that I still wanted it and I’m here. I’m back.”

Wildcard Mamiya Takes Down CT Veterans at Men’s Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Presented by SHISEIDO
The men’s Final also featured a battle for the yellow jersey between wildcard Mamiya and CT veteran Igarashi that unfolded in historic fashion. Mamiya is the first men’s wildcard to win an event since 2008.
A slow start gave way to fireworks as Igarashi put pressure on the wildcard after a priority mistake by Mamiya, who recovered brilliantly with back-to-back scoring waves to accrue a 15.00 heat total and left his seasoned competitor in need of a near-perfect 9.50. But the local North Shore competitor wasn’t done yet and dropped the hammer on a major, two-turn combination to earn an 8.83 and leave Igarashi in need of two new waves with just two minutes remaining.

“I can’t believe it, I literally can’t believe it,” said Mamiya. “I thought Pipe was going to be the event I was going to do really well in. I’m so comfortable at Pipe and I wasn’t really super prepared for this event but in my mind I just had to adapt to whatever the conditions are and figure it out. It doesn’t even feel real. I want to thank all my friends and family, my mom and my dad sacrificed so much for me, and I want to thank Shaun Ward too. He’s been with me since day one, and he’s really helped me so much through a lot of tough times.”

“At the end of last year I was really bummed with my performance in 2021,” added Mamiya. “I didn’t make a heat on the QS and was coming off an injury. There were just a lot of things not going my way. I wasn’t even on Tour and got into Pipe through a wildcard and got another wildcard here so I’m just super stoked.”

Eventual runner-up Igarashi (above) battled his way to the Final after matching with even threat Jack Robinson (AUS), 2019 Vans World Cup winner here at Sunset, in phenomenal fashion. The 24-year-old then had to overpower Ethan Ewing (AUS), who looked to be unstoppable in his event run, but Igarashi was able to score a near-perfect 9.03 (out of a possible 10) and left the Australian talent in need of an excellent score heading into the final minutes.
The current World No. 2 will now look for his second-career CT win heading into the MEO Portugal Pro after falling short to Mamiya’s Cinderella story.

“I’m actually really happy,” said Igarashi. “Coming to Hawaii for so many years now, growing up in Huntington Beach, this has always been the place where I’ve really needed to work. I’ve always had a lot of struggles and just with my surfing, and over the years I’ve had to really work on it. Now just coming here and seeing so many familiar faces, I have so many friends here now and it just means a lot because somewhere where I felt so uncomfortable before I’m able to feel a little bit more comfortable and get some scores, and get some results.”

The 2022 Championship Tour Continues in Portugal
The holding period for the MEO Pro Portugal, the third stop of the 2022 Championship Tour, runs from March 3 to March 13, 2022.

The competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and WSL’s YouTube channel, as well as the free WSL app. For fans watching in Brazil, coverage of the MEO Pro Portugal Quarterfinals and beyond will continue exclusively on worldsurfleague.com and SporTV. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Women’s Final Results:
1 – Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 12.83
2 – Malia Manuel (HAW) 7.46
Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Men’s Final Results:
1 – Barron Mamiya (HAW) 17.00
2 – Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 12.33
Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Women’s Semifinals Results:
HEAT 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 12.66 DEF. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 10.23
HEAT 2: Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 15.17 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 8.23
Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Men’s Semifinals Results:
HEAT 1: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 10.37 DEF. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 9.80
HEAT 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 16.20 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 15.83
Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Men’s Quarterfinals Results:
HEAT 1: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 16.03 DEF. Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 13.23
HEAT 2: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 13.50 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 8.43
HEAT 3: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 15.70 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 10.87
HEAT 4: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 16.27 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 13.27

Womens Hurley Pro Sunset Beach

Womens Hurley Pro Sunset Beach

• Rookies Eliminate WSL Champions Gilmore, Moore and Wright
• World No. 1 Jones Wong Falls Early in Elimination Round
• Rookies Silva, Picklum, and Robinson Finish in Equal 5th 

The Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO hosted an action-packed day in six-to-ten foot surf for the women’s Opening Round 1, Elimination Round 2, Round of 16, and Quarterfinals. The second stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) saw 14 competitors eliminated from the draw to determine the final four surfers: Gabriela Bryan (HAW), Malia Manuel (HAW), Brisa Hennessy (CRI), and Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) . The conditions are lining up for a potential Finals Day tomorrow, and event organizers will make the call tomorrow morning at 7:50 a.m. HST for a possible 8:00 a.m. start.

Rookies Eliminate WSL Champions Gilmore, Moore and Wright
Following yesterday’s upsets during the men’s competition, the women’s Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO also saw major shake-ups throughout the day. Rookie Gabriela Bryan (HAW) started things off by eliminating seven-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS above) after a close heat in the Round of 16. Both surfers scored waves in the 6-point range, but Gilmore’s combined total was short of 0.72 and Bryan took the win.

“I basically just had a shocker out there,” said Gilmore. “I couldn’t really find my feet out there. It was a battle with Gabriela. I could always see her doing well out here and, unluckily for me, I got her in an early round. You got to just shake losses like this one off and now look forward to heading to Europe and that’s really all you can do is keep pushing on and try to make the cut.”

“A lot of the Rookies this year are from Hawaii and they’re just so strong on their feet,” continued Gilmore. “I was thinking about my early career and starting the year at my home break and how much of an advantage that was. So for these young girls having the comfort of your home break is really great for them.” 

Bryan moved on with confidence to the Quarterfinals where she faced rookie Luana Silva (HAW above). Both Bryan and Silva scored excellent waves, but Bryan was able to close the heat combined score ahead of Silva and took the win, advancing to the Semifinals where she will face Malia Manuel (HAW).

“I’m so happy right now,” said Bryan. “Luana is such a good friend of mine, she is probably one of my best friends on tour. It always sucks to come up against your friend. Now it will be a super good match between Malia and I. I’ve looked up to Malia my whole life coming from Hawaii, she is one of my inspirations. So it should be really fun going out there and having a heat with her.”

Five-time World Champion Moore had to say goodbye to Sunset Beach after getting eliminated in Heat 5 of the Round of 16 by CT rookie Molly Picklum (AUS). Picklum advanced to the Quarterfinals to face Brisa Hennessy (CRI), but couldn’t stop the CT veteran from advancing to the Semifinals. 

“It’s such an honor to be in the lineup with her,” said Picklum. “I think you have to give your all to beat someone like Carissa, so I’m super excited to come out on top. I think it’s great to be a rookie because we have nothing to lose. We deserve to be here, and to surf along with them. So it’s just exciting.”

Two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS above) started off the day with a solid performance, winning her first heat against India Robinson (AUS) and Gilmore. She went on to face local charger Manuel in the Round of 16. Wright’s combined score of 11.77 (out of a possible 20) could not overcome Manuel’s 14.33. 

“Sunset and Malia really suit,” said Wright. “I’m a really big fan of hers out here. I think she is one of the most underrated surfers on the tour. When she connects, she really does connect and get the biggest scores. Massive respect to Malia, she put on a good show.” 

World No. 1 Jones Wong Falls Early in Elimination Round, While Rookies Silva, Picklum and Robinson Finish in Equal 5th 
Event wildcard and current World No. 1 Moana Jones Wong (HAW above) was eliminated from the competition in equal 17th place. Despite blitzing through heats at the Billabong Pro Pipeline, Jones Wong struggled to get through her opening heat at the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach against Moore and Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW), and had to face Gilmore and Silva in her second heat of the day. In a close battle, the three surfers used their 30-minute heat to improve their scores, switching places at the scoreboard throughout the heat. With seconds left on the clock, Silva scored a clutch final wave and eliminated Jones Wong from competition.

“I’m just so happy to have an opportunity to get another wildcard just down the road from Pipe,” said Jones Wong. “I feel like I surfed well and I’m stoked. It’s totally a dream come true to be here, and I’d hope to make it into the CT, that’s always been a dream of mine. So, give me more wildcards, guys!”

Before getting eliminated by Bryan, Silva caused another major upset by eliminating 2021 World No. 2 Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA above) during Heat 3 of the Round of 16.
Last Quarterfinal of the day saw rookies India Robinson (AUS) and Sakura Johnson fight for their best result in the CT so far. Haleiwa local Sakura Johnson dominated the heat and locked in a spot at the Semifinals, where she will face Hennessy.

“My brain is exhausted, but I’m super stoked to make it to the next round,” said Sakura Johnson. “I think that starting (the season) from home is always a strong start. You know the waves, you know the water, know exactly what to do. It kind of just plays in your hand, so you just get to surf more.”

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Women’s Opening Round 1 Results:
HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 12.50 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 11.67, Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 9.27
HEAT 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 14.00 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 9.40, Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 9.20
HEAT 3: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 14.84 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.43, Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 11.34
HEAT 4: Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 13.04 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.00, Luana Silva (HAW) 7.84
HEAT 5: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 16.27 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 10.00, Isabella Nichols (AUS) 6.00
HEAT 6: Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.43 DEF. India Robinson (AUS) 9.50, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 5.84

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Women’s Elimination Round 2 Results:
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (HAW) 12.30 DEF. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 11.33, Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 10.74
HEAT 2: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 14.93 DEF. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 10.77, Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 2.17

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Women’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Johanne Defay (FRA) 15.73 DEF. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 7.83
HEAT 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 14.33 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 11.77
HEAT 3: Luana Silva (HAW) 12.50 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 10.34
HEAT 4: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 13.16 DEF. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 12.44
HEAT 5: Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.03 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.20
HEAT 6: Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 12.34 DEF. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 10.27
HEAT 7: India Robinson (AUS) 14.77 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.33
HEAT 8: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 12.10 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 10.23

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Women’s Quarterfinals Results:
HEAT 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 11.67 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 10.06
HEAT 2: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 15.27 DEF. Luana Silva (HAW) 14.33
HEAT 3: Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 14.77 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.16
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 9.16 DEF. India Robinson (AUS) 5.40
Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Women’s Semifinals Matchups:
HEAT 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW)
HEAT 2: Brisa Hennessy (CRI) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Men’s Quarterfinals Matchups:
HEAT 1: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
HEAT 2: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 3: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Jake Marshall (USA)
HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)

Sonic Souvenirs Vol 2

Sonic Souvenirs Vol 2

Vans Surf proudly presents Volume Two of Sonic Souvenirs, a series focused on the intersection of surf, art and culture told through the lens of one of the world’s most stylish surfers, Mikey February.

In the second instalment of this exploration, Sonic Souvenirs: Cotê di’Ivoire, Mikey is joined by Vans’ LeeAnn Curren and Alex Knost along West Africa’s Ivory Coast. The crew also garnered insights from local musician Steven Amoikon and local surfer Souleymane Sidibe on their travels, providing an authentic look into the origins of many regions’ cultures and spotlighting a variety of musical styles, instruments, dance, and deep-rooted traditions. Nestled in smaller, niche communities, each region has its own ideas and interpretation of surfing, independent of existing perceptions or definitions.

“West Africa as a whole is such a beautiful area, but what is particularly exciting about the Ivory Coast is that a lot of it is undocumented and we were super excited to explore what this part of Africa has on offer,” Mikey said. “There is almost no modern influence on their surfing, so it is unlike most other places in the world that I’ve traveled to surf. From the outside looking in, you know it is only the beginning. The positive effect and endless opportunities that surfing can provide to the youth in these communities is really exciting.”

Immersed in the culture and energy of these communities, Mikey and crew draw inspiration and insight from each location and the people they meet along the way. The result is a beautiful reflection of art, surfing and music, and the interconnectedness of these shared passions that bring people together from different parts of the world.

Launched in 2021, Sonic Souvenirs is a series of visual essays on the influences of music and sound on style-master Mikey February’s surfing. Taking inspiration from music and finding different rhythms within surfing sets the tone for this ongoing series, which documents Mikey’s travels and immersion into local communities around the globe.

The Met office has issued a rare ‘Red Warning’ to take appropriate action due to effects of Storm Eunice.

The Met office has issued a rare ‘Red Warning’ to take appropriate action due to effects of Storm Eunice.

The Met office has issued a rare ‘Red Warning’ to take appropriate action due to effects of Storm Eunice.

90 mph gusts are expected up the north coast of Cornwall and Devons into south Wales from 7 am until 12 am.

Waves are expected + 20 feet maybe reaching 30 feet for a small period.

Spring high tides of 7m metres at 6am Cornwall, 7am Croyde. 9.2 metres at 7am Porthcawl.

Storm surges are expected.

Flying debris and damage to buildings possible power cuts.

Stay safe. Not a morning to be on the beach or anywhere near the sea!

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach

  • Upsets Rattle Men’s Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Presented by SHISEIDO
  • Nail Biting Round of 16 Decides Men’s Quarterfinalists
  • More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com

Upsets Rattle Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Presented by SHISEIDO
The Round of 32 was not kind to top seeds with multiple upsets affecting World Title contenders in the heavy lineup of Hawaii’s North Shore. Last year’s World No. 4 Conner Coffin (USA) was the first to drop in a tense matchup against injury replacement surfer Caio Ibelli (BRA) in the day’s opening heat. Ibelli’s form was undeniable throughout the day, and continued through the Round of 16, where Ibelli took on Kolohe Andino (USA) and continued with his brilliant run in Hawaii by securing back-to-back Quarterfinal appearances.

“It’s been a good Hawaiian season for me,” said Ibelli. “I’m so grateful. Life does this crazy turnarounds and I’m witnessing this in my life. There’s been so many turnarounds and here I am again. Three days before the event I was worried something was going to happen at this spot and now I’m in the Quarterfinals and it feels good. I spend so much time here in Hawaii and so many hours in this lineup trying to get better, and sometimes experience in those spots pays off.” 

Event wildcard and Pipeline standout Barron Mamiya (HAW, above) eliminated WSL Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA), with a flawless approach on the big rights of Sunset.

“Italo is a super tough competitor, I’ve been watching him for the past couple of years,” Mamiya said. “The both of us got pounded in the first half of that heat, then I got back out, took a deep breath and thought ‘now it’s our priority so let’s just pick some good waves and surf them well’.”

Mamiya tried to continue the momentum into the Round of 16, but was almost stopped by Deivid Silva (BRA). Mamiya needed a 6.90 in the dying minutes and unleashed his searing forehand to earn a 7.03 to turn the heat with Silva’s efforts falling short of the 6.41 he needed as time expired.

For a long time it looked like Filipe Toledo (BRA, below) was going to be the next victim of event wildcard Billy Kemper (HAW, above), but with only just over 10 minutes on the clock, the Brazilian turned the heat up with two excellent scores to overcome the Big Wave World Champion and get a chance at the Round of 16 against Ethan Ewing (AUS). Toledo started strong and tried to steal the tempo right away with a 5.33. But, Ewing answered back with a 7.50 of his own and took the lead before unloading on an excellent 8.57 to put distance between the two. Toledo struck right back with a 7.33 before dropping the hammer and a near-perfect 9.17 on an intense, two-turn combination. However, the Australian wasn’t finished and locked into a Sunset gem to unload on three different, powerful maneuvers to accrue an immaculate 9.67 and take the heat.

“Filipe is one of my favourite surfers and he’s always exciting to watch,” said Ewing. “Stoked to have a heat with him and he’s beaten me a lot more so it felt good to get one back on him. I’m looking forward to the Quarters now.”

Another major upset came in Heat 12 when rookie Jake Marshall (USA) eliminated two-time WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW, above). Marshall’s big rights antics are a secret to no one and in a relatively slow heat, Florence did not find enough opportunities to express his full repertoire, bowing out in a disappointing equal 17th place on home turf. Marshall also took on an in-form Connor O’Leary (AUS) at the Round of 16 and earned a spot at the Quaterfinals, where he will face Ewing.

“I’m really stoked to make a few heats and it was a pretty fun day,” said Marshall (above). “When you’re out at the Sunset lineup, the playing field is so big and I was making a few mistakes on my end more doing my own thing. Just at the end of the heat I saw him paddling in and he looked pretty rattled and I thought he might have gotten hurt. I came in and his board was super jacked up and just hoped he’s okay. Connor’s a really good dude and good friend of mine so hopefully he can recover before the next event.”

While Florence was in trouble, another star was scrapping for leftovers in the Sunset lineup. Current World No. 1 Kelly Slater (USA) was feeling the pressure from Matthew McGillivray (ZAF), who scored a 9-point ride (out of a possible 10) early on. Starting deep on an inside wave, after negotiating the drop and a long drawn bottom turn, Slater realised Florence in the dying moments of the priority heat dropped on the same wave and the Floridian kicked out. But judges had no choice but to award Slater an interference as he surfed past Florence on the same wave, putting an end to the 11-time World Champion’s chances to come back in his own battle.

“By the time I had committed to my bottom turn, I thought, ‘Oh no, I’m under John’s line,’” said Slater. “I was just trying to work out in my head all the scenarios and I’m like I don’t think we can cross but I’m going to cross over and the white water’s going to cover my line way before he gets up. I was thinking if I jump off in the white water then my board could be there where he can hit it when he paddles or I’m going to get totally cleaned up and washed in. So I just made the wrong choice really. Matt already had his nine at that point so with that I’m straight out of the heat. It was over before it started.”

“There’s highs and lows on this Tour,” continued Slater. “I had the highest high last week and I barely escaped the elimination round yesterday. I really haven’t put in any performance out here. I honestly don’t love Sunset. I don’t respect the wave and it doesn’t respect me back.”

McGillivray was defeated by Jack Robinson (AUS) at the Round of 16, with the Australian continuing to improve his scoreline with each ride, finishing with a combined score of 15.84 (out of a possible 20).

Nail Biting Round of 16 Decides Men’s Quarterfinalists
Former Sunset Beach winners Jordy Smith (ZAF, above) and Ezekiel Lau (HAW) clashed in their Round of 16 heat with Lau getting started early under Heat 1’s priority to put pressure on Smith. Lau’s powerful forehand laid into each section to garner a 7.90 and never lost a grip on his lead heading into the final minutes and, to Smith’s dismay and Lau’s satisfaction, the ocean went quiet until after the horn sounded.

“It’s nerve racking,” said Lau. “I mean, it feels good to get one of those waves under priority and so I knew I was out in the lead and knew all I needed was one more. Next thing you know there’s five minutes left and I have a two for a back up so I was just kind of squeezed in there a bit. Jordy didn’t really get anything going toward the end either so I figured it was just hard to pick waves and I just had to trust it.”

A stout heat between Seth Moniz (HAW) and CT veteran Nat Young (USA) unraveled with low scores plaguing the heat toward the halfway mark. Moniz struck once more with five minutes remaining to raise Young’s requirement slightly as the ocean showed signs of life but his last effort wasn’t enough and Moniz earned his way toward another Quarterfinal result.

“It’s pretty crazy that last year I had the worst start ever and had such a struggle,” said Moniz. “Things just seem to be going my way. That was a rough heat and just didn’t really surf the heat  I wanted to, and at the end I was pretty much just managing the last ten minutes of it. But, I made it and I’m really excited to surf again and just try to put on a good performance. I haven’t really had my heat where I come in super excited for it yet but I’m stoked to be in the Quarters.”

Kanoa Igarashi (JPN, above) kept his form intact from a massive opening day showing and carried it into the Round of 16 over Jadson Andre (BRA). Igarashi built his heat brilliantly with a 12.56 before locking into one of the day’s best waves, laying down powerful rail carves and finishing off with a quick barrel section to earn a near-perfect 9.77 (out of a possible 10). The score notched the day’s best single-wave score and solidified his spot into the Quarterfinals once more in 2022 with incredible momentum.

“It’s solid right now,” said Igarashi. “Everyone only sees the waves we’re catching but I don’t think they realize how many waves were catching on the head. It’s fun, it’s exciting, and it was just one of those heats where there was a lot of water moving. I just tried to engage as much rail as possible and when I came out of the second turn I looked up and remember Snake (Jake Patterson) telling me that back in the day if you don’t feel like you’re going to make the section just pull in. And that’s exactly what I felt.” 

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Men’s Round of 32 Results:
HEAT 1: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 15.00 DEF. Conner Coffin (USA) 14.26
HEAT 2: Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.66 DEF. Lucca Mesinas (PER) 8.57
HEAT 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.23 DEF. Jackson Baker (AUS) 14.10
HEAT 4: Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 12.50 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
10.50
HEAT 5: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 14.40 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 10.60
HEAT 6: Deivid Silva (BRA) 14.44 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 9.60
HEAT 7: Nat Young (USA) 16.13 DEF. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 13.67
HEAT 8: Seth Moniz (HAW) 13.60 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA)11.53
HEAT 9: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.47 DEF. Billy Kemper (HAW) 14.50
HEAT 10: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 15.50 DEF. Samuel Pupo (BRA) 14.76
HEAT 11: Connor O’Leary (AUS) 15.93 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 15.70
HEAT 12: Jake Marshall (USA) 13.93 DEF. John John Florence (HAW) 13.27
HEAT 13: Matthew McGillivray (ZAF) 15.67 DEF. Kelly Slater (USA) 2.50
HEAT 14: Jack Robinson (AUS) 17.67 DEF. Callum Robson (AUS) 14.23
HEAT 15: Jadson Andre (BRA) 11.33 DEF. Frederico Morais (PRT) 10.27
HEAT 16: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 11.04 DEF. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 8.63

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 13.10 DEF. Kolohe Andino (USA) 10.57
HEAT 2: Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 10.23 DEF. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 9.50
HEAT 3: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 14.00 DEF. Deivid Silva (BRA) 12.77
HEAT 4: Seth Moniz (HAW) 8.67 DEF. Nat Young (USA) 7.63
HEAT 5: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 18.24 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.50
HEAT 6: Jake Marshall (USA) 9.66 DEF. Connor O’Leary (AUS) 6.50
HEAT 7: Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.84 DEF. Matthew McGillivray (ZAF) 10.37
HEAT 8: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 16.10 DEF. Jadson Andre (BRA) 13.54
Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Men’s Quarterfinals Matchups:
HEAT 1: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
HEAT 2: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 3: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Jake Marshall (USA)
HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach presented by SHISEIDO Women’s Opening Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 1: Johanne Defay (FRA), Gabriela Bryan (HAW), Molly Picklum (AUS)
Heat 2: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Malia Manuel (HAW), Bronte Macaulay (AUS)
Heat 3: Carissa Moore (HAW), Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW), Moana Jones Wong (HAW)
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Brisa Hennessy (CRI), Luana Silva (HAW)
Heat 5: Lakey Peterson (USA), Isabella Nichols (AUS), Courtney Conlogue (USA)
Heat 6: Tyler Wright (AUS), Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), India Robinson (AUS)