Today, Cole Houshmand emerged victorious at the World Surf League (WSL) Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City Cabarete, a men's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, in pristine, three-to-five foot swell pulsing into Encuentro Beach. The San Clemente, California, competitor, Houshmand, overpowered his way into the Final against defending event winner, competing at his home break, Manuel Selman (CHL) where he went on to post near-perfection and claim a long-awaited QS victory.
A highly-anticipated, battle of top-tier competitors unfolded in the final between reigning event victor, Manuel Selman, and Cole Houshmand after both powered their way to the Final. One of North America's rising stars, Houshmand, found a gem to unleash his powerful forehand attack on two critical sections to garner a near-perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10) and force Selman into needing a Perfect 10 at the halfway mark. But, Houshmand wasn't done yet and, under priority, found another canvas to showcase his aerial potential, posting a 7.10 and leaving Dominican Republic's representative in a 16.60 (out of a possible 20) combination situation. Houshmand remained in control of the Final until the final horn, taking down his maiden QS victory in dominant form.
"I haven't really processed it yet, it's been a long time coming," said Houshmand. "I haven't won a contest in six years so this means a lot to me and this place will always hold a special place in my heart now. I've worked super hard for this and it just felt like this was the one, stoked how it played out. It was an amazing Final, I have the best support crew from my family to all the San Clemente boys, and I'm sure I'll be processing this the next few days."
Houshmand's first meaningful wave of the Final yielded a near-perfect 9.50 with world-class power. - WSL / Obdulio Luna
Houshmand started his Finals Day surge with a powerful showing against event threat, fellow goofyfoot, Tommy Coleman, before an all-San Clemente, California, showdown unfolded in Semifinal, Heat 2 featuring Taj Lindblad and Houshmand. This marks Houshmand third Final appearance as the 22-year-old earned his first-ever QS win, and an all-important 3,000 points to skyrocket into the Top 7 heading into the final event of the season.
Last year's victor Manuel Selman fell just short of keeping the title in Dominican Republic after a dream run through the event in front of local supporters.
Manuel Selman kicked off his back-to-back, Finals Day campaign with one of the event's premier clashes, facing an in-form Levi Slawson (USA) in Quarterfinal, Heat 1. The dying minutes provided one last opportunity for Selman to capitalize on, getting a quick, deep barrel before unleashing his forehand attack to post an 8.33 and take control of the heat before moving onto a 2022 Semifinal rematch with Nolan Rapoza. Selman's forehand was relentless, picking off multiple rides to stay ahead of Rapoza before securing another, excellent 8.67 to solidify his Final's appearance.
"After I made it through the Semifinals I felt like I already did my job," said Selman. "I'm incredibly proud of myself, back-to-back Finals is something I've never done in an event before. It's my second-ever Final in a QS so I'm super stoked and I'll take it, Cole was ripping the whole contest and I knew he was going to be the toughest guy to beat. I'm happy to have performed in front of the home crowd, my family and friends, and I'm looking forward to getting back to the North America region next season."
Nolan Rapoza (USA) matched his Semifinal result from 2022 and moved into striking distance of the Top 7. - WSL / Obdulio Luna
Rapoza's Semifinal appearance, following a runner-up in Morro Bay, helped push the Long Beach, California, competitor to number No. 16 on the North America rankings after overpowering emerging threat Wheeler Hasburgh (CAN) in their Quarterfinal bout.
Taj Lindblad's (USA) incredible finish to the season thus far has yielded four-consecutive Finals Day appearances. - WSL / Obdulio Luna
Also, Lindblad's incredible run to the Semifinals witnessed his fourth-consecutive Finals Day appearance starting at Pismo Beach and finds himself at No. 3 on the leaderboard. Now, Rapoza and Lindblad prepare for the final event of the year to capitalize on major points and try to secure a Challenger Series qualification spot.
The final event of the North America Qualifying Series 2022/23' season and 2023 Pro Junior season await to decide the region's Challenger Series and World Junior Championships representatives at the Barbados Surf Pro QS 5,000 and Live Like Zander Junior Pro presented by Diamonds International In Loving Memory of Zander Venezia beginning March 27 - April 2.
Stacked Moving Day Bouts Determine Finals Day Draw
Finals Day awaits the World Surf League (WSL) Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City Cabarete, a men's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, after top-tier clashes unraveled in pumping, four-to-six foot swell providing a platform for more high-performance showdowns. Men's Round of 32 and 16 were finished in their entirety to set up all-important, Quarterfinal draws as competitors look to make their move on the rankings.
Video Credit: Matt Myers. One of 2022's standouts Levi Slawson returned to form with dominant, moving day performances to earn his way back into Finals Day.
One of last year's Quarterfinalists, Levi Slawson, found his form when he needed it most in stacked Round of 32 and 16 affairs. The Encinitas, California, competitor delivered a jaw-dropping, full rotation into the flats for the day's best single-wave score of an excellent 8.33 (out of a possible 10) and backing it up to accrue a 14.66 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Slawson's mentality has kept him loose and found his next gear heading into Finals Day with Nolan Rapoza right behind him.
"It's nice, I finally gained some ground after my first heat of this event was super weird," said Slawson. "I almost lost first round, but then I had a couple of good scores today so I'm pretty stoked to find my feet again. This event is more points this year so there's more on the line, but overall I just feel like I'm on a surf trip with all my friends."
One of North America's perennial threats unleashed his forehand assault, but has his goals set higher than just a Finals Day appearance.
Fellow Southern Californian, Cole Houshmand, overpowered his way into two heat wins as he looks to clinch a big result heading into the final event of the season. Houshmand's forehand attack garnered an impressive 14.23 heat total in the Round of 32 before posting an explosive, 7.33 with multiple forehand attacks alongside an in-form Malakai Martinez. But, the San Clemente competitor has his eyes set on bigger goals to kick off the final leg of his 2022/23' season.
"I've got a lot of confidence coming into the final two events and Cocoa Beach was kind of a warm up for me to get ready for this one," said Houshmand. "It feels good to get some heats under my belt and I'm banking on these two events. A win here would help me a lot and I'm looking for nothing less right now, and I feel good."
Wheeler Hasburgh (CAN) found his breakthrough with a massive Round of 16 victory and is into his first major Quarterfinal. - WSL / Obdulio Luna
Houshmand's fellow San Clemente competitor Taj Lindblad also earned his way back into Finals Day with Florida's Tommy Coleman, but it was Wheeler Hasburgh who stole the show in the Round of 16, Heat 3. The emerging event threat's backhand went to work to overtake defending event winner Manuel Selman, also advancing back into Finals Day, and earned his first major Finals Day appearance in young career.
"This is just such a cool experience because I was actually not feeling well last night and just had the mindset to go out and surf today," said Hasburgh. "I realized that's when I do my best and this is what it's all about, just having fun, surfing, and I'm super excited. I just looked at that heat as an opportunity and compete with such good surfers, learn, and show what I can do."
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. AST to determine a likely 8:00 a.m. AST start to Finals Day.
The Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City QS 3,000 will run March 15 - 19 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Near-Perfect Stunning Performances Conclude Round of 64
A wild day of conditions provided incredible performances at the World Surf League (WSL) Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City Cabarete, a men's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, to conclude the Round of 64. Four-to-six foot, windblown swell was met by a display of power surfing from the remaining top seeds with near-perfection and multiple, excellent heat totals. Now, the stage is set for weekend action to dwindle the field and see who rises to the occasion for critical points.
Ventura, California's, Dimitri Poulos currently leads the North America rankings and delivered a 16.50 heat total to start his Caribbean campaign.
Current North America No. 1 Dimitri Poulos delivered a stunning debut, posting an excellent, 16.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total with a decimating backhand attack. The Ventura, California, competitor earned a Quarterfinal result here at this event last year and will look for more of the same now that the event has been upgraded to a QS 3,000. But, the 20-year-old is looking to keep the noise out and his head down.
"I was pretty nervous going into it, just the standard first heat jitters and the waves are pretty difficult right now," said Poulos. "Big, wind chop, kind of a little definition to it coming off the reef, but you can still get super worked. I'm trying to ignore [being first on the rankings], and at the end of the day I'm just trying to improve my contest surfing."
Ventura, California's, Dimitri Poulos currently leads the North America rankings and delivered a 16.50 heat total to start his Caribbean campaign.
Defending event victor Manuel Selman represented for the local crowd once again with a defining, Round of 64 performance. A tough start for Selman turned excellent with a ferocious, forehand attack to earn an 8.17 (out of a possible 10) before finding a backup just moments later, unleashing a 16.00 heat total. Unfortunately, for the community of Cabarete, local competitor Gian Marco Oliva fell short of an advancing position as Selman remains the sole Dominican Republic representative.
"The storm is up, kind of repeating itself like last year on Finals Day, but there's still a lot of potential out there," said Selman. "I started out the with a fall and it was still early in the heat, but my strategy was to just keeping getting waves. The opportunities presented themselves and I think I capitalized so that strategy played in my favor."
The San Clemente, California, threat Kade Matson returned to the Caribbean in near-flawless fashion with a 9.33 in debut.
San Clemente, California's, Kade Matson wasted no time finding his form and delivered an event-best, single-wave score of a 9.33 on a decimating, backhand turn. Matson arrived in the Dominican Republic ranked No. 47 after dealing with injuries nearly all of 2022 and has returned to competition more determined than ever as he looks to improve upon his Quarterfinal result at this event last season.
"That was fun, but the waves were tricky and I just had that one section to give everything I had," said Matson. "I was stoked to ride out and regroup. This is a QS 3,000 now and this wave suits my surfing so hopefully I can go far at this event. I missed Florida and saved myself for these last two, and I'm psyched for these last two events to try and get a result between here and Barbados to get into that Top 7."
Malakai Martinez continued the Costa Rican flourish with a massive upset over some of the top-seeded competitors. - WSL / Wolf Photographe
Central American competitors enjoyed a brilliant showing led by Mexico's Alan Cleland and Costa Rica trio Malakai Martinez, Darshan Antequera, and Tomas King. Following Antequera's performance, Martinez took on 2022 event runner-up Evan Geiselman and event wildcard, Cabarete's own, Oliva after Antequera overcame North America threats Josh Burke and Owen Moss. Martinez's clutch surfing produced a solid 6.70 when he needed it most, pushing him to a heat win and Round of 32 berth.
Also heading into the Round of 32 with big heat wins, 2022 event Semifinalist Michael Dunphy, Taro Watanabe, and Cole Houshmand look for a big result to catapult them up the rankings.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. AST to determine a likely 8:00 a.m. AST start.
The Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City QS 3,000 will run March 15 - 19 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Top Seeds Strike, Event Standouts Shine Before Impending Weather
Some of North America's best made their World Surf League (WSL) Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City Cabarete, a men's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, debuts as a looming storm set the backdrop in three-to-five foot swell on offer. Men's Round of 64, Heats 1 - 6, were completed before impending weather forced event organizers to call the event OFF for the day. But, the damage was done with impressive performances and a few early upsets to set the tone for the Round of 64.
The Basque Country competitor Keoni Lasa is away from his WSL Europe region and has begun dismantling proceedings with a 15.40 performance.
Before the strong winds and rain overtook Encuentro Beach, a jaw-dropping performance from Basque Country's Keoni Lasa led the Round of 64. Lasa's powerful forehand attack and variety led to an excellent, 8.33 (out of a possible 10) and 15.40 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Though the WSL Europe competitor cannot gain points at this event, being out of his region, his Round of 64 showcase helped dismantle the proceedings by eliminating one of the top-seeded competitors Kei Kobayashi (USA).
"I saw a couple waves before my heat that opened up better on the outside and I was hoping to get a couple like that," said Lasa. "Then I got my first one which was pretty big, and I got a big score on that before backing it up with a seven-point ride. I don't focus too much on the names [in my heat] and just want to show my surfing so now I hope to go like that in the next rounds."
Luke Gordon made his 2023 Caribbean leg start count with an impressive, backhand attack showcase and earn a 13.57 heat total.
No stranger to the Caribbean, Luke Gordon put together a well-orchestrated, Round of 64 debut alongside fellow South Carolina competitor Cam Richards, also advancing. Gordon found his gem to unleash multiple, backhand turns and earn a near-excellent 7.67 as emerging surfer Luke Wyler nearly had the heat before Gordon and Richards took control.
"It worked out just the way we wrote it up (laughs)," said Gordon. "It feels really good to make a heat with Cam [Richards] and I haven't made a heat in a long time so it feels good to finally win one. It's anyone's game really with the points that are left between here and Barbados, and you can make the Challenger Series so it's go time."
An in-form Tao Rodriguez (PAN) stays in the hunt with another debut heat win. - WSL / Obdulio Luna
Panama's Tao Rodriguez continues to find success in the jersey, fresh off a Quarterfinal appearance in Cocoa Beach, and brought that form to Dominican Republic. Rodriguez's forehand led him to a 7.57 as he looks to continue his run through competitions among North America's best.
"I try to have a good and have a good heat in some good waves," said Rodriguez. "I felt good in that heat, a little nervous just being the first heat, and felt confident. It feels like there's some more expectations now after some results so I'm just dialing everything down and keeping the noise out. This wave can be tricky on days like today, trying to see what waves are good but I'm going to give it my best."
Wheeler Hasburgh - WSL / Wolf Photographe
Also notching Round of 64 victories, Dwight Pastrana joins top-seeded competitors Wheeler Hasburgh, and Ryland Rubens as the remaining top seeds await their start.
"I'm just having so much fun here and to get a good heat is even better," said Hasburgh. "Hopefully I can make a couple more between here and Barbados, it's so exciting to have these places to finish off the year. Maybe even get into the Top 7, I know I'm kind of far but I'm just going to keep having fun and try my best."
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. AST to determine a likely 7:30 a.m. AST start.
The Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City QS 3,000 will run March 15 - 19 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Encuentro Beach Delivers For Opening Day, High-Performance Showcase
The World Surf League (WSL) Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City Cabarete, a men's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, fired into opening day action with pristine, four-to-seven foot swell pulsing into "The Left" of Encuentro Beach, Dominican Republic. Men's Round of 104 and 96 ran in their entirety to set up the top-seeded, Round of 64 draw with a showcase of high-performance surfing on full display.
Former Championship Tour (CT) wildcard and prominent North America threat, David do Carmo (BRA), debuted in decimating form with a day's best 14.26 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Do Carmo's forehand power on the rail was insurmountable against his competitors, leaving them needing a near-perfect score to catch him, as he looks to breakthrough to an all-important Finals Day here at Encuentro Beach.
"I can't believe I started with a good heat, my first heat here, and I just want surf," said do Carmo. "I wasn't really worried about the scores I was going to get and just wanted to surf my best. Now, we have two big events left so I just want to do good and try to qualify [for the Challenger Series]. I know I'm far back and it's a really hard region, but that's all I have my focus on."
Virginia Beach, Virginia's own Blayr Barton powered through his debut heats in dominant form at pulsing Encuentro Beach.
A promising start for Blayr Barton garnered two, vital heat wins with a 13.47, including a 7.67 (out of a possible 10), in his Round of 104 debut, before overpowering his Round of 96 affair. Barton's recent success in Cocoa Beach, Florida, pushed to No. 15 on the North America rankings heading into the final two events and showed he's up for the task at hand on his vicious forehand attack.
"I feel great and it feels good to surf some waves with some power," said Barton. "Since I'm a goofy foot, this left is all I can ask for. The nerves are there but I just try to be as focused as possible. It's my first real year on the QS and what I'm doing right now, I'm happy with it and I'll just keep trying to do my best."
The El Salvador competitor Bryan Perez made his presence known in Dominican Republic to start his Caribbean campaign.
Bryan Perez returned to the jersey in solid form, earning a Round of 96, debut heat win in the beautiful conditions on offer to start opening day. Perez put his backhand on display after the world was introduced to his forehand potential among the world's best in his home country of El Salvador, and didn't disappoint. Though Perez comes into the event with no points of substance, with 8,000 points left on offer, the Central American has his goals set.
"The waves are firing right now, it's a dream to surf a heat like this," said Perez. "Especially backside for me is a little different, because I grew up in El Salvador with right points, but I like to go left too. I'm just focused on these two events, these are the best waves in this region and I'm looking forward to this one."
Ryan Huckabee's (USA) backhand attack kept his momentum from the East Coast to the Caribbean in good form. - WSL / Obdulio Luna
Also thriving on opening day, Ryan Huckabee blasted his backhand attack for a 12.83 heat total to take a big, Round of 96 win alongside the likes of Keoni Lasa, Titus Santucci, Kai Kushner, Luke Guinaldo, Dwight Pastrana, Raiki Nishida, Keanu Igarashi, David Okeefe, Giancarlo Mendez, Anthony Fillingim, Kyle Tester, and
"I'm happy I found a rhythm out there toward the end and this wave can be a bit tricky even though it's pretty perfect," said Huckabee. "You have to be on the right waves here and I started figuring that out in that heat. I'm stoked to put some events together, but I haven't done well in any of the QS 3,000s yet so hopefully I can do it here."
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. AST to determine a likely 7:30 a.m. AST start.
Cole Houshmand Claims Big Win at Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City Cabarete
Andrew Nichols
Today, Cole Houshmand emerged victorious at the World Surf League (WSL) Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City Cabarete, a men's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, in pristine, three-to-five foot swell pulsing into Encuentro Beach. The San Clemente, California, competitor, Houshmand, overpowered his way into the Final against defending event winner, competing at his home break, Manuel Selman (CHL) where he went on to post near-perfection and claim a long-awaited QS victory.
A highly-anticipated, battle of top-tier competitors unfolded in the final between reigning event victor, Manuel Selman, and Cole Houshmand after both powered their way to the Final. One of North America's rising stars, Houshmand, found a gem to unleash his powerful forehand attack on two critical sections to garner a near-perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10) and force Selman into needing a Perfect 10 at the halfway mark. But, Houshmand wasn't done yet and, under priority, found another canvas to showcase his aerial potential, posting a 7.10 and leaving Dominican Republic's representative in a 16.60 (out of a possible 20) combination situation. Houshmand remained in control of the Final until the final horn, taking down his maiden QS victory in dominant form.
"I haven't really processed it yet, it's been a long time coming," said Houshmand. "I haven't won a contest in six years so this means a lot to me and this place will always hold a special place in my heart now. I've worked super hard for this and it just felt like this was the one, stoked how it played out. It was an amazing Final, I have the best support crew from my family to all the San Clemente boys, and I'm sure I'll be processing this the next few days."
Houshmand started his Finals Day surge with a powerful showing against event threat, fellow goofyfoot, Tommy Coleman, before an all-San Clemente, California, showdown unfolded in Semifinal, Heat 2 featuring Taj Lindblad and Houshmand. This marks Houshmand third Final appearance as the 22-year-old earned his first-ever QS win, and an all-important 3,000 points to skyrocket into the Top 7 heading into the final event of the season.
Manuel Selman kicked off his back-to-back, Finals Day campaign with one of the event's premier clashes, facing an in-form Levi Slawson (USA) in Quarterfinal, Heat 1. The dying minutes provided one last opportunity for Selman to capitalize on, getting a quick, deep barrel before unleashing his forehand attack to post an 8.33 and take control of the heat before moving onto a 2022 Semifinal rematch with Nolan Rapoza. Selman's forehand was relentless, picking off multiple rides to stay ahead of Rapoza before securing another, excellent 8.67 to solidify his Final's appearance.
"After I made it through the Semifinals I felt like I already did my job," said Selman. "I'm incredibly proud of myself, back-to-back Finals is something I've never done in an event before. It's my second-ever Final in a QS so I'm super stoked and I'll take it, Cole was ripping the whole contest and I knew he was going to be the toughest guy to beat. I'm happy to have performed in front of the home crowd, my family and friends, and I'm looking forward to getting back to the North America region next season."
Rapoza's Semifinal appearance, following a runner-up in Morro Bay, helped push the Long Beach, California, competitor to number No. 16 on the North America rankings after overpowering emerging threat Wheeler Hasburgh (CAN) in their Quarterfinal bout.
Also, Lindblad's incredible run to the Semifinals witnessed his fourth-consecutive Finals Day appearance starting at Pismo Beach and finds himself at No. 3 on the leaderboard. Now, Rapoza and Lindblad prepare for the final event of the year to capitalize on major points and try to secure a Challenger Series qualification spot.
The final event of the North America Qualifying Series 2022/23' season and 2023 Pro Junior season await to decide the region's Challenger Series and World Junior Championships representatives at the Barbados Surf Pro QS 5,000 and Live Like Zander Junior Pro presented by Diamonds International In Loving Memory of Zander Venezia beginning March 27 - April 2.
Stacked Moving Day Bouts Determine Finals Day Draw
Finals Day awaits the World Surf League (WSL) Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City Cabarete, a men's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, after top-tier clashes unraveled in pumping, four-to-six foot swell providing a platform for more high-performance showdowns. Men's Round of 32 and 16 were finished in their entirety to set up all-important, Quarterfinal draws as competitors look to make their move on the rankings.
One of last year's Quarterfinalists, Levi Slawson, found his form when he needed it most in stacked Round of 32 and 16 affairs. The Encinitas, California, competitor delivered a jaw-dropping, full rotation into the flats for the day's best single-wave score of an excellent 8.33 (out of a possible 10) and backing it up to accrue a 14.66 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Slawson's mentality has kept him loose and found his next gear heading into Finals Day with Nolan Rapoza right behind him.
"It's nice, I finally gained some ground after my first heat of this event was super weird," said Slawson. "I almost lost first round, but then I had a couple of good scores today so I'm pretty stoked to find my feet again. This event is more points this year so there's more on the line, but overall I just feel like I'm on a surf trip with all my friends."
Fellow Southern Californian, Cole Houshmand, overpowered his way into two heat wins as he looks to clinch a big result heading into the final event of the season. Houshmand's forehand attack garnered an impressive 14.23 heat total in the Round of 32 before posting an explosive, 7.33 with multiple forehand attacks alongside an in-form Malakai Martinez. But, the San Clemente competitor has his eyes set on bigger goals to kick off the final leg of his 2022/23' season.
"I've got a lot of confidence coming into the final two events and Cocoa Beach was kind of a warm up for me to get ready for this one," said Houshmand. "It feels good to get some heats under my belt and I'm banking on these two events. A win here would help me a lot and I'm looking for nothing less right now, and I feel good."
Houshmand's fellow San Clemente competitor Taj Lindblad also earned his way back into Finals Day with Florida's Tommy Coleman, but it was Wheeler Hasburgh who stole the show in the Round of 16, Heat 3. The emerging event threat's backhand went to work to overtake defending event winner Manuel Selman, also advancing back into Finals Day, and earned his first major Finals Day appearance in young career.
"This is just such a cool experience because I was actually not feeling well last night and just had the mindset to go out and surf today," said Hasburgh. "I realized that's when I do my best and this is what it's all about, just having fun, surfing, and I'm super excited. I just looked at that heat as an opportunity and compete with such good surfers, learn, and show what I can do."
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. AST to determine a likely 8:00 a.m. AST start to Finals Day.
The Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City QS 3,000 will run March 15 - 19 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Near-Perfect Stunning Performances Conclude Round of 64
A wild day of conditions provided incredible performances at the World Surf League (WSL) Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City Cabarete, a men's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, to conclude the Round of 64. Four-to-six foot, windblown swell was met by a display of power surfing from the remaining top seeds with near-perfection and multiple, excellent heat totals. Now, the stage is set for weekend action to dwindle the field and see who rises to the occasion for critical points.
Current North America No. 1 Dimitri Poulos delivered a stunning debut, posting an excellent, 16.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total with a decimating backhand attack. The Ventura, California, competitor earned a Quarterfinal result here at this event last year and will look for more of the same now that the event has been upgraded to a QS 3,000. But, the 20-year-old is looking to keep the noise out and his head down.
"I was pretty nervous going into it, just the standard first heat jitters and the waves are pretty difficult right now," said Poulos. "Big, wind chop, kind of a little definition to it coming off the reef, but you can still get super worked. I'm trying to ignore [being first on the rankings], and at the end of the day I'm just trying to improve my contest surfing."
Defending event victor Manuel Selman represented for the local crowd once again with a defining, Round of 64 performance. A tough start for Selman turned excellent with a ferocious, forehand attack to earn an 8.17 (out of a possible 10) before finding a backup just moments later, unleashing a 16.00 heat total. Unfortunately, for the community of Cabarete, local competitor Gian Marco Oliva fell short of an advancing position as Selman remains the sole Dominican Republic representative.
"The storm is up, kind of repeating itself like last year on Finals Day, but there's still a lot of potential out there," said Selman. "I started out the with a fall and it was still early in the heat, but my strategy was to just keeping getting waves. The opportunities presented themselves and I think I capitalized so that strategy played in my favor."
San Clemente, California's, Kade Matson wasted no time finding his form and delivered an event-best, single-wave score of a 9.33 on a decimating, backhand turn. Matson arrived in the Dominican Republic ranked No. 47 after dealing with injuries nearly all of 2022 and has returned to competition more determined than ever as he looks to improve upon his Quarterfinal result at this event last season.
"That was fun, but the waves were tricky and I just had that one section to give everything I had," said Matson. "I was stoked to ride out and regroup. This is a QS 3,000 now and this wave suits my surfing so hopefully I can go far at this event. I missed Florida and saved myself for these last two, and I'm psyched for these last two events to try and get a result between here and Barbados to get into that Top 7."
Central American competitors enjoyed a brilliant showing led by Mexico's Alan Cleland and Costa Rica trio Malakai Martinez, Darshan Antequera, and Tomas King. Following Antequera's performance, Martinez took on 2022 event runner-up Evan Geiselman and event wildcard, Cabarete's own, Oliva after Antequera overcame North America threats Josh Burke and Owen Moss. Martinez's clutch surfing produced a solid 6.70 when he needed it most, pushing him to a heat win and Round of 32 berth.
Also heading into the Round of 32 with big heat wins, 2022 event Semifinalist Michael Dunphy, Taro Watanabe, and Cole Houshmand look for a big result to catapult them up the rankings.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. AST to determine a likely 8:00 a.m. AST start.
The Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City QS 3,000 will run March 15 - 19 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Top Seeds Strike, Event Standouts Shine Before Impending Weather
Some of North America's best made their World Surf League (WSL) Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City Cabarete, a men's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, debuts as a looming storm set the backdrop in three-to-five foot swell on offer. Men's Round of 64, Heats 1 - 6, were completed before impending weather forced event organizers to call the event OFF for the day. But, the damage was done with impressive performances and a few early upsets to set the tone for the Round of 64.
Before the strong winds and rain overtook Encuentro Beach, a jaw-dropping performance from Basque Country's Keoni Lasa led the Round of 64. Lasa's powerful forehand attack and variety led to an excellent, 8.33 (out of a possible 10) and 15.40 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Though the WSL Europe competitor cannot gain points at this event, being out of his region, his Round of 64 showcase helped dismantle the proceedings by eliminating one of the top-seeded competitors Kei Kobayashi (USA).
"I saw a couple waves before my heat that opened up better on the outside and I was hoping to get a couple like that," said Lasa. "Then I got my first one which was pretty big, and I got a big score on that before backing it up with a seven-point ride. I don't focus too much on the names [in my heat] and just want to show my surfing so now I hope to go like that in the next rounds."
No stranger to the Caribbean, Luke Gordon put together a well-orchestrated, Round of 64 debut alongside fellow South Carolina competitor Cam Richards, also advancing. Gordon found his gem to unleash multiple, backhand turns and earn a near-excellent 7.67 as emerging surfer Luke Wyler nearly had the heat before Gordon and Richards took control.
"It worked out just the way we wrote it up (laughs)," said Gordon. "It feels really good to make a heat with Cam [Richards] and I haven't made a heat in a long time so it feels good to finally win one. It's anyone's game really with the points that are left between here and Barbados, and you can make the Challenger Series so it's go time."
Panama's Tao Rodriguez continues to find success in the jersey, fresh off a Quarterfinal appearance in Cocoa Beach, and brought that form to Dominican Republic. Rodriguez's forehand led him to a 7.57 as he looks to continue his run through competitions among North America's best.
"I try to have a good and have a good heat in some good waves," said Rodriguez. "I felt good in that heat, a little nervous just being the first heat, and felt confident. It feels like there's some more expectations now after some results so I'm just dialing everything down and keeping the noise out. This wave can be tricky on days like today, trying to see what waves are good but I'm going to give it my best."
Also notching Round of 64 victories, Dwight Pastrana joins top-seeded competitors Wheeler Hasburgh, and Ryland Rubens as the remaining top seeds await their start.
"I'm just having so much fun here and to get a good heat is even better," said Hasburgh. "Hopefully I can make a couple more between here and Barbados, it's so exciting to have these places to finish off the year. Maybe even get into the Top 7, I know I'm kind of far but I'm just going to keep having fun and try my best."
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. AST to determine a likely 7:30 a.m. AST start.
The Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City QS 3,000 will run March 15 - 19 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Encuentro Beach Delivers For Opening Day, High-Performance Showcase
The World Surf League (WSL) Cabarete Pro presented by Surf and Wind City Cabarete, a men's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, fired into opening day action with pristine, four-to-seven foot swell pulsing into "The Left" of Encuentro Beach, Dominican Republic. Men's Round of 104 and 96 ran in their entirety to set up the top-seeded, Round of 64 draw with a showcase of high-performance surfing on full display.
Former Championship Tour (CT) wildcard and prominent North America threat, David do Carmo (BRA), debuted in decimating form with a day's best 14.26 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Do Carmo's forehand power on the rail was insurmountable against his competitors, leaving them needing a near-perfect score to catch him, as he looks to breakthrough to an all-important Finals Day here at Encuentro Beach.
"I can't believe I started with a good heat, my first heat here, and I just want surf," said do Carmo. "I wasn't really worried about the scores I was going to get and just wanted to surf my best. Now, we have two big events left so I just want to do good and try to qualify [for the Challenger Series]. I know I'm far back and it's a really hard region, but that's all I have my focus on."
A promising start for Blayr Barton garnered two, vital heat wins with a 13.47, including a 7.67 (out of a possible 10), in his Round of 104 debut, before overpowering his Round of 96 affair. Barton's recent success in Cocoa Beach, Florida, pushed to No. 15 on the North America rankings heading into the final two events and showed he's up for the task at hand on his vicious forehand attack.
"I feel great and it feels good to surf some waves with some power," said Barton. "Since I'm a goofy foot, this left is all I can ask for. The nerves are there but I just try to be as focused as possible. It's my first real year on the QS and what I'm doing right now, I'm happy with it and I'll just keep trying to do my best."
Bryan Perez returned to the jersey in solid form, earning a Round of 96, debut heat win in the beautiful conditions on offer to start opening day. Perez put his backhand on display after the world was introduced to his forehand potential among the world's best in his home country of El Salvador, and didn't disappoint. Though Perez comes into the event with no points of substance, with 8,000 points left on offer, the Central American has his goals set.
"The waves are firing right now, it's a dream to surf a heat like this," said Perez. "Especially backside for me is a little different, because I grew up in El Salvador with right points, but I like to go left too. I'm just focused on these two events, these are the best waves in this region and I'm looking forward to this one."
Also thriving on opening day, Ryan Huckabee blasted his backhand attack for a 12.83 heat total to take a big, Round of 96 win alongside the likes of Keoni Lasa, Titus Santucci, Kai Kushner, Luke Guinaldo, Dwight Pastrana, Raiki Nishida, Keanu Igarashi, David Okeefe, Giancarlo Mendez, Anthony Fillingim, Kyle Tester, and
"I'm happy I found a rhythm out there toward the end and this wave can be a bit tricky even though it's pretty perfect," said Huckabee. "You have to be on the right waves here and I started figuring that out in that heat. I'm stoked to put some events together, but I haven't done well in any of the QS 3,000s yet so hopefully I can do it here."
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. AST to determine a likely 7:30 a.m. AST start.
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