Day 1 of the 2018 Nias Pro WSL Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 began with flawless conditions and 6 ft. surf reeling through one of the worlds best point breaks. The morning pre-event session was used as a warm-up before the official opening ceremony took place.
By day's end, 8 Round 1 heats were completed in the solid 4-to-6 ft. surf which maintained quality all day.
Herbert Wau on a Nias drainer. - WSL / Tim Hain
Dede Suryana is one of Indonesia's most accomplished and experienced international competitors and he felt comfortable taking a convincing Round 1 heat win defeating local Nias surfer Samosikha Wau.
"I have only come to Nias twice before, but I do love the wave. It is definitely one of the best in Indonesia and to surf, a WSL QS event here is pretty special " said Suryana. "The domestic QS events are the only events I compete in these days and I'm excited for the future of Indonesian surfing, as I see so many young guys and girls charging the waves and doing well in these international events - I believe an Indonesian can win here and I hope it's me."
Dede Suryana belting the lip at Nias. - WSL / Tim Hain
The eight Round 1 heats today saw a lot of local Nias local surfers which included seven with the surname Wau. All related and part of a large Wau family here at Lagundri Bay, they demonstrated their skill and knowledge of the wave. Five of them have advanced to tomorrow's Round 2 heats.
Tomorrow's Round 2 will see top seeds Sheldon Simkus and Kaito Ohashi compete with conditions again expected to be outstanding in the morning. An early start at 7:15 am has been called to capitalize on clean conditions.
Opening Ceremony at Nias. - WSL / Tim Hain
Australian Gold Coast surfer Liam O'Brien is one of the top seeds and enjoyed one of the best rides of the day in the early morning warm-up session. He reflected the feeling of most of the international surfers at the event.
"What an incredible wave, to come and surf a QS event in - it's such a high-quality perfect barreling wave - I was super pleased to enjoy the extended warm-up session this morning and I look forward to competing tomorrow."
Competition Kicks Off in Indonesia for the Nias Pro
Tom Bennett
Day 1 of the 2018 Nias Pro WSL Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 began with flawless conditions and 6 ft. surf reeling through one of the worlds best point breaks. The morning pre-event session was used as a warm-up before the official opening ceremony took place.
By day's end, 8 Round 1 heats were completed in the solid 4-to-6 ft. surf which maintained quality all day.
Dede Suryana is one of Indonesia's most accomplished and experienced international competitors and he felt comfortable taking a convincing Round 1 heat win defeating local Nias surfer Samosikha Wau.
"I have only come to Nias twice before, but I do love the wave. It is definitely one of the best in Indonesia and to surf, a WSL QS event here is pretty special " said Suryana. "The domestic QS events are the only events I compete in these days and I'm excited for the future of Indonesian surfing, as I see so many young guys and girls charging the waves and doing well in these international events - I believe an Indonesian can win here and I hope it's me."
The eight Round 1 heats today saw a lot of local Nias local surfers which included seven with the surname Wau. All related and part of a large Wau family here at Lagundri Bay, they demonstrated their skill and knowledge of the wave. Five of them have advanced to tomorrow's Round 2 heats.
Tomorrow's Round 2 will see top seeds Sheldon Simkus and Kaito Ohashi compete with conditions again expected to be outstanding in the morning. An early start at 7:15 am has been called to capitalize on clean conditions.
Australian Gold Coast surfer Liam O'Brien is one of the top seeds and enjoyed one of the best rides of the day in the early morning warm-up session. He reflected the feeling of most of the international surfers at the event.
"What an incredible wave, to come and surf a QS event in - it's such a high-quality perfect barreling wave - I was super pleased to enjoy the extended warm-up session this morning and I look forward to competing tomorrow."
Dede Suryana
Watu Karung continues to pump on Day 2 of Hello Pacitan Pro.
Competitors at the QS 1,000 were treated to classic Bali conditions on Day 1 and took full advantage.
Qualifying Series action set to return to Bali with big names set to sign on.
Highlights from Finals day of the inaugural contest at Keramas.
Day one of the Komune Bali Pro greeted competitors with great waves at Keramas.
Nias Pro
Ketut Agus and Vittoria Famer For the Win.
The pair take the biggest wins of their careers in pumping surf at the QS 1,000 in Lagundri Bay.
Epic conditions continue from Lagundri Bay
Epic conditions kick off the action from Lagundri Bay.
More perfection from Lagundri Bay in Indonesia as women's and men's competition runs through early rounds.