Swell dips but action continues to decide the Finals Day draw. See how it unfolded.
Longboard's history stretches back to surfing's beginnings and has made its way to the world in a whole new way this season with the reinvigorated Longboard Tour (LT). The Longboard Classic New York supported by I LOVE NY witnessed a bit of that history in amazing fashion during a decisive day of competition to determine both men and women's finals day draws.
From iconic moments to some of the year's biggest upsets so far, those in attendance in Long Beach, New York, got a dose of it all. And before sensational men's competition, a critical Round 4 awaited the world's best women longboarders and major eliminations began right away in Heat 1.
One of the women's most stylish surfers Moniz was put to the test in the morning conditions and rose to the occasion. - WSL / Cait Miers
Two-time WSL World Champion Moniz and reigning World Champion Soleil Errico shared a tough-going heat that witnessed Moniz take down Errico in dicey fashion. The experience and grace of Moniz was tested with uncharacteristic falls but pulled through when she needed it most after a slow start and her momentum-shifting 5.77 ended up sealing a clutch victory.
"It feels good to get that one and glad it's over after battling through it," Moniz said. "It's a little smaller than the last few days but there's still waves and there's still a clean face. People are still getting solid scores and I'm just happy to be into the Quarters. I'm falling a bit too much but I like to think I'm saving it for finals day and I've been shooting for the upcoming Sound Waves episode which is cool to show my family dynamic here in New York."
Former WSL World Champ Tips The Scale
2017 WSL World Champ Honolua Blomfield showcased her world-class talent in great form. - WSL / Cait Miers
Current LT No. 1 Chloe Calmon continued her control over the world's best with another Quarterfinal appearance after a Round 5 victory, but No. 2 Honolua Blomfield was right behind her with the women's top performance of a 7.67 and immaculate 14.10 heat total. The 2017 WSL World Champion showed her iconic style and poise with beautiful hang tens along with signature cross-stepping maneuvers to make her way back into the Quarterfinals in 2019.
"It got smaller but there were still a couple and there's a wave back home I surf to practice for these kind of waves so I was pretty comfortable out there," Blomfield said. "I was lucky to find a few with some open wall to them. It actually looks really good in this heat right now but ours was more difficult. Kirra's (Seale) a good friend so that'd be a fun heat but we're all friends so whoever gets through will be a good one."
Rachel Tilly all smiles making her way to another 2019 finals day. - WSL / Jackson Van Kirk
Also through to finals day, 2015 WSL World Champion Rachael Tilly, freshly crowned European Regional Longboard titleholder Alice Lemoigne, LT veteran Lindsay Steinriede along with dark horse threats Mahina Akaka and Sally Cohen are all into the Quarterfinals.
Event organizers will reconvene Tuesday, September 10, at 6:30am ET to determine a possible start to finals day action.
Longboard Classic NY: Momentous Day Unfolds
Andrew Nichols
Longboard's history stretches back to surfing's beginnings and has made its way to the world in a whole new way this season with the reinvigorated Longboard Tour (LT). The Longboard Classic New York supported by I LOVE NY witnessed a bit of that history in amazing fashion during a decisive day of competition to determine both men and women's finals day draws.
From iconic moments to some of the year's biggest upsets so far, those in attendance in Long Beach, New York, got a dose of it all. And before sensational men's competition, a critical Round 4 awaited the world's best women longboarders and major eliminations began right away in Heat 1.
Kelia Moniz Continues To Surge
Two-time WSL World Champion Moniz and reigning World Champion Soleil Errico shared a tough-going heat that witnessed Moniz take down Errico in dicey fashion. The experience and grace of Moniz was tested with uncharacteristic falls but pulled through when she needed it most after a slow start and her momentum-shifting 5.77 ended up sealing a clutch victory.
"It feels good to get that one and glad it's over after battling through it," Moniz said. "It's a little smaller than the last few days but there's still waves and there's still a clean face. People are still getting solid scores and I'm just happy to be into the Quarters. I'm falling a bit too much but I like to think I'm saving it for finals day and I've been shooting for the upcoming Sound Waves episode which is cool to show my family dynamic here in New York."
Former WSL World Champ Tips The Scale
Current LT No. 1 Chloe Calmon continued her control over the world's best with another Quarterfinal appearance after a Round 5 victory, but No. 2 Honolua Blomfield was right behind her with the women's top performance of a 7.67 and immaculate 14.10 heat total. The 2017 WSL World Champion showed her iconic style and poise with beautiful hang tens along with signature cross-stepping maneuvers to make her way back into the Quarterfinals in 2019.
"It got smaller but there were still a couple and there's a wave back home I surf to practice for these kind of waves so I was pretty comfortable out there," Blomfield said. "I was lucky to find a few with some open wall to them. It actually looks really good in this heat right now but ours was more difficult. Kirra's (Seale) a good friend so that'd be a fun heat but we're all friends so whoever gets through will be a good one."
Also through to finals day, 2015 WSL World Champion Rachael Tilly, freshly crowned European Regional Longboard titleholder Alice Lemoigne, LT veteran Lindsay Steinriede along with dark horse threats Mahina Akaka and Sally Cohen are all into the Quarterfinals.
Event organizers will reconvene Tuesday, September 10, at 6:30am ET to determine a possible start to finals day action.
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