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Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask Set to Kick Off 2023/24' North America Qualifying Series Season
Andrew Nichols
The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) is back in action for the start of the 2023/24' season with the Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask QS 3,000. Competition will run April 6 - 9 at the iconic Huntington Beach Pier and feature some of North America's top-tier, emerging competitors with a live webcast throughout the event. The upgrade provides a vital start to the new season with 3,000 points on the line toward Challenger Series (CS) qualification.
An incredible 2022/23' season concluded with Sawyer Lindblad's dominant run atop the rankings and claiming her first QS Regional title. The San Clemente, California, competitor was joined by fellow San Clemente surfer Crosby ColapintoCrosby Colapinto as the North America QS Regional Champions, respectively, as Lindblad accrued a remarkable five Finals and winning three. Now, her eyes are set on a big 2023/24' as she rejoins the Challenger Series elite, but not before jumpstarting a fresh season at the Jack's Surfboards presented by Hydro Flask.
"It's really exciting to be able to carry my momentum from Barbados into the Jack's [Surfboards Pro] and I like how the events are close together," said Lindblad. "It gives us more time to prepare for the Challenger Series and get over there earlier. I felt like before I was inconsistent [in events] and this year I was able to take what I learned into the contest with more experience."
Joining Lindblad are the likes of North America's 2023 Challenger Series representatives Zoe Benedetto, Bella Kenworthy, and Leilani McGonagle. But, they will have to face some of the region's top-tier competitors looking to breakthrough including Kirra Pinkerton, Samantha Sibley, 2023 Pro Junior Regional Champion Talia Swindal, Autumn Hays, Havanna Cabrero, and former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Sage Erickson all making their debuts.
A dream run for Newport Beach, California's, Tyler Gunter earned him a runner-up at this event in 2022 behind Oahu, Hawaii's, Keanu Asing's. Asing returns to play spoiler for the North America contingent looking for valuable points. Gunter's surge through the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro pres. by Diamonds International pushed him up to No. 22 on the rankings to finish the season as he returns with his goals set and a fresh start.
"New season, fresh start here at Huntington and I'm really fired up for the event," said Gunter. "I'm stoked it's a QS 3,000 this year, last year I got second and really wanted the win, but it was a good Final. Last season was a lot of fun after starting off good here, then we had a break before I went on a string of bad results. But, the last three events I had some heats I was happy. Obviously didn't meet the end goal of making the Challenger Series, but I'm stoked with where my surfing is at.."
The former Pro Junior Regional Champion, Gunter, will be joined by a heavily-contested field including the likes of confirmed 2023 Challenger Series competitors Jett Schilling, Jabe Swierkocki, Evan Geiselman, Cole Houshmand, Josh Burke, and Dimitri Poulos. Also, some of North America's top contenders such as Nolan Rapoza, John Mel, Ryan Huckabee, recently crowned Pro Junior Regional Champion Reed Platenius, and more all look to start their season with a big result.
Event organizers will convene at 7:30 a.m. PDT to determine a likely 8:00 a.m. PDT start.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask will open on April 6 and hold a competition window through April 9, 2023. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Tyler Gunter
Hayden Rodgers Claims Maiden QS Victory at La Zicatela
Benedetto Goes Back-To-Back At Soup Bowl, Wins North America Region, Mesinas Tears His Way to Second Barbados Surf Pro Title, Barton's
The former North America Regional Pro Junior victor Tyler Gunter tapped into his power for a near-perfect 9.00 and 16.83 heat total. Gunter
The 2022 event runner-up Tyler Gunter is back to kickstart his season after stringing together some results to conclude last year's
The former Live Like Zander Finalist Tyler Gunter restored his backhand power at Soup Bowl for an 8.13 and early heat win.
North America
Men's top seeds took over Soup Bowl alongside the remaining women's Round of 48 and scattered upsets ensued alongside breakthrough showings.
The pinnacle of North America's QS and Pro Junior season is set for opening day.
The Challenger Series qualification endgame is here. See who's Soup Bowl bound for their bid.
Iconic Jack's Surfboards in Huntington Beach Partners with Vans to Keep QS Thriving
BTMI and Diamonds International return as Major Sponsors