HALEIWA, Oahu, Hawaii (Tuesday, October 15, 2024) - The World Surf League (WSL) Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) returns to action at The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro, a men's and women's QS 1,000 event, beginning October 28 through November 4. The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) continues to support local professional surfers for the second men's event and the third women's event of the regional QS 2024/2025 season. This provides pivotal opportunities for the competitors to earn valuable points toward 2025 Challenger Series qualification.
"We're excited to keep the Regional QS tour going at Sunset and beyond, thanks to the HTA's invaluable partnership and support," said Robin Erb, WSL VP, Tours & Events. "Together we'll continue to deliver these crucial opportunities at home for Hawaii's incredibly talented up-and-coming surfers."
Hawaii Tourism Authority Keeps Local Surfing Opportunities Thriving
The iconic lineup of Sunset Beach holds some of the sport's most legendary moments from Championship Tour (CT) qualification dreams being realized to some of the sports' legends pushing the limits. Now, in the modern era, the emerging QS contenders continue to look for groundbreaking moments all their own and the Hawaii Tourism Authority looks to ensure these opportunities remain at home in the islands.
"Hawaiʻi is the birthplace of surfing, so it is only right that our local surfers have opportunities to showcase their talents on the world stage," said Chief Stewardship Officer of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā. "Supporting opportunities like this in Hawaiian waters is just one way we channel tourism's success back into our community and elevate the next generation of professional surfers."
Eweleiula Wong (HAW) and some of Hawaii/Tahiti Nui's heavy hitters are back and ready for more. - WSL / Tony Heff
Men's QS Contenders Return, Women Keep Season Momentum Moving
This marks just the second stop of the men's 2024/2025 Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS season with a stacked field of contenders returning to the jersey in search of pivotal points. For the women, the recent Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro provided a decisive 3,000 points that shook up the rankings for their second stop of the season in co-sanction with North America's QS.
Current women's rankings leader Kiara Goold (PYF), following her runner-up at the Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro, and current No. 2 Oliver Zietz (NDL) lead the charge into Sunset alongside a hefty field of contenders. 2024 Championship Tour (CT) rookie Eli Hanneman (HAW), current women's No. 2 Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW), 2024 Paris Games Gold Medalist Kauli Vaast (PYF), Sunset Beach's own Chesney Guinotte (HAW), current No. 4 Makana Franzmann (HAW) and more are set to vie for the 2024 event title.
The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro event window opens October 28 through November 4, 2024. Event organizers will run on the best three days during the window.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.