A sensational day of high-performance competition set up Finals Day draws at the World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1000. Haleiwa continued to deliver a spectacle with solid six-foot sets still pulsing into the iconic lineup to complete men's Round of 64, Heats 11 - 16, Round of 32, and Quarterfinal matchups. A total of 10, 9-point rides and numerous excellent scores, earning an 8.00 or more out of a possible 10, kept spectators stunned all day long. Now, an epic conclusion awaits to crown the 2024 event victors with more swell on the horizon to finish the event.
An insane showdown highlighted Quarterfinals, Heat 3 with Joshua Moniz posting an 18.80, Kauli Vaast earning an 18.30 and Ian Gentil garnering an 18.15 alongside fellow event threat Kainehe Hunt.
Joshua Moniz Goes Near-Perfect in Quarterfinal Jaw-Dropper
A masterclass of how to approach Haleiwa unfolded in Quarterfinal, Heat 3 featuring four event standouts, including Joshua Moniz, Kauli Vaast, Ian Gentil, and Kainehe Hunt. Moniz's quick, 8.50 start set the tone before Vaast answered back with an 8.60 and Gentil's 8.80, but Moniz wasn't done and picked apart a gem to earn a 9.10. Under the 10-minute mark, a massive exchange unfolded between Moniz, Gentil, and Vaast with Moniz unleashing his forehand attack on multiple, critical sections for a 9.70. Vaast's lethal backhand then matched Moniz's 9.70 with Moniz earning an event-best 18.80 (out of a possible 20) and Vaast just behind with an 18.30.
Gentil's final effort catapulted the former Championship Tour (CT) competitor to a 9.35, nearly earning the 9.51 needed.
"That was just fun, and when you enter events, I feel like that's what you hope for. Everyone getting a bunch of opportunity and that's just kind of what happened," said Moniz. "Honestly, I just got lucky and got a couple of clean ones. I kind of just threw all strategy out and good waves just kept coming in. I'm satisfied just with that heat throwing big scores and hearing guys need big scores. But, I still didn't feel safe even with my scores."
The rising talent Luke Swanson dealt with CTers Imaikalani deVault and, former World Title contender, Joao Chianca in a Quarterfinal clash alongside regional standout Kai Martin.
Luke Swanson Bests CT Duo in Stunning Form for Semifinal Appearance
An immaculate Quarterfinal showing from rising threat Luke Swanson capped off a big day after advancing behind Oliver Zietz in the Round of 32. Swanson pushed his potential after posting an 8.25 in the Round of 32 and upped the ante with a 9.00 and 16.75 heat total. The backhand attack of Swanson bested one of the day's standouts and pair of CT competitors, Imaikalani deVault and Joao Chianca, alongside Kai Martin, with deVault advancing after posting an 18.25 heat total in his Round of 32 showcase.
"I think Quarterfinals was a pretty good goal for me this event. Once I got there I realized I had two Tour surfers and just not to hold back," said Swanson. "I tried to be on the best waves and that pretty much happened. I was just looking over at Joao thinking 'I'm in a heat with Joao' (laughs). Now I feel like it's just time to not hold back at all and try to win the contest."
Finn McGill (HAW) keeps surging and added another 9-point ride to his account. - WSL / Tony Heff
Finn McGill Adds Another 9 to the List, Shion Crawford Holds Down Home Break
Another explosive performance from Finn McGill notched one more 9-point ride before the day was done in Quarterfinal, Heat 4. An all-star clash featuring 2024 CT rookie Eli Hanneman, former CT elite Ezekiel Lau, and regional threat Brodi Sale unraveled with Sale maintaining the lead through most of the affair with an 8.25. But, in the final minutes, McGill added to his 9.00 with a 6.20 and earned a big heat win heading into the Semifinals.
"It's firing Haleiwa. Watching the heat before (Quarterfinal, Heat 3) was crazy, they were putting on a movie part," said McGill. "I was just trying to compose myself because it's my favorite wave in the world. I was talking to Ross and he was telling me to calm down, I was snapping just wanting to get out there. It was so fun and to have a heat with all those guys, two CT guys and then Brodi is just up there as well so it was just get the best waves and who could surf the best."
"It came down to the first couple waves and then slowed down. I was lucky to be in fourth priority in that situation and bettered my score so it worked out."
Shion Crawford (HAW) kept the pace with excellent showings and now prepares for the Semifinals. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Haleiwa's own Shion Crawford held down his home break in terrific form with a massive Round of 32 victory before unleashing more of his powerful forehand in the Quarterfinals. Crawford capitalized on an afternoon gem to start the Quarterfinals and post an 8.25 to take control of the heat. But, the 19-year-old continued to build and push back against the likes of Makana Franzmann, Oliver Zietz, and Rylan Beavers to earn his spot into the Semifinals alongside Zietz.
"I dropped that 8.25 on my first wave and then tried to go huge on the second one. I ate it and had to regroup for the next one," said Crawford. "But, I found that 6.25 after so I was stoked on that. This is my ideal conditions for a Finals Day if we can get something similar, it was so good today. Hopefully I can do it again and keep performing again."
When competition resumes, some of the top women are ready for their debuts including 2024 CT standout Bettylou Sakura Johnson, former CT Pipe Pro winner Moana Jones Wong, former CT competitor Luana Silva, current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Eweleiula Wong, and 2024 CT rookie Alyssa Spencer - who's made it through both the Round of 28 and 24.
Event organizers will reconvene Tuesday, December 3, at 7:00 a.m. HST for a possible 8:00 a.m. HST start to Finals Day.
Day 2: Men's Top Seeds Debut in Stunning Form
Fireworks ensued at the World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1000, with more incredible performances in pumping Haleiwa conditions to introduce the first top-seeded contenders. Residual, eight-foot sets still pulsed into the famed lineup with competitors rising to the occasion in heavy waters to put on a showcase of high-performance surfing to finish the Round of 96, Heats 6 - 16, and Round of 64, Heats 1 - 10.
A near-perfect start to end Day 2 for Finn McGill, posting a 9.50 and 9.00, in his Round of 64 debut set the standard for proceedings in pumping Haleiwa.
Finn McGill Saves the Best for Last of Day 2 Action
In the last heat of the day, Finn McGill pushed the scale to the tipping point with the event's highest heat total so far, a near-perfect 18.50 (out of a possible 20). McGill battled with fellow Hawaii standout Brodi Sale, North Shore's Koa Smith, and Dylan Franzmann. The proven QS threat now looks to continue that momentum into the Round of 32.
"It's so fun. It's perfect Haleiwa right now," said McGill. "It's eight-foot and a little bit out of the North but it's just three turns every wave. It's all speed and power as much as you want. It gives you confidence but you also have to check yourself. I was just so psyched to do that. Then my coach Ross (Williams) told me it didn't happen (laughs)."
The former CTer Ian Gentil put on a clinic at Haleiwa, accruing an 18.30 heat total in his Round of 64 debut.
Former CTer Ian Gentil Goes Ballistic with a 9.80
One of Maui's premier competitors Ian Gentil showed the world his potential before facing the Mid-season Cut in 2023, but reminded everyone of his firepower with an explosive 9.80 (out of a possible 10) and 18.30 heat total. Gentil's forehand overpowered the testy afternoon conditions to surge toward the Round of 32 with plenty of steam and the 9.80 holding as the highest single-wave score so far.
"It's a bit challenging but I was just stoked to get out there in pumping surf," said Gentil. "I figured I'd get my chances and towards the end I paddled deep and got that 9.80. It felt really good to ride away clean. I didn't do Sunset but it's just so good to be here and I'm excited for this week."
The 18-year-old Luke Tema posted an immaculate 16.35 heat total in his debut to carry the No. 1 spot into the top-seeded Round of 64.
Luke Tema Takes on Pumping Haleiwa with Stunning Debut
The current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui rankings leader Luke Tema debuted in phenomenal form, posting an excellent 16.35 heat total following a victory at Sunset Beach. The 18-year-old's forehand attack matched the power Haleiwa had to offer as conditions continued pulsing with solid eight-foot sets. But, the job isn't done for Tema who looks to maintain his momentum into back-to-back Finals Day appearances.
"It feels so good with those first round heats always being a little sketchy so I was a little nervous, but it feels good to calm the nerves," said Tema. "You have to look for the wave without the bump out there and sometimes it doesn't work but I'm stoked it worked out that time. It's almost more pressure coming off a win but I'm just trying to surf and have fun and not think about (being No. 1) too much."
Also earning Round of 96 and awaiting Round of 64 bouts, Kai Lenny, Coconut Willie, Kiron Jabour, Levi Young, and Leonid Nichols are set for top seeds.
Nalu Deodatu Overtakes Stacked Bout with Poise Under Pressure
An absolute battle featured Hawaii's own Nalu Deodato taking on former WSL World Title contender Joao Chianca alongside Round of 96 standouts Liam Wilson and Philippe Chagas in the Round of 64, Heat 1. The bout did not disappoint with Chianca and Chagas taking off to an early lead before Deodatu laid down multiple turns in critical sections of a Haleiwa set wave to earn a 9.25 (out of a possible 10). But, as time dwindled down, Deodatu found himself in fourth-place with Chianca holding the lead before Deodatu found another opportunity to strike and regained the lead before the final horn.
"That was a stacker and I was kind of fearing my first wave after I botched it. But I knew it was firing so I just stayed calm," said Deodatu. "I knew I'd get a couple more chances and when it came I just placed it four times so I'm stoked. It definitely boosts my confidence, and I'm just excited to make that heat for a chance to surf out at pumping Haleiwa with just four other guys out."
An in-form Benji Brand keeps reminding us why he used to be mentioned among the world's top qualification threats with a searing backhand. Brand's 9.40 goes as the best single-wave score so far in his Round of 64, Heat 3.
Major Round of 64 wins from an in-form Benji Brand, who posted a 9.40 of his own, Haleiwa's own Shion Crawford, Shayden Pacarro, Ezra Clark, and Rylan Beavers pushed them into the Round of 32 with the remaining top seeds ready to debut.
Event organizers have called men's Round of 96, Heat 11 ON for an 8:00 a.m. HST start with men's Round of 32 set to follow.
Day 1 Recap: North Shore Comes to Life Before Going XL
The World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1000, contenders battled a rising swell at Haleiwa before the swell maxed out to call competition off for the day following men's Round of 96, Heat 5. Pristine, six-to-eight-foot sets provided a showcase of high-performance surfing for the women's Round of 28, Round of 24, and men's Round of 96, Heats 1 through 5, before 15-to-18-foot sets began pumping into the lineup. But, early event threats shined when the opportunity arose to kickstart competition.
A former victor at Sunset Beach, Nora Liotta showed her power at North Shore's famed Haleiwa to earn a 7.25 and Round of 28 victory to surge into the Quarterfinals.
Buzzer-Beater Stunner sends Legend Chandler to an Excellent Start
An incredible start from Legend Chandlerset the tone in men's Round of 96 competition after starting off strong, posting a 7.85 (out of a possible 10). But, with former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Dusty Payne, Brazil's backhand threat Philippe Chagas, and Kainaru Kato in the mix, Chandler quickly found himself in need of a big score to take control once more. After Payne's 8.75, a day's best single-wave score, and Chagas' 14.45 (out of a possible 20) heat total set the scale, Chandler locked into a gem and unleashed his forehand attack to post an 8.45 and 16.30 heat total in the dying moments.
"It's picking up and doubling up out there, it's pretty gnarly. I got my 7.85 on my first one then I got smoked in the middle of the heat on a big set," said Chandler. "But that last wave lined up perfect and I'm stoked to get the score. That was a mental heat. It was sick to surf with guys like Dusty out there when it's pumping."
An in-form Benji Brand (HAW) posted an excellent 8.50 on his backhand attack. - WSL / Tony Heff
Benji Brand's Backhand Power on Full Display
QS veteran and North Shore standout, Benji Brand put his signature power against the heavy waters of Haleiwa to post one of the day's highest single-wave scores of an 8.50, later matched by Merrik Mochkatel. Brand's backhand was precise, hitting each critical section throughout the heat and posting a 15.75 heat total to surge toward top seeds in the Round of 64.
Also, Mochkatel, Nikoa Gazzola, and Liam Wilson all earned valuable heat wins to kickstart their day before competition was called off for the day.
A former victor at Sunset Beach, Nora Liotta showed her power at North Shore's famed Haleiwa to earn a 7.25 and Round of 28 victory to surge into the Quarterfinals.
Nora Liotta Surges into the Quarterfinals
The women kicked off proceedings as the swell continued to rise nearly every new set to challenge competitors' comfort levels at Haleiwa.
Former Sunset Pro victor Nora Liotta showed she was up to the task, utilizing her powerful forehand to post a 7.25 and solid 12.50 heat total. Liotta may be out of striking distance from rejoining the Challenger Series, but the Maui, Hawaii, competitor is hoping to build toward next season with a big finish here.
"It was so nice to get in rhythm a little bit. I just came over last night so that was my first session other than before the heat so it was nice just to surf Haleiwa without a crowd," said Liotta. "It feels good to be onto the next round. It's awesome the women get to surf a wave this good for the last event of the year and I just want to finish it off strong."
Zoie Zeitz Overcomes Building Haleiwa Power in Debut Heat Win
Zoie Zietz (NDL) matched Liotta's 7.25 with power all her own. - WSL / Tony Heff
Emerging talents made their presence known with Zoie Zietz displacing major water in her Haleiwa start with a 7.25 of her own. Zietz's showcase to start the year, posting a 17.60 in her first heat of the season, continued as the swell picked up each heat. Now, the 15-year-old prepares for her third-straight, on-island Quarterfinal appearance.
"I waited so long and that wave came so I just took a deep breath and took off knowing it was a good one." said Zietz. "I rode out of that wave and heard it was a 7.25 so I thought I'd just sit on the inside and get my backup. Then I paddled back out to the lineup and the biggest set of the day at that point was coming so I just went for it and straightened out to end the heat. So I'm stoked to make it to the next day."
Also notching debut heat wins in the Round of 24, Skai Suitt and Puamakamae DeSoto charged into the Quarterfinals.
Following men's Round of 96, Heat 5, competition was called OFF for the day with Haleiwa maxing out as the swell continued to pulse. Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. HST for the next call.
"The surf has just gotten too big. It's 15-foot, plus and we had an 18-foot set just come through the lineup during that last heat," said Marty Thomas, Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Tour Manager. "It closed out the entire lineup here at Haleiwa. We got some good surf in this morning, but the swell is forecasted to increase all day so we'll make another call tomorrow morning."
The event window opens November 25 through December 7. Event organizers will select the best four days of the event window to run competition.
High-Performance Spectacle Sets Finals Day Stage at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro QS 1000
WSL
A sensational day of high-performance competition set up Finals Day draws at the World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1000. Haleiwa continued to deliver a spectacle with solid six-foot sets still pulsing into the iconic lineup to complete men's Round of 64, Heats 11 - 16, Round of 32, and Quarterfinal matchups. A total of 10, 9-point rides and numerous excellent scores, earning an 8.00 or more out of a possible 10, kept spectators stunned all day long. Now, an epic conclusion awaits to crown the 2024 event victors with more swell on the horizon to finish the event.
Joshua Moniz Goes Near-Perfect in Quarterfinal Jaw-Dropper
A masterclass of how to approach Haleiwa unfolded in Quarterfinal, Heat 3 featuring four event standouts, including Joshua Moniz, Kauli Vaast, Ian Gentil, and Kainehe Hunt. Moniz's quick, 8.50 start set the tone before Vaast answered back with an 8.60 and Gentil's 8.80, but Moniz wasn't done and picked apart a gem to earn a 9.10. Under the 10-minute mark, a massive exchange unfolded between Moniz, Gentil, and Vaast with Moniz unleashing his forehand attack on multiple, critical sections for a 9.70. Vaast's lethal backhand then matched Moniz's 9.70 with Moniz earning an event-best 18.80 (out of a possible 20) and Vaast just behind with an 18.30.
Gentil's final effort catapulted the former Championship Tour (CT) competitor to a 9.35, nearly earning the 9.51 needed.
"That was just fun, and when you enter events, I feel like that's what you hope for. Everyone getting a bunch of opportunity and that's just kind of what happened," said Moniz. "Honestly, I just got lucky and got a couple of clean ones. I kind of just threw all strategy out and good waves just kept coming in. I'm satisfied just with that heat throwing big scores and hearing guys need big scores. But, I still didn't feel safe even with my scores."
Luke Swanson Bests CT Duo in Stunning Form for Semifinal Appearance
An immaculate Quarterfinal showing from rising threat Luke Swanson capped off a big day after advancing behind Oliver Zietz in the Round of 32. Swanson pushed his potential after posting an 8.25 in the Round of 32 and upped the ante with a 9.00 and 16.75 heat total. The backhand attack of Swanson bested one of the day's standouts and pair of CT competitors, Imaikalani deVault and Joao Chianca, alongside Kai Martin, with deVault advancing after posting an 18.25 heat total in his Round of 32 showcase.
"I think Quarterfinals was a pretty good goal for me this event. Once I got there I realized I had two Tour surfers and just not to hold back," said Swanson. "I tried to be on the best waves and that pretty much happened. I was just looking over at Joao thinking 'I'm in a heat with Joao' (laughs). Now I feel like it's just time to not hold back at all and try to win the contest."
Finn McGill Adds Another 9 to the List, Shion Crawford Holds Down Home Break
Another explosive performance from Finn McGill notched one more 9-point ride before the day was done in Quarterfinal, Heat 4. An all-star clash featuring 2024 CT rookie Eli Hanneman, former CT elite Ezekiel Lau, and regional threat Brodi Sale unraveled with Sale maintaining the lead through most of the affair with an 8.25. But, in the final minutes, McGill added to his 9.00 with a 6.20 and earned a big heat win heading into the Semifinals.
"It's firing Haleiwa. Watching the heat before (Quarterfinal, Heat 3) was crazy, they were putting on a movie part," said McGill. "I was just trying to compose myself because it's my favorite wave in the world. I was talking to Ross and he was telling me to calm down, I was snapping just wanting to get out there. It was so fun and to have a heat with all those guys, two CT guys and then Brodi is just up there as well so it was just get the best waves and who could surf the best."
"It came down to the first couple waves and then slowed down. I was lucky to be in fourth priority in that situation and bettered my score so it worked out."
Haleiwa's own Shion Crawford held down his home break in terrific form with a massive Round of 32 victory before unleashing more of his powerful forehand in the Quarterfinals. Crawford capitalized on an afternoon gem to start the Quarterfinals and post an 8.25 to take control of the heat. But, the 19-year-old continued to build and push back against the likes of Makana Franzmann, Oliver Zietz, and Rylan Beavers to earn his spot into the Semifinals alongside Zietz.
"I dropped that 8.25 on my first wave and then tried to go huge on the second one. I ate it and had to regroup for the next one," said Crawford. "But, I found that 6.25 after so I was stoked on that. This is my ideal conditions for a Finals Day if we can get something similar, it was so good today. Hopefully I can do it again and keep performing again."
When competition resumes, some of the top women are ready for their debuts including 2024 CT standout Bettylou Sakura Johnson, former CT Pipe Pro winner Moana Jones Wong, former CT competitor Luana Silva, current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Eweleiula Wong, and 2024 CT rookie Alyssa Spencer - who's made it through both the Round of 28 and 24.
Event organizers will reconvene Tuesday, December 3, at 7:00 a.m. HST for a possible 8:00 a.m. HST start to Finals Day.
Day 2: Men's Top Seeds Debut in Stunning Form
Fireworks ensued at the World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1000, with more incredible performances in pumping Haleiwa conditions to introduce the first top-seeded contenders. Residual, eight-foot sets still pulsed into the famed lineup with competitors rising to the occasion in heavy waters to put on a showcase of high-performance surfing to finish the Round of 96, Heats 6 - 16, and Round of 64, Heats 1 - 10.
Finn McGill Saves the Best for Last of Day 2 Action
In the last heat of the day, Finn McGill pushed the scale to the tipping point with the event's highest heat total so far, a near-perfect 18.50 (out of a possible 20). McGill battled with fellow Hawaii standout Brodi Sale, North Shore's Koa Smith, and Dylan Franzmann. The proven QS threat now looks to continue that momentum into the Round of 32.
"It's so fun. It's perfect Haleiwa right now," said McGill. "It's eight-foot and a little bit out of the North but it's just three turns every wave. It's all speed and power as much as you want. It gives you confidence but you also have to check yourself. I was just so psyched to do that. Then my coach Ross (Williams) told me it didn't happen (laughs)."
Former CTer Ian Gentil Goes Ballistic with a 9.80
One of Maui's premier competitors Ian Gentil showed the world his potential before facing the Mid-season Cut in 2023, but reminded everyone of his firepower with an explosive 9.80 (out of a possible 10) and 18.30 heat total. Gentil's forehand overpowered the testy afternoon conditions to surge toward the Round of 32 with plenty of steam and the 9.80 holding as the highest single-wave score so far.
"It's a bit challenging but I was just stoked to get out there in pumping surf," said Gentil. "I figured I'd get my chances and towards the end I paddled deep and got that 9.80. It felt really good to ride away clean. I didn't do Sunset but it's just so good to be here and I'm excited for this week."
Luke Tema Takes on Pumping Haleiwa with Stunning Debut
The current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui rankings leader Luke Tema debuted in phenomenal form, posting an excellent 16.35 heat total following a victory at Sunset Beach. The 18-year-old's forehand attack matched the power Haleiwa had to offer as conditions continued pulsing with solid eight-foot sets. But, the job isn't done for Tema who looks to maintain his momentum into back-to-back Finals Day appearances.
"It feels so good with those first round heats always being a little sketchy so I was a little nervous, but it feels good to calm the nerves," said Tema. "You have to look for the wave without the bump out there and sometimes it doesn't work but I'm stoked it worked out that time. It's almost more pressure coming off a win but I'm just trying to surf and have fun and not think about (being No. 1) too much."
Also earning Round of 96 and awaiting Round of 64 bouts, Kai Lenny, Coconut Willie, Kiron Jabour, Levi Young, and Leonid Nichols are set for top seeds.
Nalu Deodatu Overtakes Stacked Bout with Poise Under Pressure
An absolute battle featured Hawaii's own Nalu Deodato taking on former WSL World Title contender Joao Chianca alongside Round of 96 standouts Liam Wilson and Philippe Chagas in the Round of 64, Heat 1. The bout did not disappoint with Chianca and Chagas taking off to an early lead before Deodatu laid down multiple turns in critical sections of a Haleiwa set wave to earn a 9.25 (out of a possible 10). But, as time dwindled down, Deodatu found himself in fourth-place with Chianca holding the lead before Deodatu found another opportunity to strike and regained the lead before the final horn.
"That was a stacker and I was kind of fearing my first wave after I botched it. But I knew it was firing so I just stayed calm," said Deodatu. "I knew I'd get a couple more chances and when it came I just placed it four times so I'm stoked. It definitely boosts my confidence, and I'm just excited to make that heat for a chance to surf out at pumping Haleiwa with just four other guys out."
Major Round of 64 wins from an in-form Benji Brand, who posted a 9.40 of his own, Haleiwa's own Shion Crawford, Shayden Pacarro, Ezra Clark, and Rylan Beavers pushed them into the Round of 32 with the remaining top seeds ready to debut.
Event organizers have called men's Round of 96, Heat 11 ON for an 8:00 a.m. HST start with men's Round of 32 set to follow.
Day 1 Recap: North Shore Comes to Life Before Going XL
The World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1000, contenders battled a rising swell at Haleiwa before the swell maxed out to call competition off for the day following men's Round of 96, Heat 5. Pristine, six-to-eight-foot sets provided a showcase of high-performance surfing for the women's Round of 28, Round of 24, and men's Round of 96, Heats 1 through 5, before 15-to-18-foot sets began pumping into the lineup. But, early event threats shined when the opportunity arose to kickstart competition.
Buzzer-Beater Stunner sends Legend Chandler to an Excellent Start
An incredible start from Legend Chandlerset the tone in men's Round of 96 competition after starting off strong, posting a 7.85 (out of a possible 10). But, with former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Dusty Payne, Brazil's backhand threat Philippe Chagas, and Kainaru Kato in the mix, Chandler quickly found himself in need of a big score to take control once more. After Payne's 8.75, a day's best single-wave score, and Chagas' 14.45 (out of a possible 20) heat total set the scale, Chandler locked into a gem and unleashed his forehand attack to post an 8.45 and 16.30 heat total in the dying moments.
"It's picking up and doubling up out there, it's pretty gnarly. I got my 7.85 on my first one then I got smoked in the middle of the heat on a big set," said Chandler. "But that last wave lined up perfect and I'm stoked to get the score. That was a mental heat. It was sick to surf with guys like Dusty out there when it's pumping."
Benji Brand's Backhand Power on Full Display
QS veteran and North Shore standout, Benji Brand put his signature power against the heavy waters of Haleiwa to post one of the day's highest single-wave scores of an 8.50, later matched by Merrik Mochkatel. Brand's backhand was precise, hitting each critical section throughout the heat and posting a 15.75 heat total to surge toward top seeds in the Round of 64.
Also, Mochkatel, Nikoa Gazzola, and Liam Wilson all earned valuable heat wins to kickstart their day before competition was called off for the day.
Nora Liotta Surges into the Quarterfinals
The women kicked off proceedings as the swell continued to rise nearly every new set to challenge competitors' comfort levels at Haleiwa.
Former Sunset Pro victor Nora Liotta showed she was up to the task, utilizing her powerful forehand to post a 7.25 and solid 12.50 heat total. Liotta may be out of striking distance from rejoining the Challenger Series, but the Maui, Hawaii, competitor is hoping to build toward next season with a big finish here.
"It was so nice to get in rhythm a little bit. I just came over last night so that was my first session other than before the heat so it was nice just to surf Haleiwa without a crowd," said Liotta. "It feels good to be onto the next round. It's awesome the women get to surf a wave this good for the last event of the year and I just want to finish it off strong."
Zoie Zeitz Overcomes Building Haleiwa Power in Debut Heat Win
Emerging talents made their presence known with Zoie Zietz displacing major water in her Haleiwa start with a 7.25 of her own. Zietz's showcase to start the year, posting a 17.60 in her first heat of the season, continued as the swell picked up each heat. Now, the 15-year-old prepares for her third-straight, on-island Quarterfinal appearance.
"I waited so long and that wave came so I just took a deep breath and took off knowing it was a good one." said Zietz. "I rode out of that wave and heard it was a 7.25 so I thought I'd just sit on the inside and get my backup. Then I paddled back out to the lineup and the biggest set of the day at that point was coming so I just went for it and straightened out to end the heat. So I'm stoked to make it to the next day."
Also notching debut heat wins in the Round of 24, Skai Suitt and Puamakamae DeSoto charged into the Quarterfinals.
Following men's Round of 96, Heat 5, competition was called OFF for the day with Haleiwa maxing out as the swell continued to pulse. Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. HST for the next call.
"The surf has just gotten too big. It's 15-foot, plus and we had an 18-foot set just come through the lineup during that last heat," said Marty Thomas, Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Tour Manager. "It closed out the entire lineup here at Haleiwa. We got some good surf in this morning, but the swell is forecasted to increase all day so we'll make another call tomorrow morning."
The event window opens November 25 through December 7. Event organizers will select the best four days of the event window to run competition.
Finn McGill
Looking to kickstart his season, Finn McGill laid down an excellent 8.00 in his Round of 64 debut as he hunts a result at Haleiwa.
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QS Men's Round of 32 and Women's Round of 12 Completed as Indonesian's Dhany Widianto and Taina Izquierdo Post Top Scores and a Beachfront
The reigning event victor Ella McCaffray is back to defend her first-ever QS victory after a powerful performance in 2023.
A masterclass of how to handle Haleiwa unfolded with ten 9-point rides notched from Josh Moniz and Kauli Vaast's 9.70s, Vaast's 9.50, CT