HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., USA - (Wednesday, January 8, 2024) - The 2024/2025 World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) returns with the SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach, a men's and women's QS 3000 and Pro Junior, beginning January 20 through 26. This marks a pivotal mark of the men's and women's QS season toward 2025 Challenger Series qualification with 3,000 points on the line. It also kicks off the 2025 North America Pro Junior season to determine who represents the region at the WSL World Junior Championships.
Visit SLO CAL returns at the helm as title sponsor to provide this milestone event and keep professional surfing thriving on California's Central Coast.
Visit SLO CAL brings 3,000 Pivotal Points back to QS Contingent
The pristine backdrop of Pismo Beach, nestled within the rolling hills of San Luis Obispo County, provides the final surge toward vital points of the 2024/2025 QS season and kickstart the Pro Junior season. These marquee opportunities add to the building legacy that Visit SLO CAL continues to support and also showcase all that the area has to offer for the competitors and spectators in attendance.
"Visit SLO CAL is honored to sponsor the SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach, a premier event that celebrates the essence of our region's coastal community," said Cathy Cartier, President & CEO of Visit SLO CAL. "This competition not only highlights the incredible talent of surfers but also invites visitors and locals alike to connect with the vibrant surf culture that defines the region. Partnering with the World Surf League and Surfing For Hope allows us to bring global attention to SLO CAL's unique coastal charm and foster meaningful experiences along our 80+ miles of pristine shoreline."
Fresh Start for Pro Junior Contenders to Begin 2025 Season
The SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach also kicks off a new season for the Pro Junior contingent after Blayr Barton (USA) and Bella Kenworthy (USA) claimed the 2025 regional victories. Kenworthy, 18, went on to qualify for the Championship Tour (CT) after earning runner-up in the QS at this event last season before taking the Challenger Series by storm and shows the caliber that North America contenders continue to push courtesy of opportunities such as competing in SLO CAL.
"We are all looking forward to another great event and want to welcome all the surfers who have come to ride that special wave in Pismo Beach," Executive Director of Pismo Beach Conference and Visitor Bureau Gordon Jackson said.
The three-stop North America Pro Junior season begins at Pismo Beach before moving to Cocoa Beach, Fla., and ending at the world-renowned reef of Soup Bowl in Barbados. Every event matters with the opportunity to qualify for the World Junior Championships, where the winner earns an automatic position on the 2026 Challenger Series.
"Visit SLO CAL's continued support is nothing short of incredible for bringing a major opportunity back to our QS and Pro Junior competitors," WSL North America Regional Manager Meg Bernardo said. "With the help of Andy McKay helping organize the event alongside the support of Surfing For Hope and Visit Pismo Beach, we're amazed by the community's effort each year. It's become a stop that our competitors for the QS, Pro Juniors, and also Longboard QS all enjoy, and helps push their careers where they want to go."
Watch Live
The SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach QS 3000 and Pro Junior holds a competition beginning January 20 through 26 at Pismo Beach, Calif. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast on www.WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App and WSL Youtube channel.