- WSL / Laurent Masurel
- WSL / Laurent Masurel

The  Seat Pro Netanya comes back this week in Netanya, Israel. Held at Kontiki Beach, the men's QS 3,000 marks the first event of the 2019 season.

What?

The 2018 Qualifying Series wrapped at Sunset and for those who haven't made the cut, there's no time to slack as the first event of the new year is now only a couple of days away.

Charly Martin (FRA).Seat Pro Netanya 2018 Netanya occasionally serves a decent hollow section, Charly Martin setting up. - WSL / Laurent Masurel

The men's QS 3,000 event carries crucial points, as all qualifiers for the CT this season were counting on results under 3,000 points in their season tally, so a big performance at Netanya puts you on the right track. It's also the opening event of the European series, so regional surfers count on the event to launch their campaign for the European title.

Peterson Crisanto, who just got the precious ticket for the big show at Sunset, is a past winner in Netanya. Matthew McGillivray, another top dog on the QS series, is the defending event champion. Long-time QS grinder Pedro Henrique won the first edition.

Where?

It's the fourth year aspiring pros will have the chance to launch their season in the beautiful Mediterranean waters of Netanya, just North of Tel Aviv. When the weather plays nice, there's turquoise water and blue skies to compliment the fun beachbreak.

Dead Sea. Netanya 2017 The Dead Sea is a classic lay day excursion surfers take each year to bathe in some of the saltiest waters on the planet below sea-level. - WSL / Laurent Masurel

Of course the event runs in winter, so the Med can also produce big storms and send strong swells with gale-force winds to challenge the surfers. All in all, the SEAT Pro Netanya is an epic experience where any lay day turns into a world of cultural experiences. Most of the surfers who have been there once have returned the following years and this also has to do with the classic welcoming vibe of the passionate locals who are stoked to share their waves with international pros once a year.

When?

Tune in from January 10-19, 2019 and check out all the photos, videos and updates right here!

In the meantime, navigate the below collection of images from last year with the left and right arrows >

How could we start the nostalgic throwback other than with a shot of the two finalists Matthew McGillivray and Charly Martin.
- WSL / Laurent Masurel
1 of 12
How could we start the nostalgic throwback other than with a shot of the two finalists Matthew McGillivray and Charly Martin.
- WSL / Laurent Masurel
1 of 12
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