- WSL
- WSL

The 2019 Nias Pro WSL QS men's event has been upgraded to a QS3,000 event for 2019. This upgrade means that the event to be held at one of Indonesia's premier right-handers will now offer more points and prizemoney for the huge international field expected to attend. 

Nias Lagundri Bay in all her glory. - WSL

At a wave that is dominated by local surfers and regular visitors, the Nias Pro 2019 could give a huge opportunity in the career of a QS competitor that doesn't usually get the chance to compete for QS points in this range. Last year, local surfer Justin Buulolo finished in third place at Nias and hopes to position himself well for 2019 with another solid result at home. 

"I'm so excited to see the the Nias Pro upgraded to a QS3,00 event," Buulolo said. "It will be amazing to compete alongside some of the big name surfers from around the world and get the opportunity to earn some good QS points. Improving my seed could give me the opportunity to surf in other WSL events around Asia." 

Justin Buullolo Justin Buulolo showing pure comfort in the Nias vortex. - WSL / Tim Hain

The event being upgraded to a QS3,00 was thanks to a joint effort between WSL Asia, Asian Surfing Cooperation, the Nias, Sumatran, and Indonesian Governments. 

"WSL Asia is proud to work closely with Tipi Jabrik and Tim Hain from ASC to deliver this epic event," said WSL Asia Event Director Steve Robertson. "We had an amazing event last year and everyone is so looking forward to Nias again. Personally, I believe this is all round the best contest wave in the world - so consistent, so perfect and simply an amazing point break that offers the lot!"

Having competed in a WSL event at Nias almost 20-years ago in the year 2000 and then acting as the Contest Director in 2018, Asian Surfing Cooperative Director Tipi Jabrik is proud to see the growth of an event at one of the jewels in the crown of the Indonesian archipelago. 

"Nias is one of the most iconic waves in surfing," Jabrik said. "To have a consistent international surfing event there gives the area incredible exposure for surf tourism but most of all give Indonesian surfers an opportunity to surf against an international field and gain QS rankings points. Not to mention the fact that it is one of the most perfect waves on the planet and competitors will have the opportunity to surf it with only a couple of others out."

Kailani Johnson Kailani Johnson enjoying a dreamy Nias wall. - WSL / Tim Hain

Competitors from the Nias Pro will then have the option to travel to Sri Lanka for another QS3,000 event, the So Sri Lanka Pro which will take place just over a week later. The 2019 Nias Pro men's and women's event will run from September 9 - 14

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