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Air Tahiti Rangiroa Pro Makes Grand Return to Qualifying Series Schedule
Andrew Nichols
World Surf League (WSL) Hawaii/Tahiti Nui is proud to announce that the Air Tahiti Rangiroa Pro, a men's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, is back to provide the ultimate conclusion to its 2022/23 regional QS season. The world-class reef break will test competitors' barrel-riding ability with its hollow, challenging tendencies. This event will determine the final QS rankings for athletes' 2023 Challenger Series qualification as they look to make a move toward the elite Championship Tour (CT).
"Māuruuru roa to the Tahitian Surfing Federation and Rangiroa community for bringing this event back for our Hawaii/Tahiti Nui athletes," said WSL North America/Hawaii Regional Director Robin Erb. "This is a thrilling venue for the conclusion of the men's regional season, and we look forward to some incredible performances and the determination of our Challenger Series qualifiers."
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event hosted some of the region's best competitors from 2016 - 2020 and proved to be one the QS's destination events. For Tahitian competitors, and the community of Rangiroa, this event is crucial as they don't have travel beyond their borders to compete and have the opportunity to get important points toward earning a spot onto the Challenger Series.
"The Tahitian Surfing Federation is overjoyed to be able to hold the exciting WSL event at the Rangiroa reef again," said President of the Tahitian Surfing Federation, Lionel Teihotu. "This is the first WSL QS event since the pandemic and for our Tahitian surfers it is very important to compete and measure up to surfers from around the region."
Multiple 10-point rides have been recorded at Rangiroa, the main atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago, throughout its brief, but electric competition history. From the likes of defending event winner, Mason Ho, to Tahiti's own Tereva David, those willing to throw themselves over the ledge will be rewarded.
With current No. 1 Eli Hanneman already accruing 1,350 points, four remaining spots are up for grabs toward the 2023 Challenger Series with the likes of Joshua Moniz, Jackson Bunch, Billy Kemper, and Shion Crawford looking to hold their ground and clinch those respective spots.
The Air Tahiti Rangiroa Pro will run on the best three days during the event window beginning March 6 - 10.
Eli Hanneman
Featuring Eli Hanneman, Sawyer Lindblad, Griffin Colapinto, Imaikalani deVault, Eithan Osborne, Cam Richards, Lucca Mesinas, Bettylou
The former Championship Tour competitor Eli Hanneman made his dreams a reality in 2023 before being dashed early at the Mid-season Cut.
Eli Hanneman continues to take on heaving sections, earning a 7.83, and taking to the air for an excellent 8.23 to claim his spot in Finals
Maui's latest addition to the CT, Eli Hanneman, took over his Opening Round battle with three-time World Champ Gabriel Medina and South
A highly-anticipated rookie debut for Eli Hanneman and return to the world's best for Imaikalani deVault join fellow Maui competitor Ian
Air Tahiti Rangiroa Pro
The Tahitian Mihimana Braye powered his way through to a maiden Rangiroa Final after stunning performances.
The Paia, Maui, competitor had a day of days to jumpstart his young career with a first-ever WSL win in dominant form at Rangiroa.
The Maui, Hawaii, competitor Jackson Bunch punched through to guarantee himself 500 points and a spot within Hawaii/Tahiti Nui's Top 5.
The Tahitian Mihimana Braye overpowered his way into the Semifinals after a dominant showing in Round of 32 and Quarterfinal victories.
Bunch earns maiden QS victory in stunning fashion, Braye represents Tahitians rhrough to Runner-Up performance, plus noteworthy finishes