Today, Sawyer Lindblad and John Mel claimed victories at the 2023 Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, respectively, to start the 2023/24' North America QS season. A dream run through Finals Day culminated with a back-to-back victory at this event for Lindblad as Mel returned to the podium for the first time since Pismo Beach in 2021, marking his third-career QS win. Both catapult to the top of North America's rankings to start the 2023/24' season with Bella Kenworthy and Cole Houshmand earning runner-up finishes, respectively.
Reigning North America QS Regional Champ Sawyer Lindblad went near-perfect to win back-to-back event titles in Huntington Beach.
The women's Final kicked off with Lindblad taking the edge over confirmed 2023 Challenger Series athlete Bella Kenworthy (USA) in the early goings. Inconsistent conditions didn't provide a response for Kenworthy before Lindblad unleashed her signature, backhand attack on multiple sections to post a near-perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10) and hold a 15.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total heading into the halfway mark. Kenworthy's patience was rewarded with an inside wedge that she was able to connect with and post a 5.67 to get out of a combination situation, but Lindblad wasn't done and followed up with a 7.33 and put the Final out of reach once more heading into the final horn with Lindblad emerging victorious.
"It feels really good after I was bummed getting second in Barbados and after that I just put my momentum into this event, and wanted to come away with a win," said Lindblad. "I'm just really excited for this year. I feel like I've had a long break from the Challenger Series so I'm excited to get out of the country again. I feel like being No. 1 gives you more confidence and I'm really excited for this new season."
This marks the reigning North America QS Regional Champion, Lindblad's, back-to-back victory at this event as she now prepares to rejoin the world's elite on the Challenger Series beginning at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast, Australia.
A tough end to the 2022/23' season provided John Mel the fire to come back stronger and emerged victorious for 3,000 points in Huntington Beach.
An all-goofy footed affair in the men's Final unraveled with John Mel and Cole Houshmand going head-to-head. The opening exchange witnessed Mel's backhand attack garner an impressive 6.50 on a running righthander that provided the Santa Cruz, Caifornian multiple opportunities as Houshmand's fell just under with a 6.00. San Clemente, California's, powerhouse, Houshmand, then followed up quickly with a 5.60 to take over the Final as Mel's attempts to catch the 2022/23' No. 4 fell just shy of the requirement. But, in the dying minutes, an opportunity came to Mel and he did not squander it, posting a 5.10 as he needed a 5.00 and held the lead until the end, notching his first win since 2021.
"This feels good and it feels like hard work paying off," said Mel. "I felt like I worked so hard last year and didn't get the results I wanted so to start off with a win is the best feeling ever. It's so nice to start off the year with 3,000 points and it was just a really quick reset from not qualifying for the Challengers straight into this event. I didn't have too much time to think about anything, just time to get back to work. It'll be good to relax and I'm excited for whatever's next."
A brilliant Finals Day campaign from Santa Cruz, California's, Mel began with an impressive showing over Florida's Ryan Huckabee in their Quarterfinal battle before Mel's back-and-forth clash with an in-form Alan Cleland (MEX) gave way to a last-minute gem that provided Mel a 7.67 and passage to the Final. The now 23-year-old sets his eyes on a big season ahead after falling short of his Challenger Series qualification goal in 2023.
The confirmed 2023 Challenger Series competitor kicked off her regional year with a runner-up and another Finals appearance in her young career.
A bittersweet runner-up for Bella Kenworthy marked her second Final in three events as the San Clemente competitor overtook fellow San Clemente standout Kirra Pinkerton in their Semifinal bout. Kenworthy's form continues to prove she's one of the region's newest threats at age 16 as she now sets her eyes on a full year among the Challenger Series elite after finishing No. 3 on the North America rankings in 2022/23'.
"I'm happy to start the year with a Final and I almost lost all my heats yesterday so it was good to make the Final," said Kenworthy. "It's so nice to get a QS 3,00 out of the way, this was such a fun event and a big thank you to Jack's for putting it on. My goal is just to my best on the Challenger Series, I've never been to any of these spots so I'm excited for these new places and hopefully I can get some results."
San Clemente's Cole Houshmand found himself in his second Final in three events as he now eyes down a year among the Challenger Series elite.
Houshmand's incredible form provided a dream finish to the 2022/23' season, including a maiden QS victory, and the San Clemente, California, competitor carried that momentum into the start of this season. Houshmand's Finals Day run began with a clutch victory of one of North America's rising talents Taro Watanabe before facing off with one of the region's most decorated QS veterans, Michael Dunphy, in their Semifinal battle.
"I'm super stoked, making a Final is always great even though it sucks not to win, but I'm stoked on my consistency and it's been a great run," said Houshmand. "I always love surfing Huntington and a little warm up for US Open. It's good to start the year off with a second and hopefully I don't need it. I'm hoping for a good year on the Challenger Series. I'm stoked to have some of the boys [from San Clemente] going and I think we're going to do some good this year."
Houshmand now prepares for the Challenger Series beginning May 6 at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast, Australia as he takes on the world's elite in search of CT qualification.
Noteworthy Finishes For Semifinalists McCaffray, Pinkerton, Cleland, and Dunphy
An incredible run for the likes of Kirra Pinkerton ended with a Semifinal result after three heat wins on Saturday's action before falling to eventual runner-up Kenworthy in a stout battle. Ella McCaffray's No. 5 finish on the 2022/23' rankings marked a career best and she now starts the season tied at No. 3 with Pinkerton as she locks in for a big season ahead in hopes of joining the Challenger Series elite.
A buzzer-beater finish for Alan Cleland in the Quarterfinals over former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Lucca Mesinas pushed him into the Semifinals where he clashed with eventual winner Mel, and starts his season with 1,825 valuable points. A Semifinal showdown between Michael Dunphy and Houshmand went back and forth until the final horn which witnessed Houshmand's 7.00 turn the heat as the ocean didn't provide Dunphy another opportunity to respond.
Dimitri Poulos soared to a big win ahead of the Challenger Series as Ella McCaffray's power maneuver (not caught on live) earned them $1,500.
The Hydro Flask Fu Wax Airshow provided entertainment for spectators as Ella McCaffray (USA) and Dimitri Poulos (USA) claimed wins, respectively. Criteria included biggest air or best single maneuver as McCaffray's speed run to an impressive, forehand blowtail garnered and Poulos' jaw-dropping air-reverse were enough to claim the win and $1,500 prize courtesy of Hydro Flask and Fu Wax.
Marathon Moving Day Determines Quarterfinal and Semifinal Draws
Some of North America's best are Finals Day ready at the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, after a marathon day of competition completed the women's Round of 32, Heats 5 - 8, Round of 16, and Quarterfinals alongside the men's Round of 32 and 16. Two-to-three foot, clean conditions provided moments of golden opportunities throughout the day and surfers who found themselves in the right spot capitalized for impressive performances.
The defending event victor Sawyer Lindblad continues to show her consistency, adding an excellent 8.17 to her name as she claimed a Quarterfinal win.
The remaining top-seeded women made their debuts as Kirra Pinkerton powered her way through the Round of 32 and 16 to earn a Quarterfinal appearance, but it was fellow San Clemente, California, competitor Sawyer Lindblad who stole the show in her Quarterfinal bout with Huntington Beach's own Sara Freyre. Lindblad's ferocious backhand accrued an excellent 8.17 (out of a possible 10) as she looks for back-to-back victories and another QS 3,000 title to her resume.
"Conditions were really tricky so I just wanted to be on the best waves," said Lindblad. "In my first heat I wasn't on the best waves and then in this last heat I was able to pick and choose since it was a two-person heat, and I'm happy to be into Finals Day. I've just tried to stay consistent and just have fun with it and I'm really excited."
A fresh season has already yielded Ella McCaffray a Quarterfinal appearance after posting a 6.83 in her Round of 16 battle.
Another stunning performance from Ella McCaffray continued through her Round of 16 and Quarterfinals heats with more success in both, earning a 13.77 (out of a possible 20) heat total in her Quarterfinal affair against an in-form Mia McLeish (USA). The Encinitas, California, competitor overpowered the smaller conditions with her aggressive forehand and now sets her aim on a maiden WSL victory.
"There were a couple really fun sets out there with a little more power than the last heat so I was able to pen up," said McCaffray. "I got lucky with a good wave in the end so I was stoked to surf a bit. I'm stoked to be into Finals Day. At least a Semifinal finish at a QS 3,000 is a lot of points so I'm really excited to start the year off like this."
Confirmed 2023 Challenger Series competitor Bella Kenworthy also earned a valuable Semifinal appearance after overcoming Canada's top-tier surf Mathea Dempfle-Olin, alongside Pinkerton's last-minute heroics sending her into the Semifinals.
San Clemente, California, powerhouse Cole Houshmand threw caution to the wind for a 7.33 and claimed another Quarterfinal appearance.
A dominant display from San Clemente, California's, Cole Houshmandgarnered a 7.33 for his aerial assault in the Round of 16 after taking down a stacked Round of 32 battle. Houshmand's maiden WSL victory came just weeks ago at the Cabarete Pro and he continues to be a force among North America's top contenders, claiming a spot on the Challenger Series once more, as he looks to kickstart the 2023/24' season with a second-career QS win.
"It feels amazing to start the year off like this and a heat make is a heat make, and I'm stoked to get on a roll like this," said Houshmand. "I'm looking forward to winning another event soon whether it's this one or in the future, I'm just stoked to surf heats with the boys, that's what it's all about. For Jack's to make this event as big as they have is great and it's easy to support a team like that so hopefully one of us can take it home."
2022 Challenger Series notable Alan Cleland narrowly missed out on requalifying and put on a forehand clinic to kickstart his 2023/24' campaign in Huntington Beach.
After spending time among the world's elite on the Challenger Series in 2022, Alan Cleland narrowly missed the Top 7 to requalify and now kicks off a fresh season with a Quarterfinal appearance. Cleland's forehand attack led him to an impressive 7.00 in the Round of 16 after a 7.57 in the Round of 32 behind Lucca Mesinas. The 20-year-old also enters his first full-time season on the QS after graduating from the Pro Juniors and looks to keep his momentum alive alongside Ryan Huckabee, joining Cleland into the Quarterfinals.
"It definitely feels good to get some reps in and get some heats, surfing some waves because you never know, it could be smaller or flat," said Cleland. "Last year I had a hard year that I didn't go to a couple events and didn't do as well as I would've like in the back half of the year. But, it's exciting to get a couple points at the start of the year."
Also notching Round of 16 heat wins, Crosby Colapinto and John Mel will look to earn their place into the Semifinals and further.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT for a likely 8:00 a.m. PDT start to Finals Day.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask will open on April 6 and hold a competition window through April 9, 2023. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Top Seeds Steal the Show in Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask Debuts
Top seeds took over proceedings at the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, in their respective debuts at the Huntington Beach Pier arena. The men's Round of 64 and women's Round of 32, Heats 1 - 4 finished in their entirety before event organizers called competition off for the day with stunning performances in the two-to-three foot conditions on offer.
The Costa Rican Leilani McGonagle shined with a 13.00 heat total in her debut after a nail-biting finish to her 2022/23' season gave way to Challenger Series confirmation.
Recently confirmed 2023 Challenger Series competitor Leilani McGonagle found a pair of running lefthanders that made the Costa Rican look right at home as she overpowered them for an impressive 13.00 (out of a possible 20) heat total. McGonagle's nail-biting finish to the 2022/23' season is now behind her as she sets her focus on the horizon ahead and getting the job done here in Huntington Beach before embarking on her journey toward Championship Tour (CT) qualification.
"I'm super excited, I feel like in Barbados I wasn't doing my best surfing," said McGonagle. "I got eaten up by all the pressure that came with Challenger Series qualification and now that I'm clear of that I want to put down some good heat totals. I want to start this year with my right foot forward and hopefully have a more solid base heading into the back half of this year."
Encinitas, California's, Ella McCaffray dropped one of the day's best scores of a 7.40 on her forehand attack as she looks to go the distance in 2023/24' season.
Narrowly missing the Top 4 last season, Ella McCaffray kicked off a new year in the right direction with a stunning 7.40 (out of a possible 10) in tough, afternoon conditions. McCaffray's standard of success grows with each new year and, after a career-best No. 5 finish on the North America rankings, looks to continue her growth within the jersey while trying to find her way back into a QS Final.
"It's a huge confidence booster to start with a heat win," said McCaffray. "I finished fifth in the rankings this last season and less than a week later we're back for the start of another season. Last year was my best finish on the rankings and now I'm just looking to get to know my equipment more, learn the waves more, and hopefully make a Final or two this year."
Also notching impressive heat wins, Havanna Cabrero and defending event winner, and reigning North America QS Regional Champion Sawyer Lindblad, moved into the Round of 16 as the final top seeds await their start.
The confirmed Challenger Series competitor Jett Schilling posted a dominant debut including an excellent, 16.10 heat total.
One of 2022/23's breakthrough competitors, Jett Schilling, returned to the jersey and flourished in his debut with an excellent 16.10 heat total. Schilling's impeccable timing on his backhand attack led to an excellent 8.33 before closing out the heat with another Huntington Beach gem for a 7.77. Now, the San Clemente, California, competitor looks for more heading into the weekend.
"It feels insane to start like that," said Schilling. "I'm just stoked to be here and have another contest, get straight back into it. I'm just very grateful and psyched to surf a contest close to home. This event is super important with 3,000 points and can set you up for the upcoming events so I'm stoked."
The recently crowned North America QS Regional Champ Crosby Colapinto kicked off the new season with an excellent 8.50 and 15.33 heat total.
Straight off the biggest win of his young career, Crosby Colapinto carried that momentum into his Round of 64 debut with an excellent 8.50 and 15.33 heat total. Colapinto's signature forehand power and style were on full display, picking apart the Huntington Beach lineup with ease as Venezuela's Rafael Pereira earned an advancing position. Just one of San Clemente's emerging talent pool, Colapinto leads the crew of North America's top threats out of the beach town.
"It's pretty epic coming off a win from Barbados and trying to keep the same kind of strategy going into every heat," said Colapinto. "Just trying to be on the best wave and do my best surfing. We started this ‘2 Percent' group and it's brought the whole of San Clemente age group together, and we have a great supportive group pushing each other so it's pretty epic."
Part of that San Clemente talent pool, Kade Matson also dropped an excellent 8.17 alongside Cole Houshmand earning debut heat wins.
The Barbadian Josh Burke is fresh off a runner-up at home when it mattered most and now comes into this event stress-free as he looks for a big start to the year.
An all-or-nothing performance at his home break of Soup Bowl, Barbados, for Josh Burke earned him the coveted Challenger Series spot and the Barbadian brought that confidence to Huntington Beach. Burke's dominant forehand attack accrued a 14.67 heat total in his debut as he prepares for a season among the world's next contenders, but sets his eyes on the task at hand and also a chance at repeating as Hydro Flask Airshow presented by Fu Wax victor.
"The two waves came to me and I didn't fall on the two waves I wanted, and I tried to land an air so I could be in the airshow Final again, but maybe next heat (laughs)," said Burke. "I'll try to be in both Finals this year. I'm still in the competitive mode. I tried to get out of it for three days when I was at home and wish there was more time of a break after the stress of the last month, but I'm here to win, this is my vacation contest so we'll see how it goes."
Local hero Sage Guinaldo made his long-awaited return to the jersey on opening day and backed up that performance with a brilliant showing over top-seeded competitors Alan Cleland, also advancing, and Wheeler Hasburgh. Also notching clutch Round of 64 victories, fellow local standout Keanu Igarashi last-minute antics earned him a spot into the Round of 32 alongside top-seeded competitors Jabe Swierkocki, Tyler Gunter, Ryland Rubens, Dimitri Poulos, Taj Lindblad, Sam Coffey, and more all claiming debut heat wins.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT for a likely 8:00 a.m. PDT start.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask will open on April 6 and hold a competition window through April 9, 2023. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Men and Women Kickstart 2023/24' Season in Huntington Beach
The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) contenders are back and kickstarted their 2023/24' season with opening day of the Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask powering through early goings. Two-to-three foot, clean windswell provided moments of high-performance magic as the men's Round of 104 and 96, as well as the women's Round of 40 finished in their entirety. The stage is now set for top seeds to make their debut and join opening day standouts looking to keep their momentum alive.
The QS veteran David do Carmo unleashed his backhand attack for an excellent 8.17 and 15.10 heat total to take control of opening day.
QS veteran and event threat David do Carmo fell short of his goal joining the Challenger Series elite last season and put that focus into the Round of 96 heat. The Brazilian, now residing in Huntington Beach, unleashed his backhand attack to garner an excellent 8.17 (out of a possible 10) and 15.10 heat total (out of a possible 20) to set the pace of competition. But, do Carmo knows the job is far from done and already has his eyes set on the top-seeded Round of 64.
"I'm stoked to start like that, last season wasn't that great for me, but I still got a lot of experience," said do Carmo. "I put everything I could to be into the Top 7 and now it's a new event, a new season right here in my backyard. Now I just hope to do well and start strong. I got lucky to find that wave and knew I was surfing good with a good board under my feet. I was grateful for that opportunity."
The emerging threat Raiki Nishida showcased his ability to overpower his backhand attack for an impressive 7.83 and debut heat win at Huntington Beach.
Raiki Nishidagot his fresh start in the right direction with a proper 7.83 on his aggressive backhand attack, linking multiple major maneuvers on a Huntington Beach gem. The San Clemente, California, competitor had a tough finish to the 2022/23' season and now looks to get started in the right direction to build his growing career.
"That's amazing for the confidence after I lost early in the last few events so it's nice to get into the rhythm," said Nishida. "I haven't surfed Huntington Beach since I was a grom so I was stoked to get a nug and do what I was supposed to do on it. It was mentally pretty hard because I kept losing and everyone is so good, but it's a new year, hit restart and train harder and see what happens the rest of the year."
Also garnering vital Round of 96 victories, Nicholas Coli, Cole McCaffray, Dane Matson, Hayden Rodgers, Cristian Padilla, Sebastian Mendes, Parker Cohn, Jordy Collins, Cannon Carr, Dylan Hord, Greyson Grant, Jak Ziets, Cory Arrambide, and David Okeefe moved into the top-seeded Round of 64.
The former Super Girl Surf Pro victor Samantha Sibley kicked off her return to the jersey with a Round of 40 heat win in Huntington Beach after taking time away.
Former Super Girl Surf Pro victor Samantha Sibley made her long-awaited return to the jersey in flourishing form with a Round of 40, debut heat win. The now 20-year-old has her eyes set on a big result before the season break as she makes her way into the top-seeded round where she typically would begin her campaigns.
"It was cool taking a little break, I only did half of last season, and it's a little change of pace," said Sibley. "Now I'm starting in [the first round] because I lost all my seed points, but it's sick I like have that extra heat and grinding from a place I haven't been before. I'm stoked, I needed a break so I think it's awesome [to be back]."
At age 13, Alana Lopez (USA) is already showing she's capable of making it through tough conditions in the jersey. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
WSL newcomer Alana Lopez represented for her home state of Florida as she continues to grow in the jersey. Daughter to former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Cory, the 13-year-old accrued a solid performance in the tough afternoon conditions she was able to overpower for a 6.83. Now, Lopez prepares for the top seeds when competition resumes.
"It's pretty similar [to Ponce Inlet] just with the smaller waves and wind on it," said Lopez. "I'm riding a Subdriver Lightspeed from Mayhem and it felt really good. Thank you to my dad coming out here last year and helping me, and coaching, along with my little brother."
Also, Santa Cruz, California's, Maddie Storrer and fellow Californian Syd Ott moved into the Round of 32 with clutch heat wins.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT for a likely 8:00 a.m. PDT.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask will open on April 6 and hold a competition window through April 9, 2023. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Sawyer Lindblad and John Mel Win Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask
Andrew Nichols
Today, Sawyer Lindblad and John Mel claimed victories at the 2023 Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, respectively, to start the 2023/24' North America QS season. A dream run through Finals Day culminated with a back-to-back victory at this event for Lindblad as Mel returned to the podium for the first time since Pismo Beach in 2021, marking his third-career QS win. Both catapult to the top of North America's rankings to start the 2023/24' season with Bella Kenworthy and Cole Houshmand earning runner-up finishes, respectively.
The women's Final kicked off with Lindblad taking the edge over confirmed 2023 Challenger Series athlete Bella Kenworthy (USA) in the early goings. Inconsistent conditions didn't provide a response for Kenworthy before Lindblad unleashed her signature, backhand attack on multiple sections to post a near-perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10) and hold a 15.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total heading into the halfway mark. Kenworthy's patience was rewarded with an inside wedge that she was able to connect with and post a 5.67 to get out of a combination situation, but Lindblad wasn't done and followed up with a 7.33 and put the Final out of reach once more heading into the final horn with Lindblad emerging victorious.
"It feels really good after I was bummed getting second in Barbados and after that I just put my momentum into this event, and wanted to come away with a win," said Lindblad. "I'm just really excited for this year. I feel like I've had a long break from the Challenger Series so I'm excited to get out of the country again. I feel like being No. 1 gives you more confidence and I'm really excited for this new season."
This marks the reigning North America QS Regional Champion, Lindblad's, back-to-back victory at this event as she now prepares to rejoin the world's elite on the Challenger Series beginning at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast, Australia.
An all-goofy footed affair in the men's Final unraveled with John Mel and Cole Houshmand going head-to-head. The opening exchange witnessed Mel's backhand attack garner an impressive 6.50 on a running righthander that provided the Santa Cruz, Caifornian multiple opportunities as Houshmand's fell just under with a 6.00. San Clemente, California's, powerhouse, Houshmand, then followed up quickly with a 5.60 to take over the Final as Mel's attempts to catch the 2022/23' No. 4 fell just shy of the requirement. But, in the dying minutes, an opportunity came to Mel and he did not squander it, posting a 5.10 as he needed a 5.00 and held the lead until the end, notching his first win since 2021.
"This feels good and it feels like hard work paying off," said Mel. "I felt like I worked so hard last year and didn't get the results I wanted so to start off with a win is the best feeling ever. It's so nice to start off the year with 3,000 points and it was just a really quick reset from not qualifying for the Challengers straight into this event. I didn't have too much time to think about anything, just time to get back to work. It'll be good to relax and I'm excited for whatever's next."
A brilliant Finals Day campaign from Santa Cruz, California's, Mel began with an impressive showing over Florida's Ryan Huckabee in their Quarterfinal battle before Mel's back-and-forth clash with an in-form Alan Cleland (MEX) gave way to a last-minute gem that provided Mel a 7.67 and passage to the Final. The now 23-year-old sets his eyes on a big season ahead after falling short of his Challenger Series qualification goal in 2023.
A bittersweet runner-up for Bella Kenworthy marked her second Final in three events as the San Clemente competitor overtook fellow San Clemente standout Kirra Pinkerton in their Semifinal bout. Kenworthy's form continues to prove she's one of the region's newest threats at age 16 as she now sets her eyes on a full year among the Challenger Series elite after finishing No. 3 on the North America rankings in 2022/23'.
"I'm happy to start the year with a Final and I almost lost all my heats yesterday so it was good to make the Final," said Kenworthy. "It's so nice to get a QS 3,00 out of the way, this was such a fun event and a big thank you to Jack's for putting it on. My goal is just to my best on the Challenger Series, I've never been to any of these spots so I'm excited for these new places and hopefully I can get some results."
Houshmand's incredible form provided a dream finish to the 2022/23' season, including a maiden QS victory, and the San Clemente, California, competitor carried that momentum into the start of this season. Houshmand's Finals Day run began with a clutch victory of one of North America's rising talents Taro Watanabe before facing off with one of the region's most decorated QS veterans, Michael Dunphy, in their Semifinal battle.
"I'm super stoked, making a Final is always great even though it sucks not to win, but I'm stoked on my consistency and it's been a great run," said Houshmand. "I always love surfing Huntington and a little warm up for US Open. It's good to start the year off with a second and hopefully I don't need it. I'm hoping for a good year on the Challenger Series. I'm stoked to have some of the boys [from San Clemente] going and I think we're going to do some good this year."
Houshmand now prepares for the Challenger Series beginning May 6 at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast, Australia as he takes on the world's elite in search of CT qualification.
Noteworthy Finishes For Semifinalists McCaffray, Pinkerton, Cleland, and Dunphy
An incredible run for the likes of Kirra Pinkerton ended with a Semifinal result after three heat wins on Saturday's action before falling to eventual runner-up Kenworthy in a stout battle. Ella McCaffray's No. 5 finish on the 2022/23' rankings marked a career best and she now starts the season tied at No. 3 with Pinkerton as she locks in for a big season ahead in hopes of joining the Challenger Series elite.
A buzzer-beater finish for Alan Cleland in the Quarterfinals over former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Lucca Mesinas pushed him into the Semifinals where he clashed with eventual winner Mel, and starts his season with 1,825 valuable points. A Semifinal showdown between Michael Dunphy and Houshmand went back and forth until the final horn which witnessed Houshmand's 7.00 turn the heat as the ocean didn't provide Dunphy another opportunity to respond.
The Hydro Flask Fu Wax Airshow provided entertainment for spectators as Ella McCaffray (USA) and Dimitri Poulos (USA) claimed wins, respectively. Criteria included biggest air or best single maneuver as McCaffray's speed run to an impressive, forehand blowtail garnered and Poulos' jaw-dropping air-reverse were enough to claim the win and $1,500 prize courtesy of Hydro Flask and Fu Wax.
Marathon Moving Day Determines Quarterfinal and Semifinal Draws
Some of North America's best are Finals Day ready at the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, after a marathon day of competition completed the women's Round of 32, Heats 5 - 8, Round of 16, and Quarterfinals alongside the men's Round of 32 and 16. Two-to-three foot, clean conditions provided moments of golden opportunities throughout the day and surfers who found themselves in the right spot capitalized for impressive performances.
The remaining top-seeded women made their debuts as Kirra Pinkerton powered her way through the Round of 32 and 16 to earn a Quarterfinal appearance, but it was fellow San Clemente, California, competitor Sawyer Lindblad who stole the show in her Quarterfinal bout with Huntington Beach's own Sara Freyre. Lindblad's ferocious backhand accrued an excellent 8.17 (out of a possible 10) as she looks for back-to-back victories and another QS 3,000 title to her resume.
"Conditions were really tricky so I just wanted to be on the best waves," said Lindblad. "In my first heat I wasn't on the best waves and then in this last heat I was able to pick and choose since it was a two-person heat, and I'm happy to be into Finals Day. I've just tried to stay consistent and just have fun with it and I'm really excited."
Another stunning performance from Ella McCaffray continued through her Round of 16 and Quarterfinals heats with more success in both, earning a 13.77 (out of a possible 20) heat total in her Quarterfinal affair against an in-form Mia McLeish (USA). The Encinitas, California, competitor overpowered the smaller conditions with her aggressive forehand and now sets her aim on a maiden WSL victory.
"There were a couple really fun sets out there with a little more power than the last heat so I was able to pen up," said McCaffray. "I got lucky with a good wave in the end so I was stoked to surf a bit. I'm stoked to be into Finals Day. At least a Semifinal finish at a QS 3,000 is a lot of points so I'm really excited to start the year off like this."
Confirmed 2023 Challenger Series competitor Bella Kenworthy also earned a valuable Semifinal appearance after overcoming Canada's top-tier surf Mathea Dempfle-Olin, alongside Pinkerton's last-minute heroics sending her into the Semifinals.
A dominant display from San Clemente, California's, Cole Houshmandgarnered a 7.33 for his aerial assault in the Round of 16 after taking down a stacked Round of 32 battle. Houshmand's maiden WSL victory came just weeks ago at the Cabarete Pro and he continues to be a force among North America's top contenders, claiming a spot on the Challenger Series once more, as he looks to kickstart the 2023/24' season with a second-career QS win.
"It feels amazing to start the year off like this and a heat make is a heat make, and I'm stoked to get on a roll like this," said Houshmand. "I'm looking forward to winning another event soon whether it's this one or in the future, I'm just stoked to surf heats with the boys, that's what it's all about. For Jack's to make this event as big as they have is great and it's easy to support a team like that so hopefully one of us can take it home."
After spending time among the world's elite on the Challenger Series in 2022, Alan Cleland narrowly missed the Top 7 to requalify and now kicks off a fresh season with a Quarterfinal appearance. Cleland's forehand attack led him to an impressive 7.00 in the Round of 16 after a 7.57 in the Round of 32 behind Lucca Mesinas. The 20-year-old also enters his first full-time season on the QS after graduating from the Pro Juniors and looks to keep his momentum alive alongside Ryan Huckabee, joining Cleland into the Quarterfinals.
"It definitely feels good to get some reps in and get some heats, surfing some waves because you never know, it could be smaller or flat," said Cleland. "Last year I had a hard year that I didn't go to a couple events and didn't do as well as I would've like in the back half of the year. But, it's exciting to get a couple points at the start of the year."
Also notching Round of 16 heat wins, Crosby Colapinto and John Mel will look to earn their place into the Semifinals and further.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT for a likely 8:00 a.m. PDT start to Finals Day.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask will open on April 6 and hold a competition window through April 9, 2023. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Top Seeds Steal the Show in Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask Debuts
Top seeds took over proceedings at the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, in their respective debuts at the Huntington Beach Pier arena. The men's Round of 64 and women's Round of 32, Heats 1 - 4 finished in their entirety before event organizers called competition off for the day with stunning performances in the two-to-three foot conditions on offer.
Recently confirmed 2023 Challenger Series competitor Leilani McGonagle found a pair of running lefthanders that made the Costa Rican look right at home as she overpowered them for an impressive 13.00 (out of a possible 20) heat total. McGonagle's nail-biting finish to the 2022/23' season is now behind her as she sets her focus on the horizon ahead and getting the job done here in Huntington Beach before embarking on her journey toward Championship Tour (CT) qualification.
"I'm super excited, I feel like in Barbados I wasn't doing my best surfing," said McGonagle. "I got eaten up by all the pressure that came with Challenger Series qualification and now that I'm clear of that I want to put down some good heat totals. I want to start this year with my right foot forward and hopefully have a more solid base heading into the back half of this year."
Narrowly missing the Top 4 last season, Ella McCaffray kicked off a new year in the right direction with a stunning 7.40 (out of a possible 10) in tough, afternoon conditions. McCaffray's standard of success grows with each new year and, after a career-best No. 5 finish on the North America rankings, looks to continue her growth within the jersey while trying to find her way back into a QS Final.
"It's a huge confidence booster to start with a heat win," said McCaffray. "I finished fifth in the rankings this last season and less than a week later we're back for the start of another season. Last year was my best finish on the rankings and now I'm just looking to get to know my equipment more, learn the waves more, and hopefully make a Final or two this year."
Also notching impressive heat wins, Havanna Cabrero and defending event winner, and reigning North America QS Regional Champion Sawyer Lindblad, moved into the Round of 16 as the final top seeds await their start.
One of 2022/23's breakthrough competitors, Jett Schilling, returned to the jersey and flourished in his debut with an excellent 16.10 heat total. Schilling's impeccable timing on his backhand attack led to an excellent 8.33 before closing out the heat with another Huntington Beach gem for a 7.77. Now, the San Clemente, California, competitor looks for more heading into the weekend.
"It feels insane to start like that," said Schilling. "I'm just stoked to be here and have another contest, get straight back into it. I'm just very grateful and psyched to surf a contest close to home. This event is super important with 3,000 points and can set you up for the upcoming events so I'm stoked."
Straight off the biggest win of his young career, Crosby Colapinto carried that momentum into his Round of 64 debut with an excellent 8.50 and 15.33 heat total. Colapinto's signature forehand power and style were on full display, picking apart the Huntington Beach lineup with ease as Venezuela's Rafael Pereira earned an advancing position. Just one of San Clemente's emerging talent pool, Colapinto leads the crew of North America's top threats out of the beach town.
"It's pretty epic coming off a win from Barbados and trying to keep the same kind of strategy going into every heat," said Colapinto. "Just trying to be on the best wave and do my best surfing. We started this ‘2 Percent' group and it's brought the whole of San Clemente age group together, and we have a great supportive group pushing each other so it's pretty epic."
Part of that San Clemente talent pool, Kade Matson also dropped an excellent 8.17 alongside Cole Houshmand earning debut heat wins.
An all-or-nothing performance at his home break of Soup Bowl, Barbados, for Josh Burke earned him the coveted Challenger Series spot and the Barbadian brought that confidence to Huntington Beach. Burke's dominant forehand attack accrued a 14.67 heat total in his debut as he prepares for a season among the world's next contenders, but sets his eyes on the task at hand and also a chance at repeating as Hydro Flask Airshow presented by Fu Wax victor.
"The two waves came to me and I didn't fall on the two waves I wanted, and I tried to land an air so I could be in the airshow Final again, but maybe next heat (laughs)," said Burke. "I'll try to be in both Finals this year. I'm still in the competitive mode. I tried to get out of it for three days when I was at home and wish there was more time of a break after the stress of the last month, but I'm here to win, this is my vacation contest so we'll see how it goes."
Local hero Sage Guinaldo made his long-awaited return to the jersey on opening day and backed up that performance with a brilliant showing over top-seeded competitors Alan Cleland, also advancing, and Wheeler Hasburgh. Also notching clutch Round of 64 victories, fellow local standout Keanu Igarashi last-minute antics earned him a spot into the Round of 32 alongside top-seeded competitors Jabe Swierkocki, Tyler Gunter, Ryland Rubens, Dimitri Poulos, Taj Lindblad, Sam Coffey, and more all claiming debut heat wins.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT for a likely 8:00 a.m. PDT start.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask will open on April 6 and hold a competition window through April 9, 2023. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Men and Women Kickstart 2023/24' Season in Huntington Beach
The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) contenders are back and kickstarted their 2023/24' season with opening day of the Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask powering through early goings. Two-to-three foot, clean windswell provided moments of high-performance magic as the men's Round of 104 and 96, as well as the women's Round of 40 finished in their entirety. The stage is now set for top seeds to make their debut and join opening day standouts looking to keep their momentum alive.
QS veteran and event threat David do Carmo fell short of his goal joining the Challenger Series elite last season and put that focus into the Round of 96 heat. The Brazilian, now residing in Huntington Beach, unleashed his backhand attack to garner an excellent 8.17 (out of a possible 10) and 15.10 heat total (out of a possible 20) to set the pace of competition. But, do Carmo knows the job is far from done and already has his eyes set on the top-seeded Round of 64.
"I'm stoked to start like that, last season wasn't that great for me, but I still got a lot of experience," said do Carmo. "I put everything I could to be into the Top 7 and now it's a new event, a new season right here in my backyard. Now I just hope to do well and start strong. I got lucky to find that wave and knew I was surfing good with a good board under my feet. I was grateful for that opportunity."
Raiki Nishidagot his fresh start in the right direction with a proper 7.83 on his aggressive backhand attack, linking multiple major maneuvers on a Huntington Beach gem. The San Clemente, California, competitor had a tough finish to the 2022/23' season and now looks to get started in the right direction to build his growing career.
"That's amazing for the confidence after I lost early in the last few events so it's nice to get into the rhythm," said Nishida. "I haven't surfed Huntington Beach since I was a grom so I was stoked to get a nug and do what I was supposed to do on it. It was mentally pretty hard because I kept losing and everyone is so good, but it's a new year, hit restart and train harder and see what happens the rest of the year."
Also garnering vital Round of 96 victories, Nicholas Coli, Cole McCaffray, Dane Matson, Hayden Rodgers, Cristian Padilla, Sebastian Mendes, Parker Cohn, Jordy Collins, Cannon Carr, Dylan Hord, Greyson Grant, Jak Ziets, Cory Arrambide, and David Okeefe moved into the top-seeded Round of 64.
Former Super Girl Surf Pro victor Samantha Sibley made her long-awaited return to the jersey in flourishing form with a Round of 40, debut heat win. The now 20-year-old has her eyes set on a big result before the season break as she makes her way into the top-seeded round where she typically would begin her campaigns.
"It was cool taking a little break, I only did half of last season, and it's a little change of pace," said Sibley. "Now I'm starting in [the first round] because I lost all my seed points, but it's sick I like have that extra heat and grinding from a place I haven't been before. I'm stoked, I needed a break so I think it's awesome [to be back]."
WSL newcomer Alana Lopez represented for her home state of Florida as she continues to grow in the jersey. Daughter to former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Cory, the 13-year-old accrued a solid performance in the tough afternoon conditions she was able to overpower for a 6.83. Now, Lopez prepares for the top seeds when competition resumes.
"It's pretty similar [to Ponce Inlet] just with the smaller waves and wind on it," said Lopez. "I'm riding a Subdriver Lightspeed from Mayhem and it felt really good. Thank you to my dad coming out here last year and helping me, and coaching, along with my little brother."
Also, Santa Cruz, California's, Maddie Storrer and fellow Californian Syd Ott moved into the Round of 32 with clutch heat wins.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT for a likely 8:00 a.m. PDT.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro presented by Hydro Flask will open on April 6 and hold a competition window through April 9, 2023. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
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