Today, Autumn Hays and Michael Dunphy claimed wins at the World Surf League (WSL) O'Neill Cold Water Classic, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, and added their name to Santa Cruz surfing history. Hays delivered Santa Cruz its first Cold Water Classic title since Nat Young in stunning form as Dunphy adds his name to the event's iconic legacy of victors and pushes him to No. 1 on the North America QS rankings.
Santa Cruz's own Autumn Hays turned in a stunning Final performance to earn her second-ever QS win, her first QS win on home soil, in clutch form against event standout Kirra Pinkerton.
The women's Final ensued between hometown hero Autumn Hays and event standout Kirra Pinkerton. The first exchange proved a critical one with Pinkerton besting Hays with a 5.50 (out of a possible 10) to Hays' 5.00. Pinkerton stayed busy, adding a 4.00 to her score line as Hays searched for a back up. With Hays' local crowd behind her every step of the way, she received a Steamer Lane gift that she was able to accrue a 5.37 on and turn the heat. Hays then found a 5.33 to better her lead in the dying moments, securing her first O'Neill Cold Water Classic QS victory.
"It feels really good to win a competition, I was 18 when I won my last one and this one means a lot more to win in front of my home crowd," said Hays. "Just catching waves and hearing how psyched up everyone got actually got me so fired up even when I needed a score. It was the coolest thing ever hearing everyone like that. Thank you to the Santa Cruz community for coming down and cheering me on, it means the world. I'm so stoked I can say I won the Cold Water now."
Hays delivered a solid showing in her Quarterfinal clash with defending event winner Zoe Benedetto to take Santa Cruz into the Semifinals. Hays then had to overcome Huntington Beach's emerging threat Sara Freyreand found her way into her first QS Final since 2018 before adding her name to Santa Cruz surfing history.
The East Coast competitor Michael Dunphy felt right at home en route to his first victory at Steamer Lane and adds his name to an illustrious surf history of Santa Cruz.
A new men's victor awaited with a Final match up featuring QS veteran Michael Dunphy and event standout Davi Toledo. Dunphy's sensational form continued into the Final, opening up with an impressive 6.33 before staying busy against Toledo. But, Dunphy wasn't done and found a Steamer Lane gem to capitalize on for an excellent 8.33 and putting Toledo in a combination situation, meaning Toledo needed two new wave to equal Dunphy's 14.66 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Toledo was able to respond, posting a solid 7.00 on his forehand attack, but would not be able to find a back up before time expired, crowning Dunphy the 2023 event victor.
"I can't thank the local community enough for taking me in and getting some waves, I'm so pumped" said Dunphy. "It's really special. I've been coming here for a really long time hanging with Nat [Young] and I've been coming here since I was 15, spending a month on the couch and just surfing The Lane a bunch. I never won a QS in California before so I'm stoked to do it and a perfect day for it."
A Quarterfinalist in 2022, Dunphy broke through to the Semifinals after taking down 2024 CT rookie Kade Matson in a back-and-forth battle. Dunphy then moved into an all-star clash with defending event winner Kolohe Andino and was able to keep Andino's surge at bay to take on Toledo in the Final to claim his first win of the season and move to No. 1 on the rankings.
Event Standouts Toledo and Pinkerton Claim Runner-up Finishes
A runner-up finish for Kirra Pinkerton (USA) keeps her firmly planted at No. 2 on the North America QS rankings - WSL / Brian Duckart
Kirra Pinkerton fiery run through the 2023/2024 earned her a third Semifinal appearance after overcoming Carlsbad, California's newest contender Reid Van Wagoner in Quarterfinal, Heat 4. But, Pinkerton wasn't done yet and overpowered fellow San Clemente competitor Eden Walla in their Semifinal bout, sending Pinkerto to her first Final since 2018. Thought it was Hays' day at home in the end, Pinkerton earns vital points toward her 2024 Challenger Series qualification campaign.
"I'm super stoked to have made the Final after a few heats I squeaked by and to compete against Autumn [Hays] was pretty awesome and I'm super stoked she won," said Pinkerton. "For me consistency is the biggest thing. I've struggled with that in the past and lately I've been working on it and it seems to be paying off a litte bit. I hope I win an event this year because I got pretty darn close here."
This marked Davi Toledo's (BRA) first-ever QS Final after arriving in Santa Cruz for the first time. - WSL / Brian Duckart
A dynamic display from Davi Toledo (BRA) set the standard for men's competition in an explosive Quarterfinal showing against Hagan Johnson. Toledo's aerial antics, combined with impressive rail work earned a 14.50 heat total heading into the Semifinals. Toledo matched with Quarterfinal standout Levi Slawson in a tough bout that Toledo was able to overcome by the slightest of margins. This marked Toledo's first-ever QS Final as he heads into the back half of 2023/2024 with renewed vigor.
"It's my first time here and I surfed this wave for the first time Monday then I got really sick and just going through it so I just want to thank God for giving me the strength," said Toledo. "I'll be entering more events this year now. I just want to thank everyone here for showing up, the other finalists Kirra [Pinkerton], Autumn [Hays], and Dunphy, great job."
The 2023/2024 North America QS season continues at the SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay presented by Surfing For Hope, alongside the first 2023/2024 North America Regional Longboard Qualifying Series event, the Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic, beginning December 4 - 10.
Quarterfinalists Locked In
The World Surf League (WSL) O'Neill Cold Water Classic, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, powered through men's and women's competition to determine Quarterfinalists at the arena of Steamer Lane. Two-to-four foot, clean morning conditions gave way to a storm system that challenged competitors' abilities with men's Round of 32, Round of 16, and women's Round of 16 action finished in their entirety.
The current North America No. 5, Levi Slawson, found a gem and delivered an excellent 8.50 to move into the Quarterfinals for a third-straight event.
Returning to QS action after finding success on the East Coast leg, Levi Slawson found his form once again and delivered an excellent 8.50 (out of a possible 10) amid challenging conditions. The Encinitas, California competitor overpowered a heavily-stacked heat featuring North America standouts Alan Cleland, Josh Burke, and Davi Toledo, who also advanced. Now, Slawson returns to the Quarterfinals and looks to better his current No. 5 ranking.
"I got pretty lucky on the wave," said Slawson. "Josh [Burke] took the first one and then the second one had a little less water on it and had a lip for me to hit. I feel like I've been surfing a little safe and as the contest rolls on I want to push it a little harder. I'm stoked to make another heat and stoked to be here."
An all-American Round of 16 bout unfolded between defending event winner Kolohe Andino, 2024 Championship Tour (CT) rookie Kade Matson, 2023 Challenger Series contender Jabe Swierkocki, and event standout Jake Davis. Matson was able to take a massive win with Andino advancing behind him to keep his hopes of back-to-back event wins alive.
2022 event runner-up Taro Watanabe delivered a last-minute stunner to earn his place back into the Quarterfinals at Steamer Lane.
But, 2022 runner-up Taro Watanabe kept his surge on track with a last-minute buzzer-beater to from third place to winning his Round of 16 heat. Watanabe's 6.00 held firm through the majority of the heat before Michael DunphyMichael Dunphy found his form to overtake the lead and Will Deane pushed Watanabe to third. But, a clutch performance in the dying moments earned Watanabe a 6.30 and his place back into the Quarterfinals.
"Every heat you make just gives you that little bit more of confidence and now that I'm into the Quarters I just have to have fun with it," said Watanabe. "Get to surf man-on-man heats and it's going to be really fun so hopefully there's waves tomorrow. I've just been enjoying it all. Being at home, training, surfing, and just enjoying the little things about it instead of just the result so being here with my family is great and making the Quarters is that little icing on top."
Earning big, Round of 16 heat wins of their own, Hagan Johnson moved into the Quarterfinals with plenty of momentum alongside advancing competitors Jose Lopez.
Floridian Zoe Benedetto stayed composed in a stout, Round of 16 battle after earning a 6.83 and held firm to earn her spot into the Quarterfinals.
Benedetto Inches Closer to Repeat, Van Wagoner Breaks Through
A stout Round of 16 battle ensued between current North America No. 1, defending event victor, Zoe Benedetto (USA), reigning North America Regional Pro Junior winner Talia Swindal, regional standout Ella McCaffray, and newcomer Daya McCart. Benedetto's 6.83 held as the heat's best and narrowly found a marginal back up to end the heat and secure herself back into the Quarterfinals at Steamer Lane.
"It was pretty slow and I missed out on a priority rotation after my first wave so then I was just kind of scrapping for anything," said Benedetto. "But I didn't want to take off on anything. I've been looking at the forecast just for my board choice sake and knew I'd be surfing at high tide so just wanted to keep that in mind."
The emerging threat Reid Van Wagoner found a diamon in the rough to turn in a brilliant Round of 16 heat win and return to the Quarterfinals for the second time in her career.
Emerging Southern California threat Reid Van Wagoner took control amid the tough conditions and found an impressive 10.40 heat total. Van Wagoner and Santa Cruz's own Esme Brigham traded off for the lead before Van Wagoner secured herself in first, leaving Brigham to battle with San Clemente's Mia McLeish, who turned the heat in the dying moments and returned to the Quarterfinals.
"I'm super excited to keep going because coming into this competition I just had no expectations and I was just going to do my best," said Van Wagoner. "I'm super grateful that I've made it through a couple heats and I'm excited to keep surfing, and hopefully make another one. This is one of my favorite breaks. Every time I come here I have a great experience and I can't wait to keep coming up here."
Also earning key Round of 16 victories, Sara Freyre and Eden Walla earned their way in to the Quarterfinals alongside Santa Cruz's own Autumn Hays and Kirra Pinkertonwith advancing finishes.
Event organizers will convene at 7:00 a.m. PST to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. HST start.
Watch LIVE:
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic will be streamed live November 15 - 19 at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL Youtube channel.
Women Debut, Competitors Overpower Steamer Lane
The World Surf League (WSL) North America contingent overpowered Steamer Lane's tricky conditions at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, to put on dynamic displays. Three-to-four foot swell continued to provide opportunities for the men's Round of 64, Heats 9 - 16, and women's debut, Round of 40 and 32 bouts. The top seeds continued to show their power while emerging event threats also staked their claim moving forward.
Izzi Gomez made her jaw-dropping debut with a near-perfect 9.07, the event's highest single-scoring wave so far, and 14.57 heat total to set the standard for women's competition.
An incredible debut from Izzi Gomez delivered near-perfection with her aggressive forehand attack, posting a 9.07 (out of a possible 10) and 14.57 (out of a possible 20) heat total, both a day's best. Gomez looks to bounce back from an early exit in Jacksonville Beach and showed her determination with a Round of 32 showcase. Now, the South Florida competitor looks for more in the jersey moving into the Round of 16.
"That felt really good, I honestly haven't had good results this year and even just one score will wash all of that away," said Gomez. "I'm happy of the outcome of this event no matter what happens and I'm stoked to surf The Lane with just three other people. I've never done the Cold Water Classic and the only other time I tried to compete here it got cancelled so I'm stoked."
The young San Clemente competitor left everything in the water for her debut day at The Lane, winning both her Round of 40 and Round of 32 heats.
Eden Walla took the women's debuts by storm, showing her technical ability in the tough conditions to post a 7.83 (out of a possible 10) in her Round of 40 debut before taking on the top-seeded, Round of 32. Walla faced off with 2023 standout Bella Kenworthy (USA) alongside Santa Cruz's own Keanna Miller and Esme Brigham, and posted a 7.50 to take control of the heat.
"I just tried to have fun, be on the best waves in the heat and just surf my best," said Walla. "I was just trying to back up my six and it ended up being a really good wave. I was stoked on that wave. Steamer Lane is such a weird wave, one day it's like it was but then another day it's completely different."
The defending event victor Zoe Benedetto held firm to secure place back into the Round of 16 and looks for a third Final appearance in the 2023/2024 QS season.
Current North America No. 1, and defending event winner, Zoe Benedettoreturned to the Steamer Lane arena in winning form once more. A Quarterfinal result in Jacksonville Beach helped push Benedetto atop the rankings as she now looks to add more success to her 2023/2024 season with a third Final appearance.
"It feels nice to be and I'm always a little nervous in my first few heats at Santa Cruz just because it is a difficult wave," said Benedetto. "I'm happy to get that out of the way, the end of that heat was a bit weird so glad I made it. Now I'm excited to surf again."
Also putting on a showcase to earn pivotal Round of 32 wins, Avery McDonald, Reid Van Wagoner, Taylor Stacy, and Mathea Dempfle-Olin.
Kade Matson made his dream of qualifying for the CT a reality and brings his powerful style to Steamer Lane, posting an excellent 8.00 and 14.33 heat total.
Men's Round of 96 Concludes, Explosive Performances Ensue
Future Championship Tour (CT) 2024 rookie Kade Matson showcased his powerful forehand that helped secure his place among the world's best. Matson controlled his Round of 64 debut from start to finish, capping off the heat with an excellent 8.00 and 14.33 heat total.
"It was fun even though it was kinda slow and tricky with the high tide, but I was stoked to get a couple fun waves," said Matson. "It feels good to qualify for the CT. It was a life goal so I'm really stoked on that and stoked to be at my first pressure-free event of my life so it's great to be here with my friends."
Defending event victor Kolohe Andino utilized his rail game to sear through his Round of 64 debut at Steamer Lane.
One Matson's mentors, former CT competitor and defending event winner, Kolohe Andino returns to Steamer Lane for his title defense and started with a clutch Round of 64 win. Andino's son was born just days before the event got underway and made the charge up for his shot at back-to-back O'Neill Cold Water Classic wins.
"It's always tricky in the first heat after it pumps all morning then it gets a little slow," said Andino. "We did the 'Smooch' movie tour and then that was about two weeks, then I went straight home to the birth of my son. Then got the green light from the wife to compete and see how far I can go into the competition. I feel like I'm already winning with my wife and kids being healthy."
Fellow San Clemente competitor Luke Wyler also posted an excellent 8.17 to continue his surge through competition and is joined into the Round of 32 by 2022 event runner-up Taro Watanabe and in-form competitors Ryan Huckabee, Jabe Swierkocki, Will Deane, and Owen Moss.
Event organizers will convene at 7:00 a.m. PST to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. HST start.
Watch LIVE:
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic will be streamed live November 15 - 19 at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL Youtube channel.
Excellence Thrown, Upsets Unravel on Opening Day
Opening day of the World Surf League (WSL) O'Neill Cold Water Classic, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, unfolded in three-to-four foot, occasional plus size sets at the iconic venue of Steamer Lane to provide moments of big opportunity and competitors who were in rhythm capitalized. Both men's and women's trials heats determined who made their way into the main event before men's Round of 96 and Round of 64, Heats 1 - 8, were finished in their entirety.
San Clemente's Jake Davis took to the air on massive reverse to earn the event's first excellent score, an 8.83, and soar into the Round of 64.
Jake Davis took flight for an excellent 8.83 (out of a possible 10) in his Round of 96, Heat 9 debut amid the tough, morning conditions. The San Clemente, California, competitor is on a mission to showcase his potential when the opportunity arises and notched an impressive 13.66 (out of a possible 20) heat total, Round of 96 best, to make his presence known at Steamer Lane.
"It's really hard on those sections, you just want to do a floater and end the wave, but I love trying airs on big sections and it's so hard not for me not to just go for it," said Davis. "I just want to thank everyone that supports me and put my best surfing forward. I just want to impress myself."
Panama's Tao Rodriguez got acquainted with the fickle beast of Steamer Lane right away, earning an excellent 8.67 to take down his Round of 64.
Tao Rodriguez took control of his Round of 64, Heat 3 debut with an excellent 8.67 over an in-form , who also posted an excellent 8.00. This marks Rodriguez's first time to Steamer Lane and found his rhythm despite the tricky lineup it entails. Now, the Panamanian looks for more and build his 2023/2024 season.
"It felt good and I didn't know I dropped an eight until I got here," said Rodriguez. "It's fun. It's hard to find the good ones and I started with a slip, but then I turned it around. This is my third session at this wave and I spent the whole morning trying to identify [good waves], and as the time came down I knew there was potential so I was seeking it."
Upsets Unravel on Opening Day
Barbados' own Jacob Burke made his return to the jersey count with a Round of 96 buzzer-beater before helping eliminate one of the event's higher seeds and earning his way into the Round of 32.
Conditions provided challenging heats and upsets unraveled throughout the day. 2022 event Semifinalist, Ian Crane, wasted no time delivering his signature backhand flair to start his run at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic. But, a hefty Round of 64 lined up featuring Crane, Santa Cruz's own Shaun Burns, 2023 standout Dimitri Poulos, and Barbados' Jacob Burke. Burke's buzzer-beater in the Round of 96 earned him a spot into this heat and he did not squander the opportunity, posting a 7.00 right away and eventually besting Burns, eliminating Crane and Poulos.
"It definitely cleaned up in the last hour or so, my morning heat was a lot trickier and a lot harder to find waves," said Burke. "But the waves were super fun in that last one. My seven was super similar to Soup Bowl back home just with a bowl on the first section and then a closeout section which is similar to our north section on certain days."
Burke is joined by his older brother, Josh Burke, into the Round of 32 after claiming a debut heat win in the Round of 64.
Qualifying Series threat Manuel Selman delivered a brilliant performance under pressure in challenging conditions to earn his way into the Round of 32.
Jose Lopez also delivered a stunning, Round of 64 performance to help eliminate Santa Cruz's own, current North America No. 1, John Mel and higher-seeded competitor Kai Kushner in a stout battle. Fellow South American standout, Manuel Selman, also earned a big win to close out the Round of 64, eliminating former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Nat Young with wildcard threat Tim Reyes finding his way into the Round of 32 alongside Selman.
"Making it through that heat means a lot and proved to myself I can make it all the way," said Selman. "Yesterday I woke up in Dominican Republic, got a text from Brian Robbins on the way here that I got in the event and I couldn't believe it. I have nothing to lose now and I feel like a wildcard so that's my mindset right now and just try to get points for the second half of the year."
Also notching clutch Round of 64 victories, current North America No. 5 Levi Slawson, Santa Cruz's own Adam Bartlett delivered an upset of his own and fellow Santa Cruz competitor Sam Coffey earned a debut heat win to find their way into the Round of 32.
Event organizers will convene at 7:00 a.m. PST to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. HST start.
Watch LIVE:
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic will be streamed live November 15 - 19 at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL Youtube channel.
Autumn Hays and Michael Dunphy Win 2023 O'Neill Cold Water Classic
Andrew Nichols
Today, Autumn Hays and Michael Dunphy claimed wins at the World Surf League (WSL) O'Neill Cold Water Classic, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, and added their name to Santa Cruz surfing history. Hays delivered Santa Cruz its first Cold Water Classic title since Nat Young in stunning form as Dunphy adds his name to the event's iconic legacy of victors and pushes him to No. 1 on the North America QS rankings.
The women's Final ensued between hometown hero Autumn Hays and event standout Kirra Pinkerton. The first exchange proved a critical one with Pinkerton besting Hays with a 5.50 (out of a possible 10) to Hays' 5.00. Pinkerton stayed busy, adding a 4.00 to her score line as Hays searched for a back up. With Hays' local crowd behind her every step of the way, she received a Steamer Lane gift that she was able to accrue a 5.37 on and turn the heat. Hays then found a 5.33 to better her lead in the dying moments, securing her first O'Neill Cold Water Classic QS victory.
"It feels really good to win a competition, I was 18 when I won my last one and this one means a lot more to win in front of my home crowd," said Hays. "Just catching waves and hearing how psyched up everyone got actually got me so fired up even when I needed a score. It was the coolest thing ever hearing everyone like that. Thank you to the Santa Cruz community for coming down and cheering me on, it means the world. I'm so stoked I can say I won the Cold Water now."
Hays delivered a solid showing in her Quarterfinal clash with defending event winner Zoe Benedetto to take Santa Cruz into the Semifinals. Hays then had to overcome Huntington Beach's emerging threat Sara Freyreand found her way into her first QS Final since 2018 before adding her name to Santa Cruz surfing history.
A new men's victor awaited with a Final match up featuring QS veteran Michael Dunphy and event standout Davi Toledo. Dunphy's sensational form continued into the Final, opening up with an impressive 6.33 before staying busy against Toledo. But, Dunphy wasn't done and found a Steamer Lane gem to capitalize on for an excellent 8.33 and putting Toledo in a combination situation, meaning Toledo needed two new wave to equal Dunphy's 14.66 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Toledo was able to respond, posting a solid 7.00 on his forehand attack, but would not be able to find a back up before time expired, crowning Dunphy the 2023 event victor.
"I can't thank the local community enough for taking me in and getting some waves, I'm so pumped" said Dunphy. "It's really special. I've been coming here for a really long time hanging with Nat [Young] and I've been coming here since I was 15, spending a month on the couch and just surfing The Lane a bunch. I never won a QS in California before so I'm stoked to do it and a perfect day for it."
A Quarterfinalist in 2022, Dunphy broke through to the Semifinals after taking down 2024 CT rookie Kade Matson in a back-and-forth battle. Dunphy then moved into an all-star clash with defending event winner Kolohe Andino and was able to keep Andino's surge at bay to take on Toledo in the Final to claim his first win of the season and move to No. 1 on the rankings.
Event Standouts Toledo and Pinkerton Claim Runner-up Finishes
Kirra Pinkerton fiery run through the 2023/2024 earned her a third Semifinal appearance after overcoming Carlsbad, California's newest contender Reid Van Wagoner in Quarterfinal, Heat 4. But, Pinkerton wasn't done yet and overpowered fellow San Clemente competitor Eden Walla in their Semifinal bout, sending Pinkerto to her first Final since 2018. Thought it was Hays' day at home in the end, Pinkerton earns vital points toward her 2024 Challenger Series qualification campaign.
"I'm super stoked to have made the Final after a few heats I squeaked by and to compete against Autumn [Hays] was pretty awesome and I'm super stoked she won," said Pinkerton. "For me consistency is the biggest thing. I've struggled with that in the past and lately I've been working on it and it seems to be paying off a litte bit. I hope I win an event this year because I got pretty darn close here."
A dynamic display from Davi Toledo (BRA) set the standard for men's competition in an explosive Quarterfinal showing against Hagan Johnson. Toledo's aerial antics, combined with impressive rail work earned a 14.50 heat total heading into the Semifinals. Toledo matched with Quarterfinal standout Levi Slawson in a tough bout that Toledo was able to overcome by the slightest of margins. This marked Toledo's first-ever QS Final as he heads into the back half of 2023/2024 with renewed vigor.
"It's my first time here and I surfed this wave for the first time Monday then I got really sick and just going through it so I just want to thank God for giving me the strength," said Toledo. "I'll be entering more events this year now. I just want to thank everyone here for showing up, the other finalists Kirra [Pinkerton], Autumn [Hays], and Dunphy, great job."
The 2023/2024 North America QS season continues at the SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay presented by Surfing For Hope, alongside the first 2023/2024 North America Regional Longboard Qualifying Series event, the Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic, beginning December 4 - 10.
Quarterfinalists Locked In
The World Surf League (WSL) O'Neill Cold Water Classic, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, powered through men's and women's competition to determine Quarterfinalists at the arena of Steamer Lane. Two-to-four foot, clean morning conditions gave way to a storm system that challenged competitors' abilities with men's Round of 32, Round of 16, and women's Round of 16 action finished in their entirety.
Returning to QS action after finding success on the East Coast leg, Levi Slawson found his form once again and delivered an excellent 8.50 (out of a possible 10) amid challenging conditions. The Encinitas, California competitor overpowered a heavily-stacked heat featuring North America standouts Alan Cleland, Josh Burke, and Davi Toledo, who also advanced. Now, Slawson returns to the Quarterfinals and looks to better his current No. 5 ranking.
"I got pretty lucky on the wave," said Slawson. "Josh [Burke] took the first one and then the second one had a little less water on it and had a lip for me to hit. I feel like I've been surfing a little safe and as the contest rolls on I want to push it a little harder. I'm stoked to make another heat and stoked to be here."
An all-American Round of 16 bout unfolded between defending event winner Kolohe Andino, 2024 Championship Tour (CT) rookie Kade Matson, 2023 Challenger Series contender Jabe Swierkocki, and event standout Jake Davis. Matson was able to take a massive win with Andino advancing behind him to keep his hopes of back-to-back event wins alive.
But, 2022 runner-up Taro Watanabe kept his surge on track with a last-minute buzzer-beater to from third place to winning his Round of 16 heat. Watanabe's 6.00 held firm through the majority of the heat before Michael DunphyMichael Dunphy found his form to overtake the lead and Will Deane pushed Watanabe to third. But, a clutch performance in the dying moments earned Watanabe a 6.30 and his place back into the Quarterfinals.
"Every heat you make just gives you that little bit more of confidence and now that I'm into the Quarters I just have to have fun with it," said Watanabe. "Get to surf man-on-man heats and it's going to be really fun so hopefully there's waves tomorrow. I've just been enjoying it all. Being at home, training, surfing, and just enjoying the little things about it instead of just the result so being here with my family is great and making the Quarters is that little icing on top."
Earning big, Round of 16 heat wins of their own, Hagan Johnson moved into the Quarterfinals with plenty of momentum alongside advancing competitors Jose Lopez.
Benedetto Inches Closer to Repeat, Van Wagoner Breaks Through
A stout Round of 16 battle ensued between current North America No. 1, defending event victor, Zoe Benedetto (USA), reigning North America Regional Pro Junior winner Talia Swindal, regional standout Ella McCaffray, and newcomer Daya McCart. Benedetto's 6.83 held as the heat's best and narrowly found a marginal back up to end the heat and secure herself back into the Quarterfinals at Steamer Lane.
"It was pretty slow and I missed out on a priority rotation after my first wave so then I was just kind of scrapping for anything," said Benedetto. "But I didn't want to take off on anything. I've been looking at the forecast just for my board choice sake and knew I'd be surfing at high tide so just wanted to keep that in mind."
Emerging Southern California threat Reid Van Wagoner took control amid the tough conditions and found an impressive 10.40 heat total. Van Wagoner and Santa Cruz's own Esme Brigham traded off for the lead before Van Wagoner secured herself in first, leaving Brigham to battle with San Clemente's Mia McLeish, who turned the heat in the dying moments and returned to the Quarterfinals.
"I'm super excited to keep going because coming into this competition I just had no expectations and I was just going to do my best," said Van Wagoner. "I'm super grateful that I've made it through a couple heats and I'm excited to keep surfing, and hopefully make another one. This is one of my favorite breaks. Every time I come here I have a great experience and I can't wait to keep coming up here."
Also earning key Round of 16 victories, Sara Freyre and Eden Walla earned their way in to the Quarterfinals alongside Santa Cruz's own Autumn Hays and Kirra Pinkertonwith advancing finishes.
Event organizers will convene at 7:00 a.m. PST to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. HST start.
Watch LIVE:
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic will be streamed live November 15 - 19 at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL Youtube channel.
Women Debut, Competitors Overpower Steamer Lane
The World Surf League (WSL) North America contingent overpowered Steamer Lane's tricky conditions at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, to put on dynamic displays. Three-to-four foot swell continued to provide opportunities for the men's Round of 64, Heats 9 - 16, and women's debut, Round of 40 and 32 bouts. The top seeds continued to show their power while emerging event threats also staked their claim moving forward.
An incredible debut from Izzi Gomez delivered near-perfection with her aggressive forehand attack, posting a 9.07 (out of a possible 10) and 14.57 (out of a possible 20) heat total, both a day's best. Gomez looks to bounce back from an early exit in Jacksonville Beach and showed her determination with a Round of 32 showcase. Now, the South Florida competitor looks for more in the jersey moving into the Round of 16.
"That felt really good, I honestly haven't had good results this year and even just one score will wash all of that away," said Gomez. "I'm happy of the outcome of this event no matter what happens and I'm stoked to surf The Lane with just three other people. I've never done the Cold Water Classic and the only other time I tried to compete here it got cancelled so I'm stoked."
Eden Walla took the women's debuts by storm, showing her technical ability in the tough conditions to post a 7.83 (out of a possible 10) in her Round of 40 debut before taking on the top-seeded, Round of 32. Walla faced off with 2023 standout Bella Kenworthy (USA) alongside Santa Cruz's own Keanna Miller and Esme Brigham, and posted a 7.50 to take control of the heat.
"I just tried to have fun, be on the best waves in the heat and just surf my best," said Walla. "I was just trying to back up my six and it ended up being a really good wave. I was stoked on that wave. Steamer Lane is such a weird wave, one day it's like it was but then another day it's completely different."
Current North America No. 1, and defending event winner, Zoe Benedettoreturned to the Steamer Lane arena in winning form once more. A Quarterfinal result in Jacksonville Beach helped push Benedetto atop the rankings as she now looks to add more success to her 2023/2024 season with a third Final appearance.
"It feels nice to be and I'm always a little nervous in my first few heats at Santa Cruz just because it is a difficult wave," said Benedetto. "I'm happy to get that out of the way, the end of that heat was a bit weird so glad I made it. Now I'm excited to surf again."
Also putting on a showcase to earn pivotal Round of 32 wins, Avery McDonald, Reid Van Wagoner, Taylor Stacy, and Mathea Dempfle-Olin.
Men's Round of 96 Concludes, Explosive Performances Ensue
Future Championship Tour (CT) 2024 rookie Kade Matson showcased his powerful forehand that helped secure his place among the world's best. Matson controlled his Round of 64 debut from start to finish, capping off the heat with an excellent 8.00 and 14.33 heat total.
"It was fun even though it was kinda slow and tricky with the high tide, but I was stoked to get a couple fun waves," said Matson. "It feels good to qualify for the CT. It was a life goal so I'm really stoked on that and stoked to be at my first pressure-free event of my life so it's great to be here with my friends."
One Matson's mentors, former CT competitor and defending event winner, Kolohe Andino returns to Steamer Lane for his title defense and started with a clutch Round of 64 win. Andino's son was born just days before the event got underway and made the charge up for his shot at back-to-back O'Neill Cold Water Classic wins.
"It's always tricky in the first heat after it pumps all morning then it gets a little slow," said Andino. "We did the 'Smooch' movie tour and then that was about two weeks, then I went straight home to the birth of my son. Then got the green light from the wife to compete and see how far I can go into the competition. I feel like I'm already winning with my wife and kids being healthy."
Fellow San Clemente competitor Luke Wyler also posted an excellent 8.17 to continue his surge through competition and is joined into the Round of 32 by 2022 event runner-up Taro Watanabe and in-form competitors Ryan Huckabee, Jabe Swierkocki, Will Deane, and Owen Moss.
Event organizers will convene at 7:00 a.m. PST to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. HST start.
Watch LIVE:
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic will be streamed live November 15 - 19 at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL Youtube channel.
Excellence Thrown, Upsets Unravel on Opening Day
Opening day of the World Surf League (WSL) O'Neill Cold Water Classic, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, unfolded in three-to-four foot, occasional plus size sets at the iconic venue of Steamer Lane to provide moments of big opportunity and competitors who were in rhythm capitalized. Both men's and women's trials heats determined who made their way into the main event before men's Round of 96 and Round of 64, Heats 1 - 8, were finished in their entirety.
Jake Davis took flight for an excellent 8.83 (out of a possible 10) in his Round of 96, Heat 9 debut amid the tough, morning conditions. The San Clemente, California, competitor is on a mission to showcase his potential when the opportunity arises and notched an impressive 13.66 (out of a possible 20) heat total, Round of 96 best, to make his presence known at Steamer Lane.
"It's really hard on those sections, you just want to do a floater and end the wave, but I love trying airs on big sections and it's so hard not for me not to just go for it," said Davis. "I just want to thank everyone that supports me and put my best surfing forward. I just want to impress myself."
Tao Rodriguez took control of his Round of 64, Heat 3 debut with an excellent 8.67 over an in-form , who also posted an excellent 8.00. This marks Rodriguez's first time to Steamer Lane and found his rhythm despite the tricky lineup it entails. Now, the Panamanian looks for more and build his 2023/2024 season.
"It felt good and I didn't know I dropped an eight until I got here," said Rodriguez. "It's fun. It's hard to find the good ones and I started with a slip, but then I turned it around. This is my third session at this wave and I spent the whole morning trying to identify [good waves], and as the time came down I knew there was potential so I was seeking it."
Upsets Unravel on Opening Day
Conditions provided challenging heats and upsets unraveled throughout the day. 2022 event Semifinalist, Ian Crane, wasted no time delivering his signature backhand flair to start his run at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic. But, a hefty Round of 64 lined up featuring Crane, Santa Cruz's own Shaun Burns, 2023 standout Dimitri Poulos, and Barbados' Jacob Burke. Burke's buzzer-beater in the Round of 96 earned him a spot into this heat and he did not squander the opportunity, posting a 7.00 right away and eventually besting Burns, eliminating Crane and Poulos.
"It definitely cleaned up in the last hour or so, my morning heat was a lot trickier and a lot harder to find waves," said Burke. "But the waves were super fun in that last one. My seven was super similar to Soup Bowl back home just with a bowl on the first section and then a closeout section which is similar to our north section on certain days."
Burke is joined by his older brother, Josh Burke, into the Round of 32 after claiming a debut heat win in the Round of 64.
Jose Lopez also delivered a stunning, Round of 64 performance to help eliminate Santa Cruz's own, current North America No. 1, John Mel and higher-seeded competitor Kai Kushner in a stout battle. Fellow South American standout, Manuel Selman, also earned a big win to close out the Round of 64, eliminating former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Nat Young with wildcard threat Tim Reyes finding his way into the Round of 32 alongside Selman.
"Making it through that heat means a lot and proved to myself I can make it all the way," said Selman. "Yesterday I woke up in Dominican Republic, got a text from Brian Robbins on the way here that I got in the event and I couldn't believe it. I have nothing to lose now and I feel like a wildcard so that's my mindset right now and just try to get points for the second half of the year."
Also notching clutch Round of 64 victories, current North America No. 5 Levi Slawson, Santa Cruz's own Adam Bartlett delivered an upset of his own and fellow Santa Cruz competitor Sam Coffey earned a debut heat win to find their way into the Round of 32.
Event organizers will convene at 7:00 a.m. PST to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. HST start.
Watch LIVE:
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic will be streamed live November 15 - 19 at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL Youtube channel.
Autumn Hays
Santa Cruz's own Autumn Hays turned in a stunning Final performance to earn her second-ever QS win, her first QS win on home soil, in
Santa Cruz's own Autumny Hays finished with a Semifinal in 2022 and is back, ready to bring an event win to her hometown.
Santa Cruz, California's, Autumn Hays spent over a week on Barbados before her debut heat today where she posted an impressive 7.33.
Finals day witnessed a family affair in the women's Final and Dempfle-Olin earn massive win alongside Lindblad's long-awaited WSL
A showcase of forehand and backhand attack led to a 13.25 heat total for Santa Cruz's Autumn Hays.
North America
The former CT veteran Kolohe Andino established his world-class form in a stunning Round of 64 debut, posting a 9.00 and 15.33 heat total.
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