Today, Talia Swindal, Taj Lindblad, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin and Kai Kushner won the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior, respectively. Pristine Finals Day conditions delivered three-to-five foot swell that Swindal, Lindblad, Dempfle-Olin, and Kushner capitalized on for massive moments throughout their charge atop the podium. Marquee wins for Swindal and Lindblad earned them 3,000 points toward 2024 Challenger Series qualificaiton as Dempfle-Olin and Kushner took the first wins of the 2024 Pro Junior season.
The rising talent Talia Swindal officially established herself as a QS threat with a major victory over Bella Kenworthy in a Final battle at Pismo Beach. The win sends Swindal to No.1 on the North America QS rankings in a tie with Kirra Pinkerton.
Swindal Takes Over for First-Ever WSL Win, Moves to No. 1 on North America Rankings
An electric women's QS Final between good friends and two of North America's top-tier contenders, Talia Swindal and Bella Kenworthy, witnessed sparks from the start. Kenworthy started the Final with a 7.33 (out of a possible 10) as Swindal's first wave earned her a 6.00. But, Swindal found a running righthander that provided multiple, critical sections that Swindal capitalized on for an excellent 8.00. Kenworthy attempted to catch Swindal, bettering her back up wave, but could not find the score needed to overtake Swindal.
"I feel so good, I can't believe it. I'm just so thankful," said Swindal. "I want to dedicate this win to Lyon Herron, Lyon forever. It was so special to share that Final with Bella. I know she can throw a 9 or a 10 whenever she has to so I'm never comfortable out there with her having priority and needing a score. This means so much and just thank you to everyone supporting me, my family, my friends, this is incredible."
Swindal's charge started with a convincing over eventual Pro Junior event victor Sanoa Dempfle-Olin in their Semifinal battle before earning her maiden WSL victory. The win takes Swinal to No. 1 on the North America QS rankings alongside Kirra Pinkerton (USA).
This also marks back-to-back runner-up finishes in Pismo Beach for Kenworthy as she moves to No. 3 and within Challenger Series requalification.
An unstoppable Taj Lindblad posted more near-perfection in a Final clash with QS standout Alan Cleland, earning a 9.40 and cementing his win. Lindblad becomes the first to win both the SLO CAL Open Morro Bay and Pismo Beach QS events with the local community rallying behind the San Clemente standout.
Lindblad Goes Near-Perfect, First Competitor to Earn SLO CAL Sweep
The crowd came to life once more in the men's Final featuring San Clemente, California's own Taj Lindblad and Mexico's star talent Alan Cleland. Lindblad spends a lot of his time in the SLO CAL area and had the spectators in awe, posting a near-perfect 9.40 to overtake the lead from Cleland, who accrued a 14.66 by the halfway mark. But, Lindblad wasn't done yet and then went on to post another excellent 8.13 to extend his lead and force Cleland into needing a near-perfect 9.70. The ocean did not provide Cleland the opportunity to claim the 9.70 and Lindblad earned his second-career QS victory.
"This is insane, there's a lot of ups and downs in surfing and I knew sometime would be my up," said Lindblad. "It's been a hard year and I hadn't made a heat since April until Morro Bay in December. Just getting through that tough time and grinding through it paid off. [Kolohe] Andino helped me a lot, Ryan Simmons, my parents, my sister Sawyer whose a guru in heats. Thank you for everything and I'm so stoked to take this win."
Lindblad's undeniable run to the top began on Finals Day with a near-perfect 9.50 against an in-form against Lucas Owston in their Semifinal battle. This also marks Lindblad's sweep of the SLO CAL QS series after his win at Morro Bay in 2023 and now holds the No. 5 spot on the North America QS rankings as Cleland's runner-up catapults him to No. 1.
In defining fashion, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin claimed her maiden WSL Pro Junior victory over a stacked Final including Bella Kenworthy, Talia Swindal, and Reid Van Wagoner. Dempfle-Olin's 8.50 secured her victory and she starts 2024 as North America Pro Junior No. 1.
Demplfe-Olin Claims Maiden WSL Pro Junior Victory
A clash of North America's rising talents unfolded in the women's Pro Junior Final featuring QS Finalists Bella Kenworthy and Talia Swindal, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, and Reid Van Wagoner. Kenworthy jumped to an early lead with a 6.67, but Swindal and Dempfle-Olin both garnered 6-point rides of their own to stay within reach. Dempfle-Olin unleashed her backhand attack on a Pismo Beach gem to post an excellent 8.50 and overtake the lead as Kenworthy's 7.60 put her just behind Dempfle-Olin. With time expiring, both Swindal and Kenworthy had an opportunity to turn the heat and fell just short as Dempfle-Olin claimed her first WSL Pro Junior victory, adding to her QS victory from 2023.
"I'm super happy to take win in the Pro Junior, it was such a hard Final," said Dempfle-Olin. "I had a slower QS Semifinal and it felt really good to a get a wave. I was definitely motivated in that one. Thank you to everyone watching and supporting me, my family back at home, and Matt [Myers] and the crew. The vibes were great all week and I'm super happy."
This win puts Dempfle-Olin atop the North America Pro Junior rankings to start the season and race toward the World Junior Championships alongside Kenworthy holding the No. 2 spot.
A blistering men's Pro Junior Final featured Kai Kushner, Luke Wyler, Ryan Huckabee, and Lucas Cassity with Kushner and Wyler exchanging excellent scores. With Huckabee and Cassity not far behind, Kushner delivered a near-perfect 9.10 on his backhand attack and ultimately his maiden WSL win.
Kushner Breaks Through with Near-Perfection for First WSL Win
The men's Pro Junior Final produced fireworks as Ryan Huckabee, Luke Wyler, Kai Kushner, and Lucas Cassity. Wyler kickstarted the Final with an excellent 8.50 utilizing his signature air game before Kushner unloaded on his backhand attack to garner a near-perfect 9.17. But, Wyler struck back to regain the lead with a 6.70 before Kushner answered one last time with a 6.43 and held firm until time expired with Huckabee and Cassity making their moves and finishing third and fourth-place respectively.
"That was a lot of work and it feels amazing to finally get a win," said Kushner. "I'm in the zone when I'm out there and you have to be mentally strong. So to that get that wave under pressure and get the score is amazing. I want to say thank you to Josh and Jacob [Burke] for being here for me and everyone else at home, my family, for supporting me. I started meditating and just felt my surfing getting better the last few months so it's great to see it all come together."
Kushner's maiden WSL win places him as North America Pro Junior No. 1 with Wyler at the No. 2 position with a runner-up finish and now look to stay atop the rankings for an opportunity at the 2024 World Junior Championships.
The next North America event will take competitors to the Surf and Wind City Cabarete Pro QS 1,000 beginning February 7 - 11.
Quarterfinal Clashes Set Up Finals Day
Finals Day is set at the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior. Quarterfinal bouts provided top-tier, head-to-head clashes between the men's and women's QS contingent alongside Pro Juniors determining their Semifinal draws. Three-to-four foot, clean swell provided the platform for excellent showings, dramatic finishes, and clutch performances.
The ISA Gold Medalist and QS threat, Alan Cleland, showcased his forehand power and progression under pressure to earn an 8.87 and 17.20 heat total when it mattered most for a Semifinal appearance.
Cleland Strikes with Power Under Pressure, Joins Heavyweight Semifinal Clashes
With the North America QS rankings shuffling by the day, a big result could be the difference for 2024 Challenger Series qualification for those looking to catapult up the rankings.
Alan Cleland showed his composure under pressure against event threat, and current North America No. 5, Ryan Huckabee (USA) in their Quarterfinal affair. Cleland's opening 8.33 (out of a possible 10) gave him a slight edge over Huckabee before the Floridian, Huckabee, struck again to regain the lead and hold firm heading into the final minutes. But, Cleland held priority and the ocean provided him an opportunity to capitalize under the two-minute mark, and Cleland delivered a powerful showcase on his forehand to earn an 8.87 for the heat win.
"That was a rollercoast of emotions in that heat," said Cleland. "I got that one wave and then I sat for about 15 minutes but I kept my composure. That priority change almost took me out of rhythm but I have a strong mentality and once they switched it back I knew what I had to do. This is a big points event and have three open slots to fill up so I'm really happy to be where I am now."
Lucas Owston excellent showings continued with an 8.33 of his own to overpower Taro Watanabeand joins in-form competitors Josh Burke and Taj Lindblad into the Semifinals for a chance to claim his first WSL victory.
2023 SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach runner-up Bella Kenworthy battled with Noah Klapp and turned in an excellent 8.67 in the dying moments to regain the lead and a second-straight Semifinal showing in Pismo Beach.
Kenworthy Responds Once More, Delivers Excellence into Semifinals
More dramatics followed as the women got their Quarterfinals underway and Heat 2 featured two of North America's rising talents Noah Klapp and Bella Kenworthy. A back and forth heat witnessed multiple lead changes heading into the dying minutes of the heat with Klapp retaking the lead. Kenworthy found herself with priority after Klapp's lead-changing wave and delivered an excellent 8.67 after slamming the final section to take a pivotal Quarterfinal heat win.
"It was definitely a stressful heat so I'm just happy to make it through," said Kenworthy. "I just got lucky I had priority when that wave came and luckily it gave me two good sections. It's exciting to be closer to the Challenger Series since I've been pretty stressed this whole event so I'm stoked to keep going."
Kenworthy joins 2023 SLO CAL Open Morro Bay victor Mathea Dempfle-Olin, sister Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, and current North America No. 5 Talia Swindal into the Semifinals.
Luke Wyler went all-or-nothing in his Quarterfinal clash and dealt out a near-perfect 9.67, the event's best single-wave score so far, for his massive air-reverse.
Wyler's Aerial Antics Redeem Himself in Pismo Beach, Soars to Near-Perfection
An incredible day of action continued with Pro Juniors battling for Semifinal appearances of their own with the region's best 20 and under competitors creating moments of magic.
Luke Wylerfaced fellow San Clemente, Calif., competitor Taj Lindblad in the QS Quarterfinals earlier in the morning and turned that loss into Pro Junior success. Wyler's incredible air earned him the best single-scoring wave of the event so far, a near-perfect 9.67. The rising talent earned a Final appearance last year in the Pro Junior at Pismo Beach and looks to do so again in 2024.
"It was nice to get that wave right away, it makes the whole heat a lot less stresssful," said Wyler. "It was such a stacked heat, every heat here is, and I knew I had to go for it. I just got the loft like I know how to do in my free surfs and I was stoked."
Encinitas, California's own Cole McCaffray found a long-awaited breakthrough with a dominant, 16.10 heat total including an excellent 8.27, one-turn blast to move into the Semifinals.
Dominant showings from Cole McCaffray and Ryan Huckabee added their names to Semifinal appearances alongside Cannon Carr last-minute heroics earning him a Quarterfinal win.
Canada's standout competitor Sanoa Dempfle-Olin laid down an excellent 8.83 to earn a convincing Pro Junior Semifinal appearance as she will vie for both the QS and Pro Junior event titles.
Dempfle-Olin, Swindal, and Kenworthy Into A Massive Finals Day, Eye Both Event Wins
After her best competitive year so far in 2023, Talia Swindal continues that momentum into 2024 with a Semifinal appearance in both the QS and Pro Junior events on Finals Day. Swindal, 18, has her ambitions set and looks to join the likes of Chelsea Tuach and Caitlin Simmers as a multi-North America Pro Regional Pro Junior victor.
But, it was Sanoa Dempfle-Olinwho put the event on notice with an excellent, 8.83 on her decimating backhand attack. Olin joins her sister, Mathea, into the QS Semifinals as well where they could meet in the Final for a rematch of the 2023 SLO CAL Open Morro Bay.
"I only rode two waves in that heat, which I'm obviously stoked on that, but I definitely wanted to get a few more after," said Dempfle-Olin. "I'm happy to get a couple bigger scores in that heat. That right had a bunch of sections so I'm definitely stoked on that."
Oceanside's rising talent Reid Van Wagoner delivered a solid 13.44 heat total to surge her way into the Pro Junior Semifinals.
Plus, Reid Van Wagoner and Olivia Storrer earned big Quarterfinal heats of their own and surged into Finals Day.
Event organizers will reconvene for a 7:00 a.m. PST call to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PDT start.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Quarterfinalists Locked In, Stakes Rise
The stakes are rising by the day at the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior. Pumping, five-to-seven foot swell tested competitors' abilities and many rose to the occasion with outstanding performances as men's and women's QS Round of 16 heats and men's Pro Junior Round of 32 finished in their entirety. Women's Pro Junior competition was called OFF for the day.
Barbados' standout talent Josh Burke threw everything into his Round of 16 heat for a near-perfect 9.10 and event best so far, 17.17 heat total, to steamroll toward the Quarterfinals with his goals set.
Burke's Ballistic Near-Perfection Garners Event's Best Showing
Valuable points rise each new round and heavyweight Round of 16 draws awaited both the men and women in Pismo Beach. But, it was Barbados' own Josh Burke who stamped his authority heading into the Quarterfinals with a near-perfect showcase. Burke's forehand power and progression were on full display, soaring his way to a 9.10 (out of a possible 10) and 17.17 (out of a possible 20), event-best so far, heat total.
"I feel good and those are the heats I like, hopefully I can do that again in the next one," said Burke. "My goal is to win the next heat and then hopefully this contest. I want to make the Challenger Series and eventually qualify for the CT. Thank you to my family and everyone supporting me back home, and enough respect to the Bathsheba community which is my other family to me."
Lucas Owston and Taj Lindblad made their presence known with convincing, excellent heat totals of their own, both garnering 16-points, alongside an in-form Alan Cleland to win their Round of 16 bouts for Quarterfinal appearances.
2023 standout Bella Kenworthy brought back her bravado with an excellent 8.00 and 14.67 heat total to smash her way into the Quarterfinals at Pismo
Beach.
Kenworthy Goes Excellent to Surge Through Round of 16
Bella Kenworthy held firm and found her form with an excellent 8.00 on a searing righthander, providing her with multiple opportunities to showcase her forehand attack. Kenworthy enters this ranked No. 4 and now has the opportunity to capitalize, and put her name back into the mix of 2024 Challenger Series competitors.
"It feels really good and I'm happy to put a heat together," said Kenworthy. "That wave came right to me, I had priority, and it gave me two good sections so I was really happy. It'll be good to hang with my family today and probably go surf again to be ready for tomorrow."
Clutch performances from Leilani McGonagle, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, and Zoe Chait earned them Round of 16 wins and Quarterfinal appearances with North America's Top 3 all eliminated today.
After a tough loss on the QS in Pismo Beach, Tosh Talbot regained his fire and posted an excellent 8.00 and 14.67 heat total to carry momentum into the Quarterfinals.
Talbot Stands Apart in Pro Junior Debut Alongside Kushner and More
The men's Pro Junior top seeds went to work after mixed results among the QS contingent in Pismo Beach.
Costa Rica's emerging talent Tosh Talbotmade his presence known with a sensational redemption heat after an early exit in the QS. Talbot's forehand attack led to an excellent 8.00 and 14.67 heat total, matching that of Kai Kushner (USA), and powered his way into the Quarterfinals to kickstart his 2024 run.
"I'm feeling really good and it felt good to get a couple waves in that heat," said Talbot. "I probably shouldn't have done that air with my knee but I can't hold back sometimes. I did a big turn on an end section to a wave and tore my MCL but I'm happy to be here. Now I'll go with everything I have into the next round."
Big showings from Owen Moss, Kai Kushner, Luke Guinaldo, Lucas Cassity, Cole McCaffray, Cannon Carr and Hayden Rodgers pushed them into the Quarterfinals to start the 2024 Pro Junior season.
Event organizers will reconvene for a 7:00 a.m. PST call to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PDT start.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Shakeups and Marquee Showdowns Unravel
A showdown of North America's heavy-hitters provided a spectacle at the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior. The rankings are set to shuffle following notable eliminations in men's competition and the women's top seeds debuted in powerful form to complete their respective Round of 32 draws in their entirety. Pro Junior competition was called OFF for the day.
The reigning North America Regional Pro Junior victor Talia Swindal is looking to carry her recent Pro Junior success into the QS and is making noise along the way with a 14.26 heat total in her Round of 32 debut.
Swindal Continues to Shine, Sears into Round of 16
Talia Swindal catapulted herself onto the scene in 2022 at this very event and continues to show she's a rising threat in North America. The recent SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Semifinalist, Swindal also sits at No. 5 on the rankings and showed she's ready for more with a 14.26 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Swindal looks to breakthrough in Pismo Beach for an opportunity to compete among the 2024 Challenger Series contenders.
"It was fun out there even though the conditions are changing so fast," said Swindal. "It's still the best Pismo Beach ever so no complaints. We're staying super close to the event which is nice. I can just wake up and go surf so it's the best. I just cruised before my heat, got an early morning surf, but then just hung around and watched some of the event to save my energy for the heat."
Reid Van Wagoner continues to show she's going to be a force in coming years in the jersey and delivered an excellent 8.00 in her QS debut.
Van Wagoner Breaks into Excellence, Dempfle-Olin Eyes More SLO CAL Success
One of Southern California's newcomers Reid Van Wagoner continues to find her footing among the QS contingent and garnered an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10). The teenager, Van Wagoner, has shown her ability to mix it up with some of the region's best on a longboard and also brings a spark to her QS opponents as she finds herself into the Round of 16 looking for her third Quarterfinal appearance.
"I was just trying to find the good waves and it was super fun," said Van Wagoner. "I'm so stoked we have waves and I'm so happy I got that little running left. I'm trying to do both longboard and shortboard as long as I can and I'm just traveling and living the best life right now, I'm super fortunate and just want to keep it going."
The 2023 SLO CAL Open Morro Bay victor Mathea Dempfle-Olin is back in SLO CAL looking for more and opened with a 7.67 to her name to push the standard in Pismo Beach.
Also earning marquee, Round of 32 debut heat wins, Mathea Dempfle-Olin looks for a SLO CAL sweep of her own and joins current North America No. 1 Zoe Benedetto, No. 2 Kirra Pinkerton, Noah Klapp, and opening day standout Eden Walla into the Round of 16.
The Brazilian Philippe Chagas turned in a showstopping performance with an 8.37 and 7.33 as Owen Moss also dropped the event's highest single-wave score of a 9.60 in their Round of 32 battle.
Chagas Breaks Loose Alongside Moss in Round of 32 Showdown
The Round of 32 witnessed some heavyweight bouts and a shakeup among the upper echelon of North America's rankings. With the Top 4 ranked competitors all eliminated in the Round of 32, the door is open for competitors to capitalize and all-important moves were made into the Round of 16.
Philippe Chagas put on a high-performance showcase, displaying his aerial antics and ability to lay down hefty maneuvers for an excellent 8.37 and 7.33. A stout battle for runner-up went to Owen Moss who dealt a near-perfect 9.60 to his opponents in the dying moments of their battle. Now, Chagas and Moss look to disrupt proceedings further and post big results of their own.
"That feels amazing, I've been putting in the sessions early in the morning and I felt like I'd surf on the high tide so I knew I'd have to wait for the bigger waves," said Chagas. "I lost pretty much the whole season last year just with a lot of personal things happening so I'm excited to really kick off the year here and then go to Barbados. My goal is the Challenger Series and doing the math I still have a chance and I've been doing amazing work with my team."
Oceanside's rising threat Lucas Owston made his presence known with a 14.60 heat total in a stacked affair with Kolohe Andino, Blayr Barton, and Kai Kushner.
Owston Carries Morro Bay Success Into Round of 16 at Pismo Beach
Recent SLO CAL Open Morro Bay runner-up Lucas Owston brought that bravado to Pismo Beach and put on another showcase of his forehand power. Owston found two gems to accrue a 14.60 heat total over a stacked Round of 32 battle featuring former Championship Tour (CT) veteran Kolohe Andino, Blayr Barton, and Kai Kushner. But, it was Oceanside's Owston who held firm as Kushner was able to maintain his place in the advancing position as both advanced into the critical Round of 16.
"A win here would mean a lot, it's a lot of points and good for your ratings but I'm just taking one heat at a time," said Owston. "My goals are to make the Challenger Series. But, also just to learn a lot. To Learn a lot about competing, myself, and just the game of it all."
Joining Chagas and Owston, Taro Watanabe, Jake Davis, defending event victor Dimitri Poulos, former CT competitor Lucca Mesinas, and Ryan Huckabee all advanced with big Round of 16 victories.
Event organizers will reconvene for a 7:00 a.m. PST call to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PDT start.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Top Seeds Make Their Statements
Top seeds made their highly-anticipated debuts at the World Surf League (WSL) SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior, in dominant form with opening day stand outs looking to hold firm. Four-to-six foot, pulsing swell provided a showcase of action for the men's Round of 64. Women's QS, men's and women's Pro Junior competitions were called OFF for the day.
The 2023 SLO CAL Open Morro Bay victor put on a showcase of high-performance surfing in his Round of 64 debut with a 16.43 heat total.
Lindblad Lays into Excellent Heat in Dominant Debut, Leads Top Seeds Surge
A high-performance clinic by San Clemente, California's Taj Lindblad posted the event's best performance, garnering an excellent 16.43 (out of a possible 20) heat total in his Round of 64 debut. Lindblad's comfort in SLO CAL was on full display, taking control of the heat early and reinforcing his excellent 8.33 (out of a possible 10) with another 8.10. Now, Lindblad moves forward with his eyes on another SLO CAL title after winning the 2023 SLO CAL Open Morro Bay.
"I'm feeling good and it's a good confidence booster to have the rhythm out there," said Lindblad. "My coach always just tells me to catch waves because the heats I lose I only catch one or two waves. Thank you to Brother [Kolohe Andino] for lending me the board, it's the same one from Oceanside, so hopefully he doesn't take it back (laughs)."
The former SLO CAL Open Morro Bay victor Kei Kobayashi looks to one of the first to sweep the SLO CAL series and posted a 15.33 heat total, including an excellent 8.33, in the top-seeded Round of 64.
Opening Day Standout Kobayashi Steamrolls Through Round of 64
After a tough 2023, Kei Kobayashi found his form and spark with a 15.33 heat total to start the day's competition. Kobayashi's incredible air-reverse, followed by a combination of forehand turns, garnered an excellent 8.33 and surged into the Round of 32. Kobayashi also has a SLO CAL Open Morro Bay event win to his name and can be one of the first to sweep the series alongside the likes Lindblad and Taro Watanabe.
"I'm stoked, I feel like I haven't gotten over 12-points in a few years so it's nice to actually get some scores," said Kobayashi. "I switch boards mid-competition, normally I don't do that, but I rode this board yesterday and it went really good. I noticed it went a little flat where I started so I moved over and just a big thanks to Chad Wells, it's great having him in my corner and support from him, my family, and my girlfriend, it means a lot."
In a Round of 64 battle, Josh Burke found himself in fourth place with time running low and found a gem to unleash his signature flair and accrued an excellent 8.43 to catapult straight into the Round of 32.
Burke Delivers Stunner Under Pressure
One of the day's best showdowns unraveled in the Round of 64, Heat 11, featuring Josh Burke, Luke Guinaldo, Hagan Johnson, and Philippe Chagas. Johnson's aerial antics put him into the lead with each of his opponents accruing a mid-range score to keep pace. Burke's 6.20 had him sitting in fourth place as time dwindled and, gifted a Pismo Beach gem, through an all-or-nothing "club sandwich" maneuver and rode away for an excellent 8.43 to overtake the lead.
"I started out good and then everyone in the heat started dropping scores so I went to fourth and only needed a six so I held priority," said Burke. "On the wave I fell on I hesitated between maneuvers which caused me to fall so when I got the next one I just went for it. It felt like I was competing non-stop so it was good to step away and I was also injured for what felt like six months. Now I'm back and at 100 percent, I just dropped my edit 'West Indian Wonderland" so that was a lot of stress that's finally off my shoulders and I'm ready to give this event everything."
The 2023 Pro Junior event victor Levi Slawson enters this event ranked as North America's No. 1 and picked apart the Pismo Beach lineup with an excellent 8.00.
Slawson Pushes the Rankings Pace
One of North America's proven, emerging talents Levi Slawson earned his first WSL win on home soil here at the Pro Junior event in 2023 and returns as the current North America QS No. 1. Slawson found his form right away and garnered an excellent 8.00 later in the heat to secure his debut heat win. Now, Slawson looks to carry his momentum toward another big result and start pulling away from the pack.
"It's as good as Pismo gets you could say and I've surfed a lot of events over the last few months and just had to regroup myself and realize this is an important event," said Slawson. "You could always lose first heat so I had the goal of just making my first heat so I'm stoked. I've just been waiting to get the competition going and I'm super stoked for the rest of the week."
Newport Beach's own Parker Cohn laid down the best single-wave score of the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing Hope with an excellent 8.77 in the Round of 64, Heat 16.
But, Parker Cohnsaved the best for last and accrued an excellent 8.77, the best single-wave score of competition so far, to cement an all-important Round of 64 victory over former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Lucca Mesinas, who also advanced. Former CT veteran Kolohe Andino joins Round of 64 standouts John Mel, who won this event in 2021, former North America Regional QS victor Michael Dunphy, Lucas Owston, Alan Cleland, Tao Rodriguez, and more into the Round of 32 for all-important points.
Event organizers will reconvene for a 7:00 a.m. PST call to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PDT start.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Women's Qualifying Series Contenders Debut Alongside Pro Junior Talents
The World Surf League (WSL) SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior, surged back into action with debuts from the women's QS contingent alongside the men's and women's Pro Junior fields. Three-to-four foot clean morning conditions held until variable winds made their way into the lineup with women's QS Round of 40, women's Pro Junior Round of 32, and men's Round of 48 finished in their entirety. Men's QS competition was called OFF for the day.
Half Moon Bay's own Zoe Chait delivered a progressive and powerful debut in Pismo Beach to steam into the top-seeded Round of 32.
Chait and Turner Turn It Up in QS Debuts
Emerging QS talent Zoe Chait showcased her power to overtake a Round of 40, debut heat win and garner a solid 12.43 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Half Moon Bay, California's own looks to build upon her growing career with a big result to kickstart the back half of the 2023/2024 season and showed she's up to task with a clutch performance.
"I knew I needed a small score, but I wanted to push it a little bit harder," said Chait. "I've been landing those turns this week so I felt confident in my equipment and just wanted to push my board a little harder. It's super cool to be on Matt Myers' crew with the boys and girls coming down every heat to support each other and get that confidence boost."
Huntington Beach's own Bailey Turner displayed her 2023 lessons learned with a Round of 40 victory to jumpstart her 2024 surge.
Bailey Turner provided glimpses of her potential throughout early rounds in her QS showings and did so again today with a dynamic forehand and backhand attack. The Huntington Beach, California competitor Turner builds upon the family name that has it's roots firmly in the area's surfing history and make noise all her own.
"The waves were super good and it's really cool to be surfing in this event," said Turner. "I just needed to find a bigger wave that had a better face to put a little more power into the turn and try to combo it. Thank you to my mom for getting me here and my brother, and also everyone watching at home."
An impressive showing from Olivia Storrernotched her an opening heat win before taking out her Pro Junior debut later in the day and is joined into the Round of 32 by Costa Rica's Rubiana Brownell.
The 13-year-old event threat Zoey Kaina showcased more of her potential with an impressive 7.50 and 13.67 heat total in her Round of 32 debut.
Kaina Makes Her Statement in 2024 Pro Junior Start
The Pro Juniors made their 2024 starts and a showcase of what North America's future contenders have to offer was on full display with dynamic performances.
Zoey Kaina, 13, started getting more WSL reps in during the 2023 season and continues to show she will be one to watch this year. Kaina's forehand attack led to an impressive 7.50 and 13.67 heat total. Now, Kaina prepares for a Pro Junior Quarterfinal and Round of 32 QS debut when competition resumes.
"The goal always is to start out with a good wave and get some good combinations and it was super fun out there," said Kaina. "My goals this event is to try my best in every heat and just have fun. Thank you to my family, my friends, and my sponsors for supporting me and watching."
Talia Swindal enjoyed her best competitive year to date in 2023 and looks to continue that into the 2024 season among her Pro Junior contenders, starting with a Round of 32 victory at the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope.
Brilliant showings from reigning North America Regional Pro Junior victor Talia Swindal, proven competitive threats Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, who earned an excellent 8.17 single-wave score, and Lanea Mons, and more pushed them into the Quarterfinals.
Kai Williams brought the gusto from his QS performance and pushed the envelope with a 7.83 in his Round of 48 debut.
Williams Redeems Himself with Pro Junior Success
Opening up the day's action, men's Pro Junior competitors provided moments of magic in the clean, morning conditions to determine who joined the top-seeded Round of 32.
Kai Williams led the surge into the Round of 32 with a powerful performance on his backhand attack, accruing a 7.83. For Wiliams, a tough loss in his QS run provided the spark for his resurgence among the top North America Pro Juniors 20 and under.
"There's a ton of good waves up here and I'm just balancing school and surfing which is kind of hard but I make it work," said Williams. "When I was checking the waves before my heat I noticed those lefts and that was the game plan was to try and find them. My backhand is definitely my strength and I grew up surfing lefts on a pretty bad reef, but there's some fun lefts so it helped growing up there."
With three seconds left, Kepa Media was gifted a gem to capitalize on and go from third-to-first place to move into the Round of 32 at Pismo Beach.
More buzzer-beating performances from Kepa Mendia, Rex Hennings, and impressive displays from Blayr Barton, Greyson Grant, and more now prepare to take on North America's top-seeded Pro Juniors.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. PST, Wednesday, January 24, to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PST start to competition.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Event Threats Emerge on Opening Day
California's Central Coast showcased its different moods for opening day at the World Surf League (WSL) SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope and competitors rose to the occasion. Four-to-six foot, clean morning conditions dealt with rain squalls and building winds, but emerging event threats showed their adaptability to deliver a showcase with the men's Round of 112 and 96 finished in their entirety. Women's QS, men's and women's Pro Junior competition were called OFF for the day.
The formidable San Clemente competitor, Jake Davis, earned a 14.33 heat total including an excellent 8.50 (not shown) and now moves into the Round of 64 with plenty of steam.
Davis and Burke Take Control, Set the Standard on Opening Day
One of San Clemente, California's perennial event threats Jake Davis continued to show his prowess in the jersey and took to the air for an excellent 8.50 (out of a possible 10). Davis' return to competition and ability to overcome adversity remains nothing short of phenomenal as he looks to help push the rising San Clemente contingent.
"I knew I just needed to wait for a wave that had a little bit of a glassy face because the other guys would shoot for a wave that just didn't have much to it," said Davis. "After that I felt like it just set me up with a rhythm in the ocean. I'm just super happy, thankful and grateful and I'm excited for the rest of the contest."
Barbados' own Jacob Burke posted opening day's best performance a 15.07 with his dynamic forehand attack and now joins his brother, Josh, into the top-seeded Round of 64.
Far from the warm waters of his home island in Barbados, Jacob Burke put on a high-performance showcase on his forehand attack. Burke overtook a stacked heat including Manuel Selman, Philippe Chagas, and Kai Barton with an opening day's best 15.07 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Now, Burke prepares for the top-seeded Round of 64 where he joins his brother, Josh.
"It's fun and it got kind of tricky a few heats before mine so I was studying it and went into my heat looking for rights, but I kept finding rights so I was stoked," said Burke. "I knew that if I got runner-up in that heat I'd go against my brother so I wanted to win and avoid that (laughs). This is my magic board and I put it on ice while I free surf and only save it for heats."
Cory Arrambide earned a win on home soil on Pismo Beach's sands in 2017 and looks to continue tapping into the fountain of youth while showcasing his signature backhand power.
Former Event Winner Arrambide Starts Strong in Debut
Inaugural event winner Cory Arrambide continues to impress with his experience and ability to post numbers when needed, earning a 7.50 on a two-turn combination. The Ventura, California competitor is close to home and still has the hunger to compete when competitions are on the West Coast to remind everyone he still has his dynamic tendencies.
"I love surfing the events around California and have all the groms from Ventura here that I surf with every day so I'm stoked," said Arrambide. "It's funny, I was driving up thinking I'd go left more and try some airs but it's my backhand that keeps getting me scores so maybe I should stick to that (laughs). These events keep me young and it's fun to show the groms whose boss still (laughs). But, also to show them you can stay on and keep going so it's fun and keeps me young."
Virginia Beach's standout Blayr Barton put on a backhand showcase as he makes his statement returning from injury and looks for a big result to kickstart 2024.
Barton and More Bring The Flair in Opening Day Showcase
After sustaining a knee injury in 2023, Blayr Barton showed he's back looking for a big comeback of his own. The Virginia Beach, Virginia competitor's backhand power was on full display to accrue a 13.06 and showed a glimpse of his abilities in the jersey to move past his Round of 96 debut in winning form.
"It's really tricky right now and you just have to catch a lot more waves then usual to try and get the one," said Barton. "The current is pulling you out and you're constantly paddling to stay in the same spot. You have to really time it right and hit that critical section just right because it's pretty mushy but there's a wave out there to get a good score on."
The all-or-nothing competitor Jacob Szekely soared to one of the day's best single-scoring waves of a 7.67 before earning a second heat win in the Round of 96.
Event organizers will convene at 7:00 a.m. PST, Monday, January 22, to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PST start to Pro Junior competition.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Four Victors Crowned at 2024 SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope
Andrew Nichols
Today, Talia Swindal, Taj Lindblad, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin and Kai Kushner won the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior, respectively. Pristine Finals Day conditions delivered three-to-five foot swell that Swindal, Lindblad, Dempfle-Olin, and Kushner capitalized on for massive moments throughout their charge atop the podium. Marquee wins for Swindal and Lindblad earned them 3,000 points toward 2024 Challenger Series qualificaiton as Dempfle-Olin and Kushner took the first wins of the 2024 Pro Junior season.
Swindal Takes Over for First-Ever WSL Win, Moves to No. 1 on North America Rankings
An electric women's QS Final between good friends and two of North America's top-tier contenders, Talia Swindal and Bella Kenworthy, witnessed sparks from the start. Kenworthy started the Final with a 7.33 (out of a possible 10) as Swindal's first wave earned her a 6.00. But, Swindal found a running righthander that provided multiple, critical sections that Swindal capitalized on for an excellent 8.00. Kenworthy attempted to catch Swindal, bettering her back up wave, but could not find the score needed to overtake Swindal.
"I feel so good, I can't believe it. I'm just so thankful," said Swindal. "I want to dedicate this win to Lyon Herron, Lyon forever. It was so special to share that Final with Bella. I know she can throw a 9 or a 10 whenever she has to so I'm never comfortable out there with her having priority and needing a score. This means so much and just thank you to everyone supporting me, my family, my friends, this is incredible."
Swindal's charge started with a convincing over eventual Pro Junior event victor Sanoa Dempfle-Olin in their Semifinal battle before earning her maiden WSL victory. The win takes Swinal to No. 1 on the North America QS rankings alongside Kirra Pinkerton (USA).
This also marks back-to-back runner-up finishes in Pismo Beach for Kenworthy as she moves to No. 3 and within Challenger Series requalification.
Lindblad Goes Near-Perfect, First Competitor to Earn SLO CAL Sweep
The crowd came to life once more in the men's Final featuring San Clemente, California's own Taj Lindblad and Mexico's star talent Alan Cleland. Lindblad spends a lot of his time in the SLO CAL area and had the spectators in awe, posting a near-perfect 9.40 to overtake the lead from Cleland, who accrued a 14.66 by the halfway mark. But, Lindblad wasn't done yet and then went on to post another excellent 8.13 to extend his lead and force Cleland into needing a near-perfect 9.70. The ocean did not provide Cleland the opportunity to claim the 9.70 and Lindblad earned his second-career QS victory.
"This is insane, there's a lot of ups and downs in surfing and I knew sometime would be my up," said Lindblad. "It's been a hard year and I hadn't made a heat since April until Morro Bay in December. Just getting through that tough time and grinding through it paid off. [Kolohe] Andino helped me a lot, Ryan Simmons, my parents, my sister Sawyer whose a guru in heats. Thank you for everything and I'm so stoked to take this win."
Lindblad's undeniable run to the top began on Finals Day with a near-perfect 9.50 against an in-form against Lucas Owston in their Semifinal battle. This also marks Lindblad's sweep of the SLO CAL QS series after his win at Morro Bay in 2023 and now holds the No. 5 spot on the North America QS rankings as Cleland's runner-up catapults him to No. 1.
Demplfe-Olin Claims Maiden WSL Pro Junior Victory
A clash of North America's rising talents unfolded in the women's Pro Junior Final featuring QS Finalists Bella Kenworthy and Talia Swindal, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, and Reid Van Wagoner. Kenworthy jumped to an early lead with a 6.67, but Swindal and Dempfle-Olin both garnered 6-point rides of their own to stay within reach. Dempfle-Olin unleashed her backhand attack on a Pismo Beach gem to post an excellent 8.50 and overtake the lead as Kenworthy's 7.60 put her just behind Dempfle-Olin. With time expiring, both Swindal and Kenworthy had an opportunity to turn the heat and fell just short as Dempfle-Olin claimed her first WSL Pro Junior victory, adding to her QS victory from 2023.
"I'm super happy to take win in the Pro Junior, it was such a hard Final," said Dempfle-Olin. "I had a slower QS Semifinal and it felt really good to a get a wave. I was definitely motivated in that one. Thank you to everyone watching and supporting me, my family back at home, and Matt [Myers] and the crew. The vibes were great all week and I'm super happy."
This win puts Dempfle-Olin atop the North America Pro Junior rankings to start the season and race toward the World Junior Championships alongside Kenworthy holding the No. 2 spot.
Kushner Breaks Through with Near-Perfection for First WSL Win
The men's Pro Junior Final produced fireworks as Ryan Huckabee, Luke Wyler, Kai Kushner, and Lucas Cassity. Wyler kickstarted the Final with an excellent 8.50 utilizing his signature air game before Kushner unloaded on his backhand attack to garner a near-perfect 9.17. But, Wyler struck back to regain the lead with a 6.70 before Kushner answered one last time with a 6.43 and held firm until time expired with Huckabee and Cassity making their moves and finishing third and fourth-place respectively.
"That was a lot of work and it feels amazing to finally get a win," said Kushner. "I'm in the zone when I'm out there and you have to be mentally strong. So to that get that wave under pressure and get the score is amazing. I want to say thank you to Josh and Jacob [Burke] for being here for me and everyone else at home, my family, for supporting me. I started meditating and just felt my surfing getting better the last few months so it's great to see it all come together."
Kushner's maiden WSL win places him as North America Pro Junior No. 1 with Wyler at the No. 2 position with a runner-up finish and now look to stay atop the rankings for an opportunity at the 2024 World Junior Championships.
The next North America event will take competitors to the Surf and Wind City Cabarete Pro QS 1,000 beginning February 7 - 11.
Quarterfinal Clashes Set Up Finals Day
Finals Day is set at the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior. Quarterfinal bouts provided top-tier, head-to-head clashes between the men's and women's QS contingent alongside Pro Juniors determining their Semifinal draws. Three-to-four foot, clean swell provided the platform for excellent showings, dramatic finishes, and clutch performances.
Cleland Strikes with Power Under Pressure, Joins Heavyweight Semifinal Clashes
With the North America QS rankings shuffling by the day, a big result could be the difference for 2024 Challenger Series qualification for those looking to catapult up the rankings.
Alan Cleland showed his composure under pressure against event threat, and current North America No. 5, Ryan Huckabee (USA) in their Quarterfinal affair. Cleland's opening 8.33 (out of a possible 10) gave him a slight edge over Huckabee before the Floridian, Huckabee, struck again to regain the lead and hold firm heading into the final minutes. But, Cleland held priority and the ocean provided him an opportunity to capitalize under the two-minute mark, and Cleland delivered a powerful showcase on his forehand to earn an 8.87 for the heat win.
"That was a rollercoast of emotions in that heat," said Cleland. "I got that one wave and then I sat for about 15 minutes but I kept my composure. That priority change almost took me out of rhythm but I have a strong mentality and once they switched it back I knew what I had to do. This is a big points event and have three open slots to fill up so I'm really happy to be where I am now."
Lucas Owston excellent showings continued with an 8.33 of his own to overpower Taro Watanabeand joins in-form competitors Josh Burke and Taj Lindblad into the Semifinals for a chance to claim his first WSL victory.
Kenworthy Responds Once More, Delivers Excellence into Semifinals
More dramatics followed as the women got their Quarterfinals underway and Heat 2 featured two of North America's rising talents Noah Klapp and Bella Kenworthy. A back and forth heat witnessed multiple lead changes heading into the dying minutes of the heat with Klapp retaking the lead. Kenworthy found herself with priority after Klapp's lead-changing wave and delivered an excellent 8.67 after slamming the final section to take a pivotal Quarterfinal heat win.
"It was definitely a stressful heat so I'm just happy to make it through," said Kenworthy. "I just got lucky I had priority when that wave came and luckily it gave me two good sections. It's exciting to be closer to the Challenger Series since I've been pretty stressed this whole event so I'm stoked to keep going."
Kenworthy joins 2023 SLO CAL Open Morro Bay victor Mathea Dempfle-Olin, sister Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, and current North America No. 5 Talia Swindal into the Semifinals.
Wyler's Aerial Antics Redeem Himself in Pismo Beach, Soars to Near-Perfection
An incredible day of action continued with Pro Juniors battling for Semifinal appearances of their own with the region's best 20 and under competitors creating moments of magic.
Luke Wylerfaced fellow San Clemente, Calif., competitor Taj Lindblad in the QS Quarterfinals earlier in the morning and turned that loss into Pro Junior success. Wyler's incredible air earned him the best single-scoring wave of the event so far, a near-perfect 9.67. The rising talent earned a Final appearance last year in the Pro Junior at Pismo Beach and looks to do so again in 2024.
"It was nice to get that wave right away, it makes the whole heat a lot less stresssful," said Wyler. "It was such a stacked heat, every heat here is, and I knew I had to go for it. I just got the loft like I know how to do in my free surfs and I was stoked."
Dominant showings from Cole McCaffray and Ryan Huckabee added their names to Semifinal appearances alongside Cannon Carr last-minute heroics earning him a Quarterfinal win.
Dempfle-Olin, Swindal, and Kenworthy Into A Massive Finals Day, Eye Both Event Wins
After her best competitive year so far in 2023, Talia Swindal continues that momentum into 2024 with a Semifinal appearance in both the QS and Pro Junior events on Finals Day. Swindal, 18, has her ambitions set and looks to join the likes of Chelsea Tuach and Caitlin Simmers as a multi-North America Pro Regional Pro Junior victor.
But, it was Sanoa Dempfle-Olinwho put the event on notice with an excellent, 8.83 on her decimating backhand attack. Olin joins her sister, Mathea, into the QS Semifinals as well where they could meet in the Final for a rematch of the 2023 SLO CAL Open Morro Bay.
"I only rode two waves in that heat, which I'm obviously stoked on that, but I definitely wanted to get a few more after," said Dempfle-Olin. "I'm happy to get a couple bigger scores in that heat. That right had a bunch of sections so I'm definitely stoked on that."
Plus, Reid Van Wagoner and Olivia Storrer earned big Quarterfinal heats of their own and surged into Finals Day.
Event organizers will reconvene for a 7:00 a.m. PST call to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PDT start.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Quarterfinalists Locked In, Stakes Rise
The stakes are rising by the day at the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior. Pumping, five-to-seven foot swell tested competitors' abilities and many rose to the occasion with outstanding performances as men's and women's QS Round of 16 heats and men's Pro Junior Round of 32 finished in their entirety. Women's Pro Junior competition was called OFF for the day.
Burke's Ballistic Near-Perfection Garners Event's Best Showing
Valuable points rise each new round and heavyweight Round of 16 draws awaited both the men and women in Pismo Beach. But, it was Barbados' own Josh Burke who stamped his authority heading into the Quarterfinals with a near-perfect showcase. Burke's forehand power and progression were on full display, soaring his way to a 9.10 (out of a possible 10) and 17.17 (out of a possible 20), event-best so far, heat total.
"I feel good and those are the heats I like, hopefully I can do that again in the next one," said Burke. "My goal is to win the next heat and then hopefully this contest. I want to make the Challenger Series and eventually qualify for the CT. Thank you to my family and everyone supporting me back home, and enough respect to the Bathsheba community which is my other family to me."
Lucas Owston and Taj Lindblad made their presence known with convincing, excellent heat totals of their own, both garnering 16-points, alongside an in-form Alan Cleland to win their Round of 16 bouts for Quarterfinal appearances.
Kenworthy Goes Excellent to Surge Through Round of 16
Bella Kenworthy held firm and found her form with an excellent 8.00 on a searing righthander, providing her with multiple opportunities to showcase her forehand attack. Kenworthy enters this ranked No. 4 and now has the opportunity to capitalize, and put her name back into the mix of 2024 Challenger Series competitors.
"It feels really good and I'm happy to put a heat together," said Kenworthy. "That wave came right to me, I had priority, and it gave me two good sections so I was really happy. It'll be good to hang with my family today and probably go surf again to be ready for tomorrow."
Clutch performances from Leilani McGonagle, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, and Zoe Chait earned them Round of 16 wins and Quarterfinal appearances with North America's Top 3 all eliminated today.
Talbot Stands Apart in Pro Junior Debut Alongside Kushner and More
The men's Pro Junior top seeds went to work after mixed results among the QS contingent in Pismo Beach.
Costa Rica's emerging talent Tosh Talbotmade his presence known with a sensational redemption heat after an early exit in the QS. Talbot's forehand attack led to an excellent 8.00 and 14.67 heat total, matching that of Kai Kushner (USA), and powered his way into the Quarterfinals to kickstart his 2024 run.
"I'm feeling really good and it felt good to get a couple waves in that heat," said Talbot. "I probably shouldn't have done that air with my knee but I can't hold back sometimes. I did a big turn on an end section to a wave and tore my MCL but I'm happy to be here. Now I'll go with everything I have into the next round."
Big showings from Owen Moss, Kai Kushner, Luke Guinaldo, Lucas Cassity, Cole McCaffray, Cannon Carr and Hayden Rodgers pushed them into the Quarterfinals to start the 2024 Pro Junior season.
Event organizers will reconvene for a 7:00 a.m. PST call to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PDT start.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Shakeups and Marquee Showdowns Unravel
A showdown of North America's heavy-hitters provided a spectacle at the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior. The rankings are set to shuffle following notable eliminations in men's competition and the women's top seeds debuted in powerful form to complete their respective Round of 32 draws in their entirety. Pro Junior competition was called OFF for the day.
Swindal Continues to Shine, Sears into Round of 16
Talia Swindal catapulted herself onto the scene in 2022 at this very event and continues to show she's a rising threat in North America. The recent SAMBAZON World Junior Championships Semifinalist, Swindal also sits at No. 5 on the rankings and showed she's ready for more with a 14.26 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Swindal looks to breakthrough in Pismo Beach for an opportunity to compete among the 2024 Challenger Series contenders.
"It was fun out there even though the conditions are changing so fast," said Swindal. "It's still the best Pismo Beach ever so no complaints. We're staying super close to the event which is nice. I can just wake up and go surf so it's the best. I just cruised before my heat, got an early morning surf, but then just hung around and watched some of the event to save my energy for the heat."
Van Wagoner Breaks into Excellence, Dempfle-Olin Eyes More SLO CAL Success
One of Southern California's newcomers Reid Van Wagoner continues to find her footing among the QS contingent and garnered an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10). The teenager, Van Wagoner, has shown her ability to mix it up with some of the region's best on a longboard and also brings a spark to her QS opponents as she finds herself into the Round of 16 looking for her third Quarterfinal appearance.
"I was just trying to find the good waves and it was super fun," said Van Wagoner. "I'm so stoked we have waves and I'm so happy I got that little running left. I'm trying to do both longboard and shortboard as long as I can and I'm just traveling and living the best life right now, I'm super fortunate and just want to keep it going."
Also earning marquee, Round of 32 debut heat wins, Mathea Dempfle-Olin looks for a SLO CAL sweep of her own and joins current North America No. 1 Zoe Benedetto, No. 2 Kirra Pinkerton, Noah Klapp, and opening day standout Eden Walla into the Round of 16.
Chagas Breaks Loose Alongside Moss in Round of 32 Showdown
The Round of 32 witnessed some heavyweight bouts and a shakeup among the upper echelon of North America's rankings. With the Top 4 ranked competitors all eliminated in the Round of 32, the door is open for competitors to capitalize and all-important moves were made into the Round of 16.
Philippe Chagas put on a high-performance showcase, displaying his aerial antics and ability to lay down hefty maneuvers for an excellent 8.37 and 7.33. A stout battle for runner-up went to Owen Moss who dealt a near-perfect 9.60 to his opponents in the dying moments of their battle. Now, Chagas and Moss look to disrupt proceedings further and post big results of their own.
"That feels amazing, I've been putting in the sessions early in the morning and I felt like I'd surf on the high tide so I knew I'd have to wait for the bigger waves," said Chagas. "I lost pretty much the whole season last year just with a lot of personal things happening so I'm excited to really kick off the year here and then go to Barbados. My goal is the Challenger Series and doing the math I still have a chance and I've been doing amazing work with my team."
Owston Carries Morro Bay Success Into Round of 16 at Pismo Beach
Recent SLO CAL Open Morro Bay runner-up Lucas Owston brought that bravado to Pismo Beach and put on another showcase of his forehand power. Owston found two gems to accrue a 14.60 heat total over a stacked Round of 32 battle featuring former Championship Tour (CT) veteran Kolohe Andino, Blayr Barton, and Kai Kushner. But, it was Oceanside's Owston who held firm as Kushner was able to maintain his place in the advancing position as both advanced into the critical Round of 16.
"A win here would mean a lot, it's a lot of points and good for your ratings but I'm just taking one heat at a time," said Owston. "My goals are to make the Challenger Series. But, also just to learn a lot. To Learn a lot about competing, myself, and just the game of it all."
Joining Chagas and Owston, Taro Watanabe, Jake Davis, defending event victor Dimitri Poulos, former CT competitor Lucca Mesinas, and Ryan Huckabee all advanced with big Round of 16 victories.
Event organizers will reconvene for a 7:00 a.m. PST call to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PDT start.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Top Seeds Make Their Statements
Top seeds made their highly-anticipated debuts at the World Surf League (WSL) SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior, in dominant form with opening day stand outs looking to hold firm. Four-to-six foot, pulsing swell provided a showcase of action for the men's Round of 64. Women's QS, men's and women's Pro Junior competitions were called OFF for the day.
Lindblad Lays into Excellent Heat in Dominant Debut, Leads Top Seeds Surge
A high-performance clinic by San Clemente, California's Taj Lindblad posted the event's best performance, garnering an excellent 16.43 (out of a possible 20) heat total in his Round of 64 debut. Lindblad's comfort in SLO CAL was on full display, taking control of the heat early and reinforcing his excellent 8.33 (out of a possible 10) with another 8.10. Now, Lindblad moves forward with his eyes on another SLO CAL title after winning the 2023 SLO CAL Open Morro Bay.
"I'm feeling good and it's a good confidence booster to have the rhythm out there," said Lindblad. "My coach always just tells me to catch waves because the heats I lose I only catch one or two waves. Thank you to Brother [Kolohe Andino] for lending me the board, it's the same one from Oceanside, so hopefully he doesn't take it back (laughs)."
Opening Day Standout Kobayashi Steamrolls Through Round of 64
After a tough 2023, Kei Kobayashi found his form and spark with a 15.33 heat total to start the day's competition. Kobayashi's incredible air-reverse, followed by a combination of forehand turns, garnered an excellent 8.33 and surged into the Round of 32. Kobayashi also has a SLO CAL Open Morro Bay event win to his name and can be one of the first to sweep the series alongside the likes Lindblad and Taro Watanabe.
"I'm stoked, I feel like I haven't gotten over 12-points in a few years so it's nice to actually get some scores," said Kobayashi. "I switch boards mid-competition, normally I don't do that, but I rode this board yesterday and it went really good. I noticed it went a little flat where I started so I moved over and just a big thanks to Chad Wells, it's great having him in my corner and support from him, my family, and my girlfriend, it means a lot."
Burke Delivers Stunner Under Pressure
One of the day's best showdowns unraveled in the Round of 64, Heat 11, featuring Josh Burke, Luke Guinaldo, Hagan Johnson, and Philippe Chagas. Johnson's aerial antics put him into the lead with each of his opponents accruing a mid-range score to keep pace. Burke's 6.20 had him sitting in fourth place as time dwindled and, gifted a Pismo Beach gem, through an all-or-nothing "club sandwich" maneuver and rode away for an excellent 8.43 to overtake the lead.
"I started out good and then everyone in the heat started dropping scores so I went to fourth and only needed a six so I held priority," said Burke. "On the wave I fell on I hesitated between maneuvers which caused me to fall so when I got the next one I just went for it. It felt like I was competing non-stop so it was good to step away and I was also injured for what felt like six months. Now I'm back and at 100 percent, I just dropped my edit 'West Indian Wonderland" so that was a lot of stress that's finally off my shoulders and I'm ready to give this event everything."
Slawson Pushes the Rankings Pace
One of North America's proven, emerging talents Levi Slawson earned his first WSL win on home soil here at the Pro Junior event in 2023 and returns as the current North America QS No. 1. Slawson found his form right away and garnered an excellent 8.00 later in the heat to secure his debut heat win. Now, Slawson looks to carry his momentum toward another big result and start pulling away from the pack.
"It's as good as Pismo gets you could say and I've surfed a lot of events over the last few months and just had to regroup myself and realize this is an important event," said Slawson. "You could always lose first heat so I had the goal of just making my first heat so I'm stoked. I've just been waiting to get the competition going and I'm super stoked for the rest of the week."
But, Parker Cohnsaved the best for last and accrued an excellent 8.77, the best single-wave score of competition so far, to cement an all-important Round of 64 victory over former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Lucca Mesinas, who also advanced. Former CT veteran Kolohe Andino joins Round of 64 standouts John Mel, who won this event in 2021, former North America Regional QS victor Michael Dunphy, Lucas Owston, Alan Cleland, Tao Rodriguez, and more into the Round of 32 for all-important points.
Event organizers will reconvene for a 7:00 a.m. PST call to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PDT start.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Women's Qualifying Series Contenders Debut Alongside Pro Junior Talents
The World Surf League (WSL) SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope, a North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Pro Junior, surged back into action with debuts from the women's QS contingent alongside the men's and women's Pro Junior fields. Three-to-four foot clean morning conditions held until variable winds made their way into the lineup with women's QS Round of 40, women's Pro Junior Round of 32, and men's Round of 48 finished in their entirety. Men's QS competition was called OFF for the day.
Chait and Turner Turn It Up in QS Debuts
Emerging QS talent Zoe Chait showcased her power to overtake a Round of 40, debut heat win and garner a solid 12.43 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Half Moon Bay, California's own looks to build upon her growing career with a big result to kickstart the back half of the 2023/2024 season and showed she's up to task with a clutch performance.
"I knew I needed a small score, but I wanted to push it a little bit harder," said Chait. "I've been landing those turns this week so I felt confident in my equipment and just wanted to push my board a little harder. It's super cool to be on Matt Myers' crew with the boys and girls coming down every heat to support each other and get that confidence boost."
Bailey Turner provided glimpses of her potential throughout early rounds in her QS showings and did so again today with a dynamic forehand and backhand attack. The Huntington Beach, California competitor Turner builds upon the family name that has it's roots firmly in the area's surfing history and make noise all her own.
"The waves were super good and it's really cool to be surfing in this event," said Turner. "I just needed to find a bigger wave that had a better face to put a little more power into the turn and try to combo it. Thank you to my mom for getting me here and my brother, and also everyone watching at home."
An impressive showing from Olivia Storrernotched her an opening heat win before taking out her Pro Junior debut later in the day and is joined into the Round of 32 by Costa Rica's Rubiana Brownell.
Kaina Makes Her Statement in 2024 Pro Junior Start
The Pro Juniors made their 2024 starts and a showcase of what North America's future contenders have to offer was on full display with dynamic performances.
Zoey Kaina, 13, started getting more WSL reps in during the 2023 season and continues to show she will be one to watch this year. Kaina's forehand attack led to an impressive 7.50 and 13.67 heat total. Now, Kaina prepares for a Pro Junior Quarterfinal and Round of 32 QS debut when competition resumes.
"The goal always is to start out with a good wave and get some good combinations and it was super fun out there," said Kaina. "My goals this event is to try my best in every heat and just have fun. Thank you to my family, my friends, and my sponsors for supporting me and watching."
Brilliant showings from reigning North America Regional Pro Junior victor Talia Swindal, proven competitive threats Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, who earned an excellent 8.17 single-wave score, and Lanea Mons, and more pushed them into the Quarterfinals.
Williams Redeems Himself with Pro Junior Success
Opening up the day's action, men's Pro Junior competitors provided moments of magic in the clean, morning conditions to determine who joined the top-seeded Round of 32.
Kai Williams led the surge into the Round of 32 with a powerful performance on his backhand attack, accruing a 7.83. For Wiliams, a tough loss in his QS run provided the spark for his resurgence among the top North America Pro Juniors 20 and under.
"There's a ton of good waves up here and I'm just balancing school and surfing which is kind of hard but I make it work," said Williams. "When I was checking the waves before my heat I noticed those lefts and that was the game plan was to try and find them. My backhand is definitely my strength and I grew up surfing lefts on a pretty bad reef, but there's some fun lefts so it helped growing up there."
More buzzer-beating performances from Kepa Mendia, Rex Hennings, and impressive displays from Blayr Barton, Greyson Grant, and more now prepare to take on North America's top-seeded Pro Juniors.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. PST, Wednesday, January 24, to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PST start to competition.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Event Threats Emerge on Opening Day
California's Central Coast showcased its different moods for opening day at the World Surf League (WSL) SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach presented by Surfing For Hope and competitors rose to the occasion. Four-to-six foot, clean morning conditions dealt with rain squalls and building winds, but emerging event threats showed their adaptability to deliver a showcase with the men's Round of 112 and 96 finished in their entirety. Women's QS, men's and women's Pro Junior competition were called OFF for the day.
Davis and Burke Take Control, Set the Standard on Opening Day
One of San Clemente, California's perennial event threats Jake Davis continued to show his prowess in the jersey and took to the air for an excellent 8.50 (out of a possible 10). Davis' return to competition and ability to overcome adversity remains nothing short of phenomenal as he looks to help push the rising San Clemente contingent.
"I knew I just needed to wait for a wave that had a little bit of a glassy face because the other guys would shoot for a wave that just didn't have much to it," said Davis. "After that I felt like it just set me up with a rhythm in the ocean. I'm just super happy, thankful and grateful and I'm excited for the rest of the contest."
Far from the warm waters of his home island in Barbados, Jacob Burke put on a high-performance showcase on his forehand attack. Burke overtook a stacked heat including Manuel Selman, Philippe Chagas, and Kai Barton with an opening day's best 15.07 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Now, Burke prepares for the top-seeded Round of 64 where he joins his brother, Josh.
"It's fun and it got kind of tricky a few heats before mine so I was studying it and went into my heat looking for rights, but I kept finding rights so I was stoked," said Burke. "I knew that if I got runner-up in that heat I'd go against my brother so I wanted to win and avoid that (laughs). This is my magic board and I put it on ice while I free surf and only save it for heats."
Former Event Winner Arrambide Starts Strong in Debut
Inaugural event winner Cory Arrambide continues to impress with his experience and ability to post numbers when needed, earning a 7.50 on a two-turn combination. The Ventura, California competitor is close to home and still has the hunger to compete when competitions are on the West Coast to remind everyone he still has his dynamic tendencies.
"I love surfing the events around California and have all the groms from Ventura here that I surf with every day so I'm stoked," said Arrambide. "It's funny, I was driving up thinking I'd go left more and try some airs but it's my backhand that keeps getting me scores so maybe I should stick to that (laughs). These events keep me young and it's fun to show the groms whose boss still (laughs). But, also to show them you can stay on and keep going so it's fun and keeps me young."
Barton and More Bring The Flair in Opening Day Showcase
After sustaining a knee injury in 2023, Blayr Barton showed he's back looking for a big comeback of his own. The Virginia Beach, Virginia competitor's backhand power was on full display to accrue a 13.06 and showed a glimpse of his abilities in the jersey to move past his Round of 96 debut in winning form.
"It's really tricky right now and you just have to catch a lot more waves then usual to try and get the one," said Barton. "The current is pulling you out and you're constantly paddling to stay in the same spot. You have to really time it right and hit that critical section just right because it's pretty mushy but there's a wave out there to get a good score on."
Event organizers will convene at 7:00 a.m. PST, Monday, January 22, to determine a possible 7:30 a.m. PST start to Pro Junior competition.
Watch LIVE
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach will open on January 22 and hold a competition window through January 28, 2024. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL's YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.
Alan Cleland
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North America
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