Today, Bella Kenworthy and Owen Moss emerged victorious at the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, and Pro Junior in historic fashion as the first double-double sweep in the event's history. A slight drop in swell pushed Kenworthy and Moss to bring out their best and take advantage of the best opportunities for decisive wins. This marks a historic moment for Kenworthy, becoming the first competitor to sweep both events in back-to-back seasons since the women's QS joined the event. Plus, Moss claimed his maiden WSL victories in dominant form
Kenworthy Etches Her Name into Cocoa Beach History, Double Double, Back-to-Back Wins
The women's Ron Jon Roxy Pro Final featured two of the event's top threats featuring defending event victor Bella Kenworthy and North America No. 6 Ella McCaffray. Kenworthy entered the QS Final fresh off a Pro Junior victory and brought the bravado once more, starting with an impressive 7.33. McCaffray answered with a 5.00 to put pressure on Kenworthy, but Kenworthy pushed ahead with a 5.77 and forced McCaffray into need an excellent score that the ocean wouldn't provide. Kenworthy remained in control as the time expired to earn back-to-back QS wins in Cocoa Beach alongside her back-to-back Pro Junior victories.
"It's so cool to get back-to-back wins, I didn't expect and went into this competition wanting to get double wins again so I'm very excited," said Kenworthy. "This week definitely built up my confidence for Barbados and hopefully I can continue my rhythm heading there. I honestly have no idea what clicked for me here (laughs). I guess all the NSSA events I did growing up so maybe I'm just good at these grindy conditions."
Kenworthy kickstarted her Finals Day run with a clutch performance over Talia Swindal, who entered the event as North America No. 1, in a battle of the friends for their Quarterfinal bout ahead of Kenworthy's duel with Sara Freyre. After surpassing Swindal, Kenworthy moved to No. 1 on the North America QS rankings heading into the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro presented by Diamonds International with a big opportunity to find herself back onto the Challenger Series in 2024.
Moss Celebrates Day of Days with Maiden WSL Wins
A clash of coasts unraveled once again at the Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro between California's Levi Slawson and North Carolina's Owen Moss. Moss carried his momentum from his Pro Junior victory straight into the QS Final, starting with a 6.50 and 6.10 to back it up within the first five minutes. Slawson's 5.40 kept him in within striking distance and found a diamond in the rough just under the 10 minute mark to take the lead with an air-reverse before finishing the wave with a forehand jam to accrue a 7.67. But, Moss kept his composure delivered a powerful, two-turn combination at the two-minute mark for a 7.20 and overturned the heat to complete his day of days with two maiden WSL wins.
"Honestly, for the most part I'm speechless and don't know what to say other than I'm grateful and just so stoked," said Moss. "I've been working hard for a really long time and it seems like it paid off and I feel really good and just want to keep it rolling into Barbados. It's crazy, I had a dream I lost the first heat sitting and waiting too long so I came into each heat wanting to do the opposite and just get started as soon as I possibly can. My best results were second in Pro Junior and QS so I'm stoked to finally win not only one but two."
Moss started off his QS Finals Day surge in a stout matchup against an in-form, fellow East Coast standout Blayr Barton in their Semifinal clash before his Final showdown. The Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina competitor, Moss, now moves to No. 10 on the rankings ahead of the final event of 2023/2024.
Kenworthy's form remained undeniable from start to finish in Cocoa Beach once again. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
A glimpse at North America's rising talents took to the Ron Jon Roxy Pro Junior Final with Bella Kenworthy taking an early lead, posting a solid 7.33 over fellow Californian Reid Van Wagoner and Floridian standouts Daya McCart and Kylie Pulcini. Pulcini's 5.33 put her back into the heat before just nuding ahead of Kenworthy with a 3.27 as Van Wagoner and McCart hunted down waves of scoring potential. Van Wagoner found just that to post a 6.00 and overtake the lead at the halfway point. But, McCart returned with a 5.77 to put herself atop the heat before Kenworthy answered in the final minutes to push back into the lead with an 11.16 heat total and held firm to earn back-to-back wins.
Kenworthy now moves to No. 1 on the North America Pro Junior rankings heading into the Final event of the season, the Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Memory of Zander Venezia with a chance to clinch her World Junior Championships spot.
Moss' laser focus took him into both the QS and Pro Junior Final. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
The men's Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro Junior came to life right away with Blayr Barton forehand attack striking first against event standouts Owen Moss, Wheeler Hasburgh, and Lucas Owston (USA). Barton found another opportunity right away and capitalized with a 6.50, but Moss answered back with a 6.00 to put himself into the conversation. However, Barton wasn't to be denied by Moss after their QS Semifinal showdown went to Moss and delivered a powerful forehand attack for a 7.83 to take control of the Final. Moss wasn't done, taking to the air for an excellent 8.33 and taking over the top position, matching Barton's 14.33 total but having the edge with the top single-wave score. Hasburgh found his first wave of the final nearly 17 minutes in and posted a 7.90. But, Moss stood strong and claimed his maiden WSL win before going on to win the QS event.
Moss joins Kenworthy atop the North America Pro Junior rankings as he looks to secure a place both onto the Challenger Series and World Junior Championships.
Levi Slawson (USA) found his mojo once again and earned three-of-three East Coast Finals in 2023/2024. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Notable Runner-Up Finishes as All Roads Lead to Barbados
Impressive showings from Levi Slawson, Ella McCaffray, Daya McCart and Blayr Barton earned them valuable runner-up finishes in the QS and Pro Junior, respectively.
The East Coast treated Slawson to three Final showings in three events, earning his maiden QS victory in the Outer Banks, and now moves into the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro presented by Diamonds International with plenty of steam, up to No. 4 on the rankings, and an opportunity to hold his Challenger Series qualifying position.
"It's good momentum and with Barbados being a 5,000, everyone knows it's all going to come down to thath" said Slawson. "It's the big finale and I moved up a few places so it was good to better my low result with the Final here. It was good to make a few heats and make the Final. I wanted to win but Owen [Moss] rips and you can't write him off. The East Coast has always been tough to me so this year I made an effort step up my game in every aspect of my surfing."
Ella McCaffray (USA) pushed herself toward a second Final of the season and valuable points. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
This marks McCaffray's third-career Final appearance, earning her maiden victory earlier this season at Morro Bay, and now looks to push even further at Soup Bowl for a chance to move herself into Challenger Series qualification.
"I'm super stoked to be making Finals and I don't think I made a QS Final in North America for two years so to make two in one season feels pretty goo," said McCaffray. "Heading into Barbados hopefully I can do one better but I'm looking forward to it. It's nerve-racking but I definitely like it. I'm on the lower end of qualifiers right now so hopefully I can get a good result and get that Challenger Series spot."
Blayr Barton (USA) took advantage of home coast energy for a brilliant showing. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Barton continued to shine into Finals Day, starting with a dynamic Pro Junior Semifinal showing alongside Wheeler Hasburgh as they eliminated Cocoa Beach's own William Hedleston and Luke Wyler, who entered as North America No. 2. Barton's return from injury has witnessed some of his best performances and capped it with the runner-up finish here before the conclusion at Soup Bowl.
"Runner-up and a third in the QS means a lot to me," said Barton. "I'm proud of the way I surfed in the event and stoked how things turned out. Coming out of an injury is always hard but I'm happy to be back in rhythm and really feeling the energy of competitions again and to do it on the East Coast is even better. Now, I'm going into Barbbados with a lot of confidence and hope to stay in rhythm."
Daya McCart (USA) earned her first-ever WSL Finals appearance - WSL / Andrew Nichols
McCart turned the tables on eventual Kenworthy in the final moments of their Pro Junior Semifinal bout, with Kenworthy advancing into the Final once more, to eliminate an in-form Brynn Gallagher and Lanea Mons. This marks McCarts best result on the WSL stage and looks for more with 800 points secured.
"I just wanted to keep going and going and not give up," said McCart. "It just came my way and this is the first time I've done the Pro Juniors so I'm so happy. I was stoked I got that wave in the Semifinal, it just came to me and I was able to surf it. I'm just so stoked right now."
The boost in points help these competitors set themselves up with a push in the rankings for re-seeding ahead of the final event for North America's 2023/2024 QS season and 2024 Pro Junior season at the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International. Watch LIVE beginning March 18 - 24 at WorldSurfLeague.com
Day 4: Top-Tier Clashes Determine Finals Day Draws
An all-important Finals Day showdown awaits at the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, and Pro Junior after blistering performances in two-foot, occasional plus, wind swell at Shepard Park. Men's and women's QS Round of 16, men's QS Quarterfinals, joined men's and women's Pro Junior Quarterfinal action to finish in their entirety and set up the big conclusion in Cocoa Beach, Florida with 1,000 valuable points on the line.
Blayr Barton has found his form since returning from injury and continues to steamroll through big matchups. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
The East Coast's own Blayr Barton put on a showcase for his home coast supporters with an explosive 15.83 (out of a possible 20) heat total against North America standout Dimitri Poulos. Barton's razor-sharp forehand garnered an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10) in the dying moments to secure his place into the Quarterfinals. The Sandridge, Virginia competitor, Barton, returned from injury at the end of 2023 and picked up where he left off in form.
"It's always gnarly going against your friends and DImitri [Poulos] beats me every time so it was fun to get one on him here," said Barton. "It's amazing to be back. I'm working with Geoff Armstrong on heat strategy and it's really noticeable in the results so I'm super happy. It feels insane to be in Finals Day on the East Coast and it's a big confidence booster."
Barton went on to post a near-perfect 9.00 in his Pro Junior Quarterfinal heat to look for a chance at earning two event wins alongside the likes of fellow East Coast talent Owen Moss. Also continuing in dynamic form, Levi Slawson put on a clinic of his own and joins current North America Pro Junior No. 1 Kai Kushner into the Semifinals.
Rubiana Brownell (CRC) looks to break back into the Semifinals in back-to-back years at Cocoa Beach. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Defending Ron Jon Roxy Pro and Pro Junior victor Bella Kenworthy continues her dominant form with another brilliant showing in the QS and also advanced to the Pro Junior Semifinals once again. Costa Rican duo Rubiana Brownell and Leilani McGonagle notched clutch heat wins of their own. A back-and-forth battle between Rubiana Brownell (CRC) and Ella McCaffray pushed the pace in their Round of 16 heat alongside Florida's Auburn Hilley and current North America Pro Junior No. 1 Sanoa Dempfle-Olin. Brownell's lead held until McCaffray answered back with a 7.25, but Brownell wasn't done and pushed back with a heat-winning 7.30 at an event she's competed in since age 15.
"It was a little tough out there but somehow I found a wave that let me open up," said Brownell. "Even when it's grindy and tough I get some confidence knowing I can still post a good score. It feels really good to be in Finals Day and I'm stoked for tomorrow."
Emerging talent Zoey Kaina joins the hunt for a Ron Jon Roxy Pro and Pro Junior title with her QS Round of 16 and Pro Junior Quarterfinal wins.
Logan Radd (USA) held down home waters in excellent fashion with an excellent 16.00 heat total. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Satellite Beach, Florida's own Logan Radd broke through with a stunning performance in his Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro Junior Quarterfinal bout with an excellent 16.00 heat total. Radd's incredible forehand attack paved the way to an 8.50 and took control over a hefty matchup featuring reigning North America Regional Pro Junior victor Reed Platenius, fellow Floridian standout Kepa Mendia, and in-form Tosh Talbot. This marks Radd's best result as he prepares for Finals Day.
"That was finally a good heat after a couple heats I was able to put something together," said Radd. "This is my best result in a WSL competition so I really want to keep it going. It's so good to be at home with my family down here supporting me, it means a lot, the waves are fun and I've just been working on my breathing to get focused for the heat so I'm stoked it's been working."
Lanea Mons (USA) let loose in her Pro Junior Quarterfinal bout and stormed into Finals Day. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Making her way down the coast from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, Lanea Mons turned it up a notch in the tricky afternoon conditions and posted a brilliant 14.15 heat total. Mons overcame a stacked heat including reigning North America Regional Pro Junior victor Talia Swindal, an in-form Sara Freyre, and fellow Floridian Daya McCart, who also advanced. Now Mons prepares for a big Finals Day finish and in search of her maiden WSL win.
"My last heats were pretty rough just having a slow start in the Pro Juniors before putting it together in the end and then I lost my QS heat earlier so it felt good to put together a few good scores," said Mons. "I feel like I know these waves really well which is good for confidence and I got to bring my dog which is pretty awesome. It's not quite home but I feel super comfortable here and knowing this is an important contest since we only have three junior events I want to do well."
Mons' Floridian Brynn Gallagher joins the Final Day conclusion alongside Kaina and breakthrough competitor Reid Van Wagoner for their chance at joining Cocoa Beach history.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EST for a possible 8:00 a.m. EST start.
Day 3: Cocoa Beach Delivers for High-Performance Showcase, Juniors Celebrate International Women's Day with Debut Wins
The Atlantic Ocean came back to life at the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, and Pro Junior to provide another big day of competition and celebrate International Women's Day. Two-to-four foot swell pulsed back in to Shepard Park's lineup and a plethora of high-performance action followed suit. Fields dwindled to just the Round of 16 as the men's and women's Pro Junior, and men's QS Round of 32 all finished in their entirety.
Swindal's relentless approach garnered her the best women's Pro Junior performance. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Reigning North America Pro Junior victor Talia Swindal established herself once more at the Ron Jon Roxy Pro Junior with an incredible display to celebrate International Women's Day. Swindal's decimating backhand led to an immaculate 15.75 heat total, including an excellent 8.00, and looks to regain ground toward defending her title.
"This is the best Cocoa Beach I've ever seen and I just wanted to catch a lot of waves and stay in the flow," said Swindal. "At home I was practicing my backhand in smaller waves and to bring that practice into the jersey is amazing. I'm stoked to make my heat on International Women's Day and can't wait to see what the future holds for women's surfing."
Bella Kenworthy (USA) keeps her magic streak in Cocoa Beach alive and thriving. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Defending QS and Pro Junior victor Bella Kenworthy stamped her authority in her Pro Junior debut to join Reid Van Wagoner, Sara Freyre, Marlynn Glaub and Kylie Pulcini into the Quarterfinals. Kenworthy's dominant 15.00 heat total elevated her performance once again.
"I've been starting off my contests very badly recently and so I'm really happy to off to a good start here so far," said Kenworthy. "I'm so happy to be surfing such good waves, it reminds of home honestly like really fun T-Street and I'm super excited to the next few heats. It's really cool to celebrate International Women's Day with a heat win and women's surfing."
Owen Moss (USA) threw caution to the wind in the final heat of the day for near-perfection. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Moss and Slawson Stand Apart in Men's QS Round of 32
A sensational conclusion to Day 3 witnessed more near-perfection courtesy of Owen Moss'massive backhand air-reverse to garner a 9.00, combined for a 15.50 heat total, and a clutch heat win. Moss catapulted himself from fourth-to-first place and held strong alongside fellow East Coast threat Blayr Barton as the two move into the Round of 16 looking for their maiden WSL victories.
"I got that set wave and I was going to do turns but then I just got going really fast so I just went for the air," said Moss. "It felt really good and it's great to get the waves I want to mix it up with turns and airs. I have two throwaway results on the QS so I definitely want to get a big one here and back it up at the next one."
Levi Slawson (USA) returned to Shepard Park and didn't lose a step with another brilliant showing. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
A jaw-dropping performance from Levi Slawson posted one of the best performances of Day 3 in the Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro with a 15.35 heat total. Slawson's lightning-fast approach on his forehand and backhand provided a showcase amid a heavily-contested heat including former Pro Junior winner Tommy Coleman, who also advanced, current No. 5 Ryan Huckabee, and a dangerous Tao Rodriguez. But, Slawson's lead was able to keep him comfortably in front as time expired.
"My 8.00 was a fun wave and I actually wasn't going to go on it but my game plan was to get a wave right away because I didn't free surf this morning," said Slawson. "I was stoked on that and backed it up pretty quickly and after that I was worry-free. Everyone seemed like they were super close toward the end of the heat and there were some really good guys in that heat so I took it seriously. The conditions were as good as Cocoa Beach gets so I was stoked on that."
Cocoa Beach's William Hedleston looked unstoppable once again with both a QS and Pro Junior victory. Hedleston joins current North America No.1 Alan Cleland, former event winners Michael Dunphy and Kei Kobayashi, and an in-form John Mel into the Round of 16.
Greyson Grant (SWE) took the event to new heights with a near-perfect 9.65. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Grant and Kushner Push the Men's Pro Junior Pace
Greyson Grant set a new standard for the Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro Junior with a near-perfect 9.65 after taking to the air for a massive air-reverse. The Encinitas, California competitor backed it up with a 6.35 for an event-best so far, 16.06 heat total to surge toward the Quarterfinals after an equal 17th place in Pismo Beach.
"I paddled out to the north side of the tent and everyone else went the other side and that wave just popped up out of nowhere," said Grant. "I knew one turn wouldn't be a big score so I just had to send it and it was a heavy section so I was stoked to come out of it. Those guys got me last time so it was cool to get one back and that's the highest heat total I've had as well as my best result in a WSL event so far so I'm just really stoked and want to keep it going."
Current North America Pro Junior No. 1 Kai Kushner (USA) showcased his ability in fun conditions. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Also notching important Round of 32 wins, Cocoa Beach's own William Hedleston, Kai Kushner, Tosh Talbot, Owen Moss, Luke Wyler, and Gabriel Griffin all move into the Quarterfinals. Current North America No. 1, Kushner, unleashed his forehand attack for an impressive 14.75 heat total to stay ahead of the pack.
"I'm having a super fun time here in Florida, the waves have been really good so I'm stoked," said Kushner. "I'm wanting to just go heat-by-heat and I'm feeling good so just want to keep it going. It's crazy winning in Pismo since I hadn't won anything in awhile and I'm feeling that confidence but this one is important and I'm just having a lot of fun.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EST for a possible 8:00 a.m. EST start.
Day 2: Women Shine in Debuts, Men's East Coast Contingent Hold Strong
A slight drop in consistency didn't damper the performances at the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro and Pro Junior with more dynamic showcases in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Solid two-foot, occasional plus-size sets, provided moments of magic as the women debuted with their Round of 40 and Round of 32 heats, men wrapping their Round of 64, Heats 13 - 16, and men's Pro Junior Round of 48 finished in their entirety. Women's Pro Junior action was called OFF for the day.
Bella Kenworthy (USA) is back to hold down both of her QS and Pro Junior titles. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Defending Event Victor Kenworthy Debuts Brilliantly
Defending double event victor Bella Kenworthy went to work right away, battling with Round of 40 standout Candelaria Resano, also advancing, to earn a debut heat win. Kenworthy's backhand attack garnered a solid 7.75 to push the standard early as she looks to push the pace on the North America rankings where she currently sits at No. 3.
"I love coming to Florida and doing this event. The waves are actually pretty fun when they come through so I'm stoked," said Kenworthy. "I was a little stressed and just knew I needed to stay active because I tend to sit and lose rhythm. I love coming to Florida and doing this event. The waves are actually pretty fun when they come through so I'm stoked."
Former Pro Junior event winner Leilani McGonagle (CRC) looks for a big showing in her return to Cocoa Beach. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
McGonagle, Freyre and More Find Their Form for Round of 16 Appearances
Costa Rica's perennial qualification threat, Leilani McGonagle, hasn't found her rhythm during the 2023/2024 season but put that aside for a brilliant Round of 32 debut on her forehand power. The former Pro Junior event winner holds as an anchor for the emerging Costa Rica contingent, including Rubiana Brownell who also earned a Round of 32 win on her birthday, and remains focused on the task at hand.
"It's fun to be here with the Costa Rican team and see everyone is very united and it's very different than when I used to come with a small number of us," said McGonagle. "I'm just hoping to surf good and get some scores since it's a Hail Mary for me to qualify for the Challenger Series this season. So I just want to work on some things in my surfing and in heats and it's nice not having pressure. It's a lot different just usually being in the mix and now it's either win them or don't qualify so it's just go for broke which is a different mentality."
Sara Freyre continues to show she's one to watch every event, this time with a 13.90 heat total. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Also earning notable Round of 32 wins, current North America No. 1 Talia Swindal, Zoe Chait, Zoey Kaina, Auburn Hilley, and Sara Freyre all move straight into the Round of 16. Freyre stood apart with an impressive 13.90 heat total on her forehand and now looks to continue her already established East Coast success.
"I always love coming to the East Coast even though it can be smaller, it's always super fun and I'm stoked to make it through that first heat," said Freyre. "Starting off with a few good scores is a good confidence booster for the next round. I'm super glad to be here and get more time in the jersey and hopefully I can put some heats together in both the QS and the Pro Junior."
2022 event victor Michael Dunphy is back and in winning form to start his 2024 run. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Dunphy and Barton Start Strong to Finish Men's QS Round of 64
2022 event winner Michael Dunphy returned to Shepard Park in great form to take a momentum-building, debut win. Dunphy's prowess in small, fun conditions lead to a solid 7.00 and battled for a heat win with an in-form Greyson Grant, who also advanced. Now, Dunphy looks to capitalize on gaining rhythm near his home base of New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
"It's good to get going and any momentum is great these days when winning a heat is hard," said Dunphy. "I've done well here in the past and I take confidence from that. Hopefully just keep it going and things go my way since I'm coming in with no rhythm, no momentum at the moment. This is a perfect spot for it and just want to keep getting some heat wins."
Blayr Barton (USA) made his statement in his return to East Coast competition. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
The East Coast's own Blayr Barton, posting an impressive 14.40 heat total, and Owen Mossjoin former North America Pro Junior Regional victor Tyler Gunter (USA) into the Round of 32 after clutch heat wins of their own. Barton helped eliminate former CT competitor Carlos Munoz alongside opening day standout Cole McCaffray, who also advanced, in slow conditions.
"It was fun but a little grindy with the ground swell being a bit slow but still got it done," said Barton. "That was a stacked heat and it definitely boosts the confidence when you compete with former CT surfers in your heat, it's always the goal to beat them when you get them in a heat."
Burger and Hedleston Steal the Show in Men's Pro Junior Debuts
Carl Burger (USA) took control of his Pro Junior debut with a dominant showing. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
North Florida's Carl Burger let loose after facing elimination in the QS competition and posted a day's best 14.75 heat total. Burger looks to get on a roll while near home and play spoiler to those looking for valuable points toward their Pro Junior rankings with two events remaining.Â
"I didn't do the whole [QS] season so I didn't really get the experience but when it's my time, it's my time," said Burger. "It's only an hour drive so it's great to be competing near my own backyard. This event is important to me, especially just what I want to accomplish and what I want to go for so it all works out in the end but just have to grind through it and see what happens."
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Local contender William Hedleston (USA) continues with strong showings. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Big debut heat wins from Cocoa Beach's own William Hedleston, plus fellow Floridian Kepa Mendia included an excellent 8.00 alongside Ocean Gittens, Timothy Fandey, Nadav Attar, Gabriel Griffin, and Luke Guinaldo all moving into the Round of 32. Hedleston let loose to accrue a solid 13.90 heat total, the best of the day for Pro Juniors, after advancing into the Round of 32 for the men's QS on opening day.
"Those waves just came to me so I was really happy to get a chance and get that 7.00 before that 6.90 just showed up," said Hedleston. "It's humbling to have friends from different countries here and getting to show them around since they do the same for me, it's really cool. I'm not trying to get ahead of myself and just enjoy the moment so to be in both events still at home is really special."
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. EST for a possible 7:30 a.m. EST.
Day 1: Performances Ignite Captivating Opening Day
The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) contingent stormed through opening day at the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro. Two-to-four foot wind swell pulsed into Shepard Park's lineup to provide opportunities for men's Round of 96 and Round of 64, Heats 1 through 12. Women's QS, men's and women's Pro Junior was called OFF for the day with a full week of action ahead. An incredible opening day witnessed near-perfection, dynamic showcases, and battles for spots into the Round of 32.
John Mel's (USA) relentless approach kept building his aerial antics, earning a 6.60 for this attempt, to post a near-perfect 9.50. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
John Mel enters this event looking to build momentum and did that just that right away, posting an event best so far of a near-perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10) and 17.25 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Mel's aerial antics earned near-perfection and he backed it up with his forehand power. Now, Mel looks to keep his mind in the right place and prepare for a big season finish.
"This is firing for Cocoa Beach so I'm really happy and the sand is really good too so I think that's helping a lot," said Mel. "I had two scores already and knew I would send it if I got an opportunity and I landed in the flats which I think the judges liked. This is the rhythm catching event and I think that keeping it light vibe is what's been working for me. Even though I lost early in Dominican Republic I still felt good so just trying to keep it going."
Evan Geiselman (USA) all smiles after a dominant debut. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
One of the East Coast's most prominent competitors, Evan Geiselman, returned to the jersey and has the opportunity to play ultimate spoiler to those looking for vital points. Geiselman added this event to his resume of wins in 2017 and eyes down another after kickstarting his run taking to the air for a near-perfect 9.00 and 15.75 heat total.
"I got home last night from California and it felt good to sleep at home," said Geiselman. "It was fun surfing with William [Hedleston], he's one of Florida's next up-and-coming guys, and this is my first event of 2024 so I'm happy to be in this one. I got second last year and it's always fun here and don't have any pressure. Ron Jon has been a big supporter of me for a long time and to see them put this on year after year is awesome."
Kei Kobayashi (USA) returns for a chance at another Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro title. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Fellow former event winners Kei Kobayashi and Josh Burke also notched dominant debut wins, but it was Kobayashi who found near-perfection of his own for the day's best single-wave score of a 9.25. Kobayashi's backhand attack was undeniable as he tapped back into his QS win in 2020 and also Pro Junior win in 2016 - remaining the only men's competitor to claim both so far.
"It's crazy because I sat on a similar bar when we I won both of those events in the past and I'm super confident going into this event," said Kobayashi. "It's funny too because when I was picking boards to and which epoxies to bring, I almost left the board I just got the 9.25 and 6.25 on. Today is really good Cocoa Beach and not too soft today but I'm stoked to get some high scores, spend time with my girlfriend, and stay with an amazing family the Browns here so it's really nice."
Wheeler Hasburgh (CAN) has found a new gear in the jersey and continues to push his performances. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Fresh off his victory at the Surf and Wind City Cabarete Pro, Wheeler Hasburgh brought that momentum to his Ron Quiksilver and Roxy Pro debut with a 15.00 heat total, including an excellent 8.00. Hasburgh currently sits at No. 13 on the North America QS rankings and looks to better his cause toward Challenger Series qualification ahead of the final event of the 2023/2024 season.
"It was good and I just felt calm, there was only one wave where I felt my old habit of pushing too hard come out but otherwise I just let it flow," said Hasburgh. "Hopefully I can use that in the next heat too. I'm just taking in all the good and not letting anything creep in and thank about other things."
Sam Reidy (CRC) is looking to regain some ground in Cocoa Beach and has his mind in the right place to do just that. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Costa Rica's rising talent Sam Reidy reinforced his presence as an event threat on the East Coast and boasted a 15.25 heat total in the Round of 64. Reidy enters this event alongside a plethora of competitors who attended the recent ISA event in Puerto Rica and looks to build his rhythm here in Cocoa Beach.
"I expected to come here with some waves but it's killer out there," said Reidy. "I thought it might be a little choppy and weird but I'm super stoked. Usually I have fun here and I have some of my best results on the East Coast and just trying to surf good. It was epic to represent Costa Rica in the ISA's and it was such an honor, and now I'm just trying to stay present."
Also earning Round of 64 heat wins, Lucas Owston and Levi Slawson delivered brilliant debuts to join Hayden Rodgers, Ryan Huckabee, Kai Kushner, and Dwight Pastrana into the Round of 32.
Encinitas, California's own Cole McCaffray delivered a stunning debut. - WSL / Stephanie Brown
Cole McCaffray impeccable debut matched the Round of 96 best performance from Grani, a 15.40, utilizing his dynamic forehand. The Encinitas, California competitor looks to break through on the QS in the 2023/2024 season to finish strong and also bring that bravao to the Pro Junior where he currently sits at No. 7 with two events remaining.
"I feel like the number one thing here is to stay busy," said McCaffray. "During the warmup I was in a wetsuit and was super warm so it was nice to be in boardies out there in the heat staying busy. The waves are great and the wind was blowing into the lefts to create almost this standing wave feel and just hit it a couple of times. This event means a lot and I want to get a little roll going in the QS, but my main focus is the Pro Junior and do well in that event."
McCaffray joins the Round of 64 alongside David Okeefe, Kyle Tester, and Carl Burger with Round of 96 heat wins. They will face off with Round of 64 standouts from Heats 13 - 16.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. EST for a possible 7:30 a.m. EST.