An epic Finals Day conclusion crowned Zoe Benedetto, Lucca Mesinas, Kohai Fierro and Blayr Barton the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International winners. Three-to-four foot, beautiful Soup Bowl conditions provided a spectacle for Benedetto, Mesinas, and Barton, to claim season-changing wins along with Fierro playing ultimate spoiler to North America Pro Junior contenders. The dust has settled with Benedetto, Michael Dunphy, Bella Kenworthy, and Barton earning North America Regional titles.
Benedetto Goes Back-To-Back At Soup Bowl, Wins North America Region
The women's QS Final featured two event standouts Zoe Benedettoand Talia Swindal clashing for the 2024 win. Benedetto's first two scores posted a stunning 14.26 (out of a possible 20) heat total, including a 7.43 (out of a possible 10) on her powerful forehand attack. Swindal's dominant Semifinal performance included a near-perfect 9.77 and hunted the lineup for a score to match Benedetto, but could only find a 5.50 heading into the 10-minute mark. Swindal found an opportunity to strike back and got herself back in the heat, but wasn't able to best Benedetto when the horn sounded as the Floridian earned back-to-back wins at Soup Bowl.
"I'm so excited and I was just thinking about it before the heat and feel like it hasn't even hit me yet," said Benedetto. "I'm just really grateful, thankful, and all of the above for today. This year has had a lot of ups and downs and came in here honestly stressed out about making the Challenger Series just with off events, health, and I just couldn't have done it without my family and friends."
The culmination of a week-long affair at Soup Bowl led to a brilliant Finals Day showing from Benedetto, overpowering Costa Rica's in-form competitor Leilani McGonagle to go back into the Final and confirm her 2024 Challenger Series spot. The back-to-back win earns Benedetto the North America QS Regional victory for the first time in her career with Swindal finishing No. 2 in the region.
Mesinas Tears His Way to Second Barbados Surf Pro Title
A head-to-head Final between two of the event's standouts Lucca Mesinas and Michael Dunphy witnessed a dominating start from Mesinas within the opening minutes. Mesinas' unstoppable form continued into the Final, posting a 8.83 and 8.67 on back-to-back opportunities to put Dunphy in a 17.50 combination situation - meaning Dunphy needed two new scores to match Mesinas. The Peruvian, Mesinas, entered this event needing a big result and was relentless until the last horn and becoming the first to win two Barbados Surf Pro titles on Barbados' east and south coast.
"I'm feeling amazing, I feel so blessed just with the waves being so good today and being in a really good rhythm with the waves," said Mesinas. "I'm grateful for this opportunity and I'm thankful for the Challenger Series, it's going to be harder and the goal is to make it to the CT. It's hard when that happens when you have two 8-point rides now, do I just wait for a nine or something like that. It's just so fun to surf here."
Mesinas' incredible form began in a Semifinal clash with Barbados' own Josh Burke, posting a 16.10 heat total over Burke. The Peruvian's win earned him a historic moment, earning victories at Drill Hall Beach in 2018 and now Soup Bowl. Now, Mesinas rejoins the Challenger Series contenders and looks to requalify for the CT starting at Snapper Rocks beginning April 27 - May 4.
Fierro Pulls Major Upset Against North America Contingent for Victory
The BTMI Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia continues to honor Barbados' own each year and Kohai Fierro added her name to the legacy with a victory. A slow start gave way to fireworks featuring Bella Kenworthy, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, Kylie Pulcini, and Fierro. At the 20 minute mark of the 30 minute Final, Dempfle-Olin posted an impressive 6.17 on her signature backhand power. But, Pulcini responded with a 6.47 to overtake the lead heading into the halfway mark before Fierro's 5.87 and Dempfle-Olin's pair of 6-point rides both shuffled proceedings as Fierro took the lead followed by Dempfle-Olin.
Fierro held firm until the final horn, earning a great win and playing spoiler for North America competitors as the Tahitian doesn't earn points at this event.
"I'm so happy, it's been a tough seven weeks away from home so this is great to win," said Fierro. "The conditions were amazing and I couldn't believe it. Everyone was surfing so good and I knew it wouldn't be easy. I'm really excited to get back home soon and see everyone and celebrate with them, thank you to everyone here for such an amazing competition and this place is really special."
Kenworthy earned her maiden Pro Junior Regional title with a Finals appearance as Dempfle-Olin finished No. 2 and will represent North America at the 2024 World Junior Championships.
Barton's Maiden WSL Win Secures North America Pro Junior Regional Title
The men's Live Like Zander Junior Pro witnessed an absolute battle between No. 1 Owen Moss, reigning Pro Junior Regional victor Reed Platenius, Blayr Barton, and Hayden Rodgers. The North America Pro Junior Regional trophy was on the line with Platenius answering a quick start from Barton and Moss with a 6.67 of his own before going on to post a 7.73 and take control of the heat. But, Barton wasn't done and unleashed his decimating backhand attack to accure an excellent 8.17 and push himself into the lead. The ocean didn't provide any more waves of consequence and Barton was hoisted to his first-ever WSL win in dedication to Zander Venezia.
"It just feels so good to win here, I prayed and I asked Zander to send me those waves and it was unbelievable and I wish he could be here right now and I'm just so psyched," said Barton. "I went blank in that heat and did what I do best and I'm glad it went my way. This means a lot to me. To come back from an injury and get a win feels amazing."
The 2024/2025 North America QS season begins at the Jack's Surfboards Pro beginning April 4 -7 at Huntington Beach, California.
2023/2024 North America Women's QS Final Regional Rankings:
- Zoe Benedetto (USA)
- Talia Swindal (USA)
- Kirra Pinkerton (USA)
- Bella Kenworthy (USA)
2023/2024 North America Men's QS Final Regional Rankings:
- Michael Dunphy (USA)
- Alan Cleland (MEX)
- Lucca Mesinas (PER)
- Owen Moss (USA)
- Josh Burke (BRB)
- Ryan Huckabee (USA)
- Levi Slawson (USA)
2023/2024 North America Women's Pro Junior Final Regional Rankings:
- Bella Kenworthy (USA)
- Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN)
2023/2024 North America Men's Pro Junior Final Regional Rankings:
- Blayr Barton (USA)
- Owen Moss (USA)
Day 6: First North America Challenger Spots Secured, Finals Day Awaits
A day of heartbreak and elation unraveled with the majority of North America's Challenger Series qualifiers determined at the World Surf League (WSL) BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International. A rising swell provided moments of fireworks and near-perfection for the men's QS Round of 16 and Quarterfinals, women's QS Quarterfinals, and junior women's Quarterfinals. Now, Finals Day awaits with event and regional victors set to be crowned.
Pinkerton and Swindal Blast Near-Perfection, Secure Challenger Series Spots
When the Live Like Zander Junior Pro first paid homage to the island's own Zander Venezia, it was Kirra Pinkerton who earned the win and now finds herself into Finals Day at the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro. With a near-perfect 9.67 (out of a possible 10), Pinkerton overpowered her way into the Semifinals and confirmed her place among the 2024 Challenger Series contingent in doing so. Now, she looks to solidify herself atop the rankings with more Soup Bowl success.
"That has been on my mind all week and I've had such good friends to keep it off my mind," said Pinkerton. "It's been kind of stressful because I haven't made it in two years and thankfully getting wildcards so that was my biggest goal. I want to win this event and I wasn't able to show my surfing in my first two heats so that felt really good and don't think I could start a heat any better."
Reigning North America Pro Junior victor Talia Swindal fell short in her junior women's Quarterfinal, but wasn't to be denied a spot into Finals Day. Swindal's decimating forehand led to a near-perfect 9.00 over Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) and also earned her spot on the 2024 Challenger Series in the process.
"I feel really good and honestly I don't have many words but this was my goal since the start of the season," said Swindal. "To get a 9.00 and finish it in Barbados, even though the job is not done yet, I'm so stoked. I'm just going to enjoy my time, watch some more heats and stay ready for tomorrow."
Defending event victor Zoe Benedetto kept her hopes of back-to-back wins at Soup Bowl alive and well, eliminating current No. 1 Bella Kenworthy (USA) in their Quarterfinal heat. But, Benedetto's work isn't done as she and Leilani McGonagle will vie for the final Challenger Series spot on Finals Day to join Kenworthy, Pinkerton, and Swindal.
Mesinas Checks First Box Toward Rejoining World's Best
Former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Lucca Mesinas made his first big leap toward rejoining the world's best with a world-class day of competing at Soup Bowl. Mesinas started with a 16.10 (out of a possible 20) heat total in the Round of 16 before unleashing more of his formidable forehand attack to accrue a near-perfect 9.33 and secure his place among the 2024 Challenger Series contenders.
"That was so stressful just every day thinking about it and only having two events in my rankings so I was a little nervous," said Mesinas. "But, I knew if I gave my best that would be enough and I'm stoked to be back on the Challenger Series and my goal is to get back on the CT. It was super fun to surf in that heat with that extra push so I'm stoked to be onto Finals Day."
Barbados' Own Burke Joins Mesinas, Dunphy, Moss, and More onto 2024 Challenger Series
Barbados' lone Finals Day representative Josh Burke is back into the Semifinals with unfinished business on his mind after a runner-up in 2023. But, Burke's steadfast determination pushed him to a Round of 16 and Quarterfinal victory, securing him onto the 2024 Challenger Series. The 27-year-old isn't done yet and is ready to give his everything to bring the event title back to Barbados.
"I wasn't really looking at the Challenger Series or North America rankings for this event just like last year and just surf heat by heat and hopefully win this contest," said Burke. "The heat was really slow and just tried to hold position Cole [McCaffray] hassled me out of position so I just wanted to get a wave to get started. I was expecting him to get a good wave holding priority and I knew if I held priority after getting my waves I'd keep him off his backup wave so it all went to plan."
Joining Mesinas and Burke into Finals Day, Michael Dunphy and Owen Moss also locked themselves in for the 2024 Challenger Series alongside Alan Cleland, Levi Slawson, and Ryan Huckabee. Now, all that remains is who will claim the 2024 North America Regional QS trophy.
Dempfle-Olin, Kenworthy Lock In for World Junior Championships
The women's North America representatives for the World Junior Championships are locked in after current No. 1 Bella Kenworthy (USA) and No. 2 Sanoa Dempfle-Olin made their moves to the BTMI Live Like Zander Junior Pro Semifinals. Dempfle-Olin's incredible performance earned her a near-perfect 9.00 and got the job done on her hand before reigning Regional Pro Junior victor Talia Swindal (USA) had a chance to apply pressure by making it to the Semifinals. But, Swindal fell just short and confirmed Dempfle-Olin as the battle for the 2024 North America Regional Pro Junior title still hangs in the balance.
"I watched the World Juniors the last few years and it's super inspiring to see that and I'm really excited to be a part of it this year," said Dempfle-Olin. "It was frustrating to lose my QS heat today so that still has me a little upset, but I'll refocus for tomorrow for the juniors. I'm stoked to try and win the last junior of the year ."
Plus, big wins Lanea Mons, Kohai Fierro, and Olivia Storrer add their names to Finals Day proceedings.
Event organizers will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. EDT to determine a 9:00 a.m. EDT start for Finals Day action.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Watch LIVE
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International holds a competition window that opens March 18 through 24. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast live at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL YouTube channel.
Day 5: Pressure Rises and Performances Elevate
An intense day of competition unfolded at the World Surf League (WSL) BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International. Pressure to keep the pace toward Challenger Series qualification builds with each new heat on the QS as well as World Junior Championships spots. Two-to-four foot wind swell provided powerful moments from the QS and Pro Junior contingent as the junior men's Quarterfinals finished in their entirety alongside men's QS Round of 32 and women's QS Round of 16. Junior women's competition was called OFF for the day.
Gunter Goes Next Level, Posts Near-Perfection
A resurgence from Tyler Gunter raised the level of competition in the Round of 32 with a backhand clinic, accruing an excellent 16.83 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Gunter's 9.00 (out of a possible 10) proved the difference on Day 5's action as the standalone single-wave score of the day. Now, Gunter moves into the Round of 16 alongside Cole McCaffray with plenty of bravado.
"I'm feeling pretty good, it's been awhile since I've had a heat total like that so it felt good to get a nine and then that seven," said Gunter. "That definitely helps with confidence for the next round and just take it heat by heat but I'm stoked for the next heat. I'm psyched and just want to keep it going."
Burke Brothers Take Barbados to Round of 16, Poulos Goes Excellent
A brilliant showing took Josh Burke (BRB) back into the Round of 32 after posting a solid 14.17 heat total over a stacked affair including Jake Davis (USA), who also advanced, current No. 2 Taro Watanabe (USA), and an in-form Reed Platenius (CAN). Barbados' own is right at home with the Bathsheba community and the island behind him, alongside his brother Jacob who also advanced from his Round of 32 heat. But, Burke knows the task is far from done and is ready to push harder.
"I'm feeling pretty good to get a heat win and move into the next round," said Burke. "I started early and paddled deeper than everyone because when it's an east swell that's where the waves come. But, then Jake dropped a 7-point ride behind me and I know Taro and Reed good get the score easily so I went on the hunt and built my house. It went according to plan which was nice. I'm happy to be surfing in front of friends and family and the Bathsheba community, enough respect, they're a second family to me and means a lot to me."
Excellent showings from Dimitri Poulos and Owen Moss stood apart from their contenders as 2022 event winner Michael Dunphy, former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Lucca Mesinas, Sam Reidy, and an in-form Tao Rodriguez each earned Round of 32 heat wins.
McGonagle's Powerful Form Continues, No. 1 Kenworthy Pushes the Pace
Costa Rica's Leilani McGonagle knows every heat is more important than the last and continues to show she's prepared for the challenge, posting an excellent 16.17 heat total. McGonagle's backhand led to a Soup Bowl Pro Junior win in 2016 and draws from that success, along with her 2018 win at this event held across the island.
"It was pretty tricky for Soup Bowl but I'm just happy I had a good rhythm," said McGonagle. "I'm feeling good and just trying to find the waves that stand up for me. I made a couple of mistakes in the beginning but I got back in rotation and I think I bettered my back up at the end which felt good."
Bella Kenworthy keeps upping the ante with every heat she makes to stay atop the North America rankings and now adds a major Quarterfinal appearance to her 2023/2024 season. Kenworthy's dynamic forehand attack on one critical section earned a 7.00 as she looks to add another Finals Day showing to her impeccable year and return to the Challenger Series.
"I had a lot of fun out there and I think it's getting a lot better than this morning." said Kenworthy. "Luckily a couple of waves came to me. I was on a different board yesterday, but they're pretty similar and I just wanted to switch it up. I'll probably go find a wave to surf with less people this afternoon and then warm up tomorrow here but I'm hoping to protect my ranking, but I'm taking a heat at a time."
Another proper showing from Noah Klapp pushed her into the Quarterfinals alongside Sanoa Dempfle-Olin as both earned all-important Round of 16 wins and their Challenger Series qualification hopes alive and well.
Platenius and McCaffray Fire Back for Junior Finals Day Appearances, Moss Holds Firm in Both Events
The BTMI Live Like Zander Junior Pro men's Finals Day is set in stone with Semifinal bouts lined up after intense Quarterfinal heats brought more fireworks. Reigning North America Regional Pro Junior victor Reed Platenius is still in the fight for World Junior Championships qualification and isn't backing down. Platenius led the surge into the Semifinals with a 15.34 heat total, including an excellent 8.93, utilizing his powerful backhand attack and is joined by Blayr Barton.
"I was stoked to get the six off the start and then made a few priority mistakes but then waited and got that 8.93 so I was happy" said Platenius. "I have a heat in the QS later today and I just want to surf more heats. I haven't had a lot of good heats this year so I just want to get some momentum going and carry that into next year. I'll watch some of my friends today and just feed off that energy, the vibes are great down here."
Platenius will vie for the 2024 BTMI Live Like Zander Junior Pro title alongside current No. 1 Owen Moss, in-form competitor Jak Ziets, and event threat Cole McCaffray with their respective Quarterfinal wins.
Event organizers will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. EDT to determine a possible 9:00 a.m. EDT start.
For more, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Watch LIVE
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International holds a competition window that opens March 18 through 24. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast live at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL YouTube channel.
The World Surf League (WSL) North America's next generation of competitors shined at the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International. Smaller conditions still provided moments of incredible performances in the two-to-three foot wind swell making its way into Soup Bowl with near-perfection and dominant showings. Junior men's Round of 48 and 32 finished in their entirety alongside junior women's Round of 32 to set up all-important Quarterfinal draws. Men's and women's QS competitions were called OFF for the day.
The junior men wasted no time putting on some of the event's best performances in the smaller conditions with WSL newcomer Lucas Cassity demolishing his Round of 32 debut. The World Junior Championships qualifying threat is a long-shot mathematically but proved he's ready for the challenge, posting an event-best so far 17.83 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Cassity's ability to find the critical sections in his wave selections proved the difference, posting a 9.33 (out of a possible 10) in the process. Cassity is joined into the Quarterfinals by Rex Hennings and eliminated current No. 2 Kai Kushner.
"I'm riding an epoxy CI 2.0 Pro and I got it right before I came here and I knew I needed a new batch," said Cassity. "It's cool to get the highest heat total so far, I didn't know that. The waves were smaller but it was still pretty fun so I'm stoked to keep going."
A highly-contested heat featuring an in-form Wheeler Hasburghand William Hedleston alongside Round of 48 standouts Nadav Attar and Tommaso Layson went down to the final seconds. Hasburgh held a slim lead with Attar in an advancing position until Soup Bowl came to life for its own, Layson, and the young Barbadian did not hesitate on the critical sections to post a near-perfect 9.00. The score moved him from fourth-place to first-place and straight into the Quarterfinals alongside Hasburgh.
"I'm so happy to get that wave in the last 30 seconds and I just tried not to fall and it worked out in my favor," said Layson. "This is the furthest I'm made it in a contest so I'm really happy to make it to the Quarterfinals. I'll just have to focus, not really worry about it and just get ready for tomorrow."
Adding their name to pivotal Quarterfinal appearances, current North America No. 1 Owen Moss, Mason O'Toole, Blayr Barton, Jak Ziets, Hudson Saunders, Cole McCaffray, and Luke Guinaldo all earned heat wins in the Round of 32.
The next generation of North America's women made their BTMI Live Like Zander Junior Pro presented by Diamonds International debut in powerful form. Reigning North America Regional Pro Junior victor Talia Swindal showcased her dominant forehand, unleashing an excellent 8.67 and 15.34 heat total to kickstart her surge toward requalifying for the World Junior Championships.
"It feels really good to put a heat together," said Swindal. "I'm definitely stoked to just do my surfing and I feel like I have a lot more in the tank. I'm just going to keep doing my thing and hopefully the waves are going to get better and I'm excited to see what the week has in store."
Rising contender Reid Van Wagoner regained her rhythm after facing elimination in the QS and put on a backhand clinic to accrue a 14.03 heat total. Carlsbad, California's own, Van Wagoner, is within striking distance of World Junior Championships qualification and showing she's up to the task.
"I love my backhand and today is more fun than yesterday even though it's a little smaller, it has a great bowl," said Van Wagoner. "It's so much cleaner and the wind is staying off it which is really nice. Now I'll stay in the shade and the A.C., eat a good dinner and get to bed early. Same routine as every day."
Also notching marquee heat wins, current North America No. 1 Bella Kenworthy, No. 2 Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, an in-form Kohai Fierro, Olivia Storrer, Keanna Miller, and Daya McCart all move into the Quarterfinals.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT start to competition.
Watch LIVE
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International holds a competition window that opens March 18 through 24. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast live at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL YouTube channel.
Day 3: Women Light Up Soup Bowl, Junior Men Get Started
Women contenders lit up their highly-anticipated debuts at the World Surf League (WSL) BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International. Following women's Round of 48 and 32 action in two-to-four foot wind swell pulsing into Soup Bowl's famed reef, the men's Live Like Zander Junior Pro Round of 56 got underway with more brilliant performances. The men's QS and women's junior competition were called OFF for the day.
Dempfle-Olin Sisters Strike, Sanoa Drops Event's Best Performance So Far
Lights-out performances from the women's debuts were headed by Sanoa Dempfle-Olin incredible Round of 32 display. Demfple-Olin's backhand attack paved the way to an event-best so far 17.13 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Dempfle-Olin's sister, Mathea, also advanced behind Sanoa in the dying moments and both move into the Round of 16.
"That heat went really well, I was really nervous with my sister in the same heat in the first round," said Dempfle-Olin. "I really like surfing heats with her so I'm glad we both made it. This is a replica of the board I rode here last year and it goes really good here. Hopefully just the same thing in my next heat, just enjoy my time here in Barbados. I love it here and just having fun."
McGonagle Puts on Backhand Masterclass to Lead Women's Surge
In 2018, Leilani McGonagle (CRC) earned a major win at the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro held on the other side of the island and now looks to claim her second, this time at the famed Soup Bowl. The Costa Rican's backhand attack posted an excellent 16.50 heat total with an 8.00 and 8.50 to dominate her debut. But, McGonagle is just getting started with a big week ahead.
"I'm really happy to make that heat and just got a couple under priority that just bowled up and kept going," said McGonagle. "I hadn't even gotten a wave like that in my free surf so I'm happy. I love my board right now and my goal is just to do good surfing so I'm excited it worked out. I would love to win this competition. I have a special connection here, it's one of my favorite places and I've won the junior here at Soup Bowl and a QS on the other coast."
Fierro Disrupts Proceedings with Near-Perfection
In a stacked, Round of 32, Heat 5 bout, former event victor and Barbados' own Queen of Soup Bowl Chelsea Tuach took on current North America No. 2 Kirra Pinkerton alongside Round of 48 standouts Kohai Fierro and Rubiana Brownell. Right off the starting horn, Fierro unleashed her backhand power on multiple, critical sections to post a near-perfect 9.00 and take control of the heat. A battle for the advancing position ensued with Fierro backing up her 9.00 as Tuach and Pinkerton traded for the spot. With Tuach having the advancing spot heading into the final moments, Pinkerton struck to post a 7.00 and hold her place on the rankings moving forward.
"It's been so fun this past week just discovering Barbados and surfing good waves so I'm really happy," said Fierro. "It took me two days to get here from Tahiti so I'm loving it now that I'm here. I haven't really gotten a decent wave in the free surf so I was happy to get that wave and express my surfing."
Klapp, Benedetto Eye More Soup Bowl Success
Two of last year's victors, Noah Klapp and Zoe Benedetto, kicked off their 2024 runs in winning form. Klapp's maiden WSL win came at this very event in the Live Like Zander Junior Pro and now looks to carry that success into the QS this year. Klapp and Benedetto are joined by current No. 1 Bella Kenworthy, Sara Freyre, and Zoe Chait into the Round of 16 with debut heat wins.
"Havanna [Cabrero] rips and she started off with a really good wave and that got me hyped so I wanted to better that score," said Klapp. "I wanted to find a wave with a wall which can be hard out here so once I found one of those and got the score I just wanted to get better from there. I'm not putting any pressure on myself and I'm going to take a little break from competing next year so I just want to finish off with a good result."
Ferri, St. George Kickstart Live Like Zander Junior Pro Action in Decimating Form
Each year since 2013, Soup Bowl provided the pinnacle for North America's next generation and, since 2017, has now honored Barbados' own Zander Venezia with each heat that touches the water. In his first Soup Bowl appearance, Diego Ferri connected with the wave immediately in his Live Like Zander Junior Pro debut after a crushing QS defeat. Ferri's 16.67 heat total stood apart as he moves into the Round of 48 with Barbados' own Dan Banfield advancing.
"I love it here, the waves are so fun and rippable, the people are great, it's just really good vibes all around," said Ferri. "I'm from Hawaii so it's a far journey but I'm stoked to get some fun waves. Hopefully everyone gets some good waves in heats and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens."
Growing up among the reefs of Soup Bowl and more around his home of Barbados, Kai St.George put that knowledge to use and posted a solid 6.60 in his debut. This marks St. George's first WSL heat win as he now prepares for North America's best 20-and-under competitors.
"It feels really good, this is probably the first heat I've ever won in this contest," said St. George. "My home break has been firing the last four days so I've just been surfing there and not training here too much. I really love to surf with those groms and right now they're really ripping."
Also, Timothy Simmers and Luke Rebensdorf move into the Round of 48 with heat wins.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT start.
Watch LIVE The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International holds a competition window that opens March 18 through 24. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast live at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL YouTube channel.
Day 2: Men's Top Seeds Debut, Stakes Rise at Soup Bowl
An enthralling day of competition produced fireworks at the World Surf League (WSL) BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International. A rise in swell offered four-to-five foot wind swell pulsing into Soup Bowl's famed reef to provide moments of high-performance showdowns. Men's Round of 96 finished Heats 14 through 16 before top seeds made their big debuts in the Round of 64. Women's QS, alongside men's and women's Junior Pro competition has been called OFF for the day.
Lindblad Puts Field on High Alert with Excellent Showing
Current No. 7 Taj Lindblad is looking to hold his Challenger Series spot and showed he's not willing to let it go without a fight in an enthralling debut. Linblad's ability to pick apart the Soup Bowl lineup amid a relentless heat with numerous opportunities proved to be the difference as he posted a 16.33 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Linblad had to fend off Philippe Chagas, who posted a near-perfect 9.23 (out of a possible 10), Alberto Muñoz, and opening day standout Lukas Skinner. Now, Lindblad hopes to keep the momentum as he storms into the Round of 32 alongside Chagas.
"I'm a lot better now after getting through that heat," said Lindblad. "It's always good to start a competition like that. Philippe [Chagas] got that giant air and I didn't see it but I heard it. I'm excited to surf, it's amazing to surf with no one out there."
Slawson Shows He's Ready for the Task
2023/2024 North America standout Levi Slawson enters this event as the only multi-event winner of the season and stomped his authority in the Round of 64 with a 16.20 heat total. Slawson's timing and power on his forehand attack led to an excellent 8.33 and applied pressure early. The Encinitas, California competitor held firm until the final horn, adding a 6.67 to his score line and now prepares for the Round of 32.
"It was really and the waves turned on this afternoon, watching some of the guys surf was crazy," said Slawson. "I'm super confident coming into this event, my boards feel great. Big shout out to Sharp Eye and Taylor Clark for shaping me some great boards for this one and I'm really looking forward to the rest. I'll try to contain myself but just looking forward to just having fun."
Barbados' Own Burke Brothers Hold Firm in Debut Heats
After last year's dream run ended with a runner-up finish and Challenger Series qualification, Josh Burke is back in home waters and looking for more of the same. Burke's Round of 64 debut boasted a solid 13.17 to kickstart his 2024 run as he currently sits at No. 11 on the rankings in need of another big result. But, Barbados' own Burke is focused on the task at hand with a big week ahead.
"I had fun out there and the waves were better than I expected so that was good," said Burke. "I have an amazing board and I definitely was pretty nervous before that heat. To be honest I don't get normally get nervous before a heat but this one I was and the first few turns felt a little weird which I think was the nerves. Hopefully the waves are fun when I surf again and can surf to my full potential."
Younger brother, Jacob, followed suit in his Round of 64 debut with a convincing performance over former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Carlos Munoz, and in-form surfers Max Beach and Kai Gale Grani. Burke held the lead until the final moments before Munoz turned the heat. Now, both Burke brothers remain the island's last duo into the Round of 32 in hopes of bringing the event title back to Barbados.
Reidy Returns to Soup Bowl in Defiant Form
A battle of high-performance surfing provided a spectacle in the Round of 64, Heat 10 with Munoz's fellow Costa Rican Sam Reidy taking on rising talent Wheeler Hasburgh, proven threat Dwight Pastrana, and opening day standout Parker Cohn. Hasburgh and Reidy traded off with an incredible exchange to start the heat, Hasburgh earning a near-perfect 9.33 and Reidy an 8.17. But, Reidy was able to back it up and post a 15.84 for a big heat win with Hasburgh advancing behind him.
"I cannot complain, got empty Soup Bowl and it started turning on for my heat and Wheeler and I are such good competitors so I was stoked to get a good heat with him," said Reidy. "I missed the first one of the set that Wheeler got the 9.33 on, and I knew I had to wait for the next one. The next one luckily came in and it was the most turns I've ever done on a wave at Soup Bowl so it was just overall a great session."
A critical Round of 64 proved no complications for top seeds including current No. 1 Alan Cleland, Owen Moss, former CT competitor Lucca Mesinas, Nolan Rapoza, 2022 event winner Michael Dunphy, Kei Kobayashi, Ryan Huckabee, Jake Davis, and more as they move into the Round of 32.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT start.
Watch LIVE
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International holds a competition window that opens March 18 through 24. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast live at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL YouTube channel.
Day 1: Early Event Threats Make Opening Day Statements
The World Surf League (WSL) North America's BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International kicked off with marquee action unfolding in three-to-four foot wind swell at the famed Soup Bowl. Men's QS Round of 112 and 96, Heats 1 - 13, took center stage with emerging talents stealing the show among proven regional elite. Women's QS, alongside men's and women's junior competition was called OFF for the day.
Reigning North America Regional Pro Victor Platenius Finds His Form
A Round of 96 battle ensued with local entry Lewis St John stepping up against reigning North America Regional Pro Junior victor Reed Platenius, Jacob Szekely, and Hudson Saunders. St. John's 7.10 pushed him to an advancing position behind Szekely, who held a slim lead, before a final exchange in the dying moments pushed St. John to first-place. But, Platenius' decimating backhand garnered a 7.67 to overtake the lead when the dust settled with St. John advancing into Round of 64.
"That was a nerve-racking heat and I feel like I made a couple of priority mistakes and kind of just got lucky at the end when that wave came," said Platenius. "It was the best looking wave of the heat and I just surfed it how I've been surfing the last week. It's been a tough year so that one feels good. It's so sick being here, it's such a good vibe and even people who didn't surf today still came down so it's great."
California Standouts Rodgers, Cohn, and Coffey Deliver in Debuts
Adding his name to a big day of competition, Hayden Rodgers utilized his backhand variety for a day's best 14.30 (out of a possible 20) heat total in the Round of 96, Heat 12. Rodgers' ability to adapt and be patient proved the difference as a dominant showing, posting a 7.17 and 7.13, sent him straight to the Round of 64.Â
"It feels good and I just tried to keep it pretty simple out there," said Rogers. "I just wanted to sit in my lineup and ride waves that looked like they had a good double up. It worked out so I'm stoked."
Californians returned to Soup Bowl in force with Parker Cohn delivering a stunning debut, posting opening day's best heat total of a 13.57 (out of a possible 20). Cohn's forehand attack was relentless, linking multiple, critical sections together for a 7.07 and 6.50 to back it up. Now, Cohn prepares for the top seeds in the Round of 64.
"I'm stoked to be in Barbados, when you can go from one side of the island to the other and find waves all over the place it's really fun," said Cohn. "I got really lucky some waves came in the beginning otherwise it would've been pretty nerve-racking to site with priority for the majority of that heat. It's great when the game plan works."
One of North America's perennial standouts, Sam Coffey, finished with a Quarterfinal appearance at this event in 2023 and began his surge once again in dynamic form. Coffey utilized both his forehand and backhand attack to accrue a 13.00 heat total move into the top-seeded Round of 64. The Santa Cruz, California, competitor was a standout during a recent swell leading into competition and carried that confidence into his debut.
"It was fun, a little bit smaller than the last few days but I'm stoked to make that first heat," said Coffey. "Last year I finally figured out how to surf this wave, it's really hard, but there's no pressure here and just want to go out there and have fun. If I can go as far as the Quarters again or a Final I'll be happy."
Talbot Leads Early Costa Rican Charge
A pack of Costa Rican competitors made their moves early and Tosh Talbot led their charge with a solid debut showing. Talbot's forehand power garnered a 12.40 heat total as fellow compatriot Tomas King posted a 7.50 to find his way into the Round of 64 alongside Talbot. Plus, Alberto Muñoz advancing position pushed the Costa Rica surge forward on opening day.
"It's great to be back here in Barbados, this is my third time doing the QS here and every time I'm here I love it," said Talbot. "I was in fourth priority and before the heat I told myself I'd sit wide or on the inside and lucked into that wave. We'll see what they run tomorrow but I'll just rest, eat, and stay hydrated to feel good."
Cassity Continues to Impress in First WSL Events
One of the newest faces in the North America QS and Pro Junior events is Lucas Cassity and he continues to show he's here to stay. A Final showing in his first-ever Pro Junior event at Pismo Beach showed a glimpse into what he may be capable of and earned two heat wins in his first-ever appearance at Soup Bowl in today's proceedings.
"I wasn't sure if I should go on that wave and then I saw the double up and there was still some time so I knew it wouldn't be a big error if it wasn't a good wave," said Cassity. "But, it stood up on the end and I'm super happy. I bettered my result from the last QS so I'm already super grateful."
Also earning Round of 96 wins to earn their way into the top-seeded Round of 64, Lucas Cassity, Quaid Fahrion, Kyan Yang, Lukas Skinner, Juan Gerena Martinez, Max Beach, Will Deane,
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT start.
Watch LIVE
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia presented by Diamonds International holds a competition window that opens March 18 through 24. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast live at WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL YouTube channel.