The first day of North America's Qualifying Series (QS) season is in the books.
Sawyer Lindblad and Keanu Asingemerged victorious at the Jack's Surfboards Pro, first stop of the World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) 2022/23' season, after impeccable finals day performances. The two victors overpowered two-to-four foot swell in the iconic arena of Huntington Beach Pier's southside lineup in their respective Finals over Zoe Benedetto and Tyler Gunter.
The 16-year-old overpowered a formidable field featuring some of North America's best and topped Zoe Benedetto in a big Final.
Lindblad struck first in the Final but then turned in a 6.00 (out of a possible 10) and then backed it up shortly after with a 7.83 to put fellow confirmed Challenger Series competitor Zoe Benedetto (USA) in an early combination situation, meaning she needed two new scores to overtake Lindblad. But, in a brilliant exchange, Benedetto turned in a 6.67 on her forehand to get herself back in the heat with 15-minutes remaining. In the end, Benedetto ran out of time to hunt down the score required to take down Lindblad and the San Clemente, California competitor turned in her first win since 2020. (Full interview in video above)
"It feels amazing, I feel like I've gotten so many seconds and I'm glad the waves provided in that last heat," said Lindblad. "Now I'm excited to go to Australia and hopefully do well there."
A jaw-dropping finals day showing from Lindblad included the day's highest single-wave score of 9.17 in her Semifinal battle with Bella Kenworthy after overcoming Kaleigh Gilchrist in the Quarterfinals to start all the action. Lindblad now prepares for the Boost Mobile Gold Coast Pro beginning May 8 - 15.
Asing's signature backhand and just as aggressive forehand led to a big win over Tyler Gunter.
The men's Final got started with early throwaways before the former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Asing utilized his forehand attack to secure a 7.17 and pull away from Gunter. The 22-year-old was then in need of a near-perfect 9.21 but had twenty-minutes to overcome the deficit. But, Asing wasn't to be denied his first QS win since 2017 with his world-class prowess in small waves and, despite Gunter lowering his requirement to a 7.71 in an attempt to catch Asing, defeated one of Newport Beach's best. (Full interview in video above)
"Competing is in my blood and it felt good to get that killer instinct back," said Asing at the awards. "It's such a blessing to win and having my wife and daughter here is even better. It's my first win since she's been born and hopefully it's not my last."
Though Asing won't get any points as he surfs in the Hawaii region, the taste of victory was no less sweet. The now 28-year-old powered his way to the Final starting with day three standout Jabe Swierkocki before having to overcome two-time US Open of Surfing victor Brett Simpson in a stout Semifinal affair. Asing now waits for the next Hawaii regional QS event for a chance at claiming his spot onto the Challenger Series.
A Challenger Series ready Benedetto unleashed the day's highest heat total in dominant fashion. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
A dynamic finals day showing from Benedetto included the day's highest heat total with her Quarterfinal performance of a 14.93 against fellow confirmed Challenger Series competitor Havanna Cabrero before overpowering an in-form Ella McCaffray in the Semifinals. The 16-year-old completed her first full year on the QS during the 2021/22' season and earned herself a spot against some of the best from around the world as she will vie for CT qualification starting in just a week's time. But, the Palm City, Florida competitor is going in with an open mind and good head space.
"I haven't been in a Final in a while so and it felt good to find my rhythm," said Benedetto. "Making the Challenger gave me some confidence and I wanted to get his event under my belt before heading to Australia. It's not a bad way to start the new season with a runner-up and I'm so excited for the Challenger Series. It's only good pressure and I want to push myself against great surfers."
Gunter's consistent backhand attack paved the way to now sitting at North America No. 1 - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Gunter's run to eventual runner-up started with good friend and sparring partner John Mel in a nail-biting Quarterfinal that Gunter overturned in the dying minutes - earning a 7.33 to turn the heat. The 22-year-old then had to deal with event threat Ryland Rubens in the Semifinals after he defeated 2019 event winner Crosby Colapinto in his respective Quarter. Gunter's result solidified a great start to the season and he now sits atop the North America regional rankings.
"It's pretty surreal to know I'm at the top of the rankings and I'd like to keep it there til the end of the season," said Gunter. "It was a great way to start and feels good to know I can still make Finals. My surfing's felt good but to actually get this result I know I can get to that level and that I deserve to be here."
Noteworthy performances from the likes of Simpson, and former Pro Junior Regional Titlist Rubens alongside emerging threats Kenworthy and McCaffray earned them Semifinal finishes, respectively. For Rubens, Kenworthy, and McCaffray, this marks a big start toward their Challenger Series campaigns as they begin the new season with 565 points.
Josh Burke Wins Rockstar Air Final Nod
A winner-take-all Rockstar Air Final unraveled with some of the event's top aerialists and Burke emerged with the biggest air.
Throughout competition, each air that competitors were scored on went toward qualification for the Rockstar Air Final. The Top 6 of the event through the Round of 16 battled it out in a winner-take-all, $2,500 heat to see who could claim the biggest aerial assault. Eventual winner Josh Burke overtook Sam Coffey, Ben Benson, Ryan Huckabee, Taj Lindblad, and Hayden Rodgers.
"I came in wanting a win and it's not exactly how I saw this week going but it's great to win that and make back some money," said Burke. "Now it's time to head back home and get to work and my training until the next event. I'd rather be going to Australia but I'm going to give this year everything to be there next year."
Day 3: Women Dismantle Debuts, Men Overpower Moving Day
An all-important moving day unfolded at the Jack's Surfboards Pro with explosive performances in smaller, glassy Huntington Beach morning conditions that continued to offer moments of opportunity as the day progressed. The women made their big debuts to power through the Round of 40, 32, and 16 as the men completed their respective Round of 32 and 16 battles. Now, Quarterfinalists are set and finals day awaits the next horn.
The soon-to-be Challenger Series competitor started off in flawless fashion in tough, Huntington Beach conditions.
2021 event runner-up Sawyer Lindblad staked her claim on the 2022 Challenger Series and showed that confidence in her Jack's Surfboards Pro debut - smashing an 8.83 (out of a possible 10) and 15.00 (out of a possible 20) heat total. San Clemente, California's own continued onto the Round of 16 with more veracity in her forehand attack and secured her place into finals day once more. (Full interview in video above)
Autumn Hays finding what it took to make it through the late afternoon heats. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
On the verge of earning her place on to the Challenger Series last season, Autumn Hays started her fresh campaign off in dynamic fashion amid the deteriorating conditions on her backhand assault. The Santa Cruz, California competitor comes into the new year with her eyes set on accomplishing her goals and doing so in demanding fashion with back-to-back heat wins to start.
"I'm feeling really good and it was nice to get a few heat wins," said Hays. "I'm feeling confident on my boards and great about my surfing. If I caught a wave, I knew I could make the heat. (Looking back to last year) I was doing my best when I was having fun so that's my goal this year is to not put pressure on myself."
Also into finals day with big Round of 16 wins, 2022 Challenger Series competitors Havanna Cabrero and Zoe Benedetto continued their momentum brilliantly.
The Ventura, California competitor posted near-perfection in his Round of 16 heat to secure Jack's Surfboards Pro finals day appearance.
Jabe Swierkocki found his rhythm more and more as the 2021/22' season unraveled and hit his stride in brilliant form to start the fresh 2022/23' QS at Huntington Beach. The Ventura, California's aggressive forehand groomed on the point breaks around his homebreaks fit into the righthander he found during the Round of 16 and turned in a near-perfect 9.40 (out of a possible 10). Only opening day standout and 2018 winner Kevin Schulz surpassed Swierkocki with a 17.10 heat total as he finished behind the regular footer in the Round of 16 as both look for big results. (Full interview in video)
Mr. Huntington Beach himself Brett Simpson executed another dynamic heat. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Championship Tour (CT) veteran, and event webcast announcer, Brett Simpson continued his clinic at home with an immaculate 8.60 and 7.93 alongside fellow former CT competitor Keanu Asing, also advancing. Simpson's roles as Olympic Gold Medal-winning coach and within Hurley have kept him at the forefront of surfing and he still shows his prowess in a jersey.
"There is no stress when you get a start like that and Jabe's doing the same thing right now (laughs)," said Simpson. "The waves are there. I was talking to Taj (Lindblad) and I got that 8.60 then Keanu got the 8-pointer, and there was a set of six waves and it was unfortunate because we didn't capitalize there, but we already got those scores. "
Tyler Gunter is looking for a big result and powered his way into finals day. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
A flawless start for Tyler Gunter continued as he notched on two more heat wins to his campaign as he continues to find himself atop the four-man draws. The 22-year-old narrowly missed on his qualification to the Challenger Series finishing at No. 23 and isn't looking for anything but making that next step this season.
"This is exactly how I wanted to start my season and I'm stoked to keep finding some heat wins," said Gunter. "I'm really hungry. Especially after watching all the boys head for Australia, it makes me want it that much more."
Also finding their way into the Quarterfinals include 2019 event winner Crosby Colapinto, John Mel, and Ryland Rubens.
A 7:30am PDT call will determine a likely 8:00am PDT start for finals day action.
Tune in LIVE beginning at 8:00 a.m. PDT April 28 - May 1 at www.WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL App, and WSL YouTube channel.
For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.
The Jack's Surfboards Pro runs April 28 - May 1 at the Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach, California.
Day 2: Top Seeds, Former CT Stars Strike
Sets marched into Huntington Beach Pier's southside lineup and top seeds made their highly-anticipated debuts as action resumed at the Jack's Surfboards Pro. Pristine, three-to-four, occasional plus swell pulsed for men's Round of 96 Heats 9 - 16 and the Round of 64 in its entirety to set up a critical moving day.
The recently announced Challenger Series wildcard got his reps in on Huntington Beach's pristine righthanders.
2019 event winner Crosby Colapinto found that winning form once again with a jaw-dropping display of rail work to garner a day's best 16.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The San Clemente, California competitor was recently confirmed as the Challenger Series wildcard for the first two events and showed he's ready for the righthanders of Snapper Rocks with a dominant performance on the pristine beachbreak Huntington Beach had to offer. (Full interview in video above)
Challenger Series ready and able, Geiselman is just getting started at the Jack's Surfboards Pro.
Confirmed 2022 Challenger Series surfer Evan Geiselman unleashed his signature backhand power and earned a near-perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10). One of the East Coast's most prolific QS competitors over the last decade, Geiselman continues to show he's a Championship Tour threat and is looking to improve his game even further here at the Jack's Surfboards Pro.
"I was so excited because this is about as good as Huntington Beach gets and I had the mind set to go right," said Geiselman. "But, the heat went the total opposite and had to grind that one out until the end when I got that right. I can't thank my dad enough for shaping me some great boards and I was stoked to get them going on my backhand. Definitely ready to get a rhythm going and I'm looking forward to some more heats."
Alongside North America's top-tier talents, Hawaii's high-caliber Keanu Asing is on the prowl to dismantle their hopes. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Keanu Asing made a long-awaited return to the jersey worthwhile as he dropped an excellent 8.33 on his world-class backhand. The former Quiksilver Pro France victor and CT elite won't earn points at this event, but the now-San Clemente resident leaped at the alternate opportunity to rejoin fellow CT alumni Brett Simpson and Nathan Yeomans - all into the Round of 32 after surging through the top-seeded round from their respective Round of 128 beginning Thursday.
"I got the text this morning saying we might have an opening in Heat 13, are you around? And I'm working with Cole McCaffray so I was going to be back here," said Asing. "I have an interesting relationship with Huntington and some times I feel like I can call waves to myself and I got lucky with that little grower."
Josh Burke took to the air to regain his form and put his name atop the list for Rockstar Air Final candidate. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Top seeds also making their presence known included the likes of Jabe Swierkocki, Tyler Gunter, Skip McCullough, Eithan Osborne, Luke Gordon, Sam Coffey, Taro Watanabe, and Josh Burke.
Though, scattered upsets unfolded as well with Cole McCaffray, late entry, 2018 event winner, Kevin Schulz, Cory Arrambide, and more helping eliminate top seeds.
Day 1: Stormy Start Gives Way To Opening Day Excellence
A stormy start to the World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) season gave way to a beautiful day of competition for opening day at the Jack's Surfboards Pro. Three-to-four foot, occasional plus sets powered through the iconic southside Huntington Beach Pier lineup and moments of brilliance transpired as the men dealt with Round of 128 and 96 Heats 1 - 8 in dynamic fashion. Women's competition was called off for today and Friday, April 29.
The 2018 event winner put on a clinic with his forehand and backhand attack to drop an excellent 16.33 heat total.
Former event winner Kevin Schulz didn't hesitate to drop the hammer in his Round of 128 debut - starting in the opening affairs after losing his seeding points last season. The San Clemente, California QS veteran's forehand attacked earned him a day's best 8.83 (out of a possible 10) and astounding 16.33 heat total to overpower opening day proceedings as he looks for his third-career QS victory.
Hagan Johnson put on an impressive display an showed he can get scores off one, massive single maneuver. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
An impeccable start from emerging competitor Hagan Johnson left his opponents battling for runner-up after he found an excellent 8.00 and backed it up with a 7.27. The 19-year-old continues to find his footing among the QS contingent and is looking for a breakthrough result this year after finishing just outside the Top 50 on regional rankings.
"I was just waiting for the good waves because it was a little slow before my heat and I paddled out at the pier bowl looking for rights that never came through," said Johnson. "I got lucky to find that 8-pointer. And then I found that one big turn to get the 7.27 so I was stoked with how that heat went in the end."
A spry Nathan Yeomans hasn't lost any of his spark for competition. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
At age 40, Nathan Yeomans still shows what it takes to be among the QS elite as one of the West Coast's most winningest QS surfers of his and this generation. San Clemente's own put his powerful forehand carves on full display in both the Round of 128 and 96 with dominant heat wins - accruing a 7.67 an 14.17 heat total in the Round of 128. Yeomans doesn't rely soley on competition for his means of living anymore but he hasn't lost the urge to compete at a top level amid his multiple roles.
"It's been awhile, I've dabbled in a few events but I haven't had a heat win in the last few so even at the ripe age of 40 it's still good getting a heat win (laughs)," said Yeomans. "I had my dad come up which is great to have him join us for the day. As you get older you have to double dip. I'm a sales rep, and still get a couple funds from a few companies that helps support the family so big shout out to all of them."
Cory Arrambide's backhand got it's grooming at the righthander of Rincon and he put it to good use in his debut. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
One of North America's QS veterans Cory Arrambide continues to light up his early round heats and turned in a convincing Round of 96 victory utilizing his powerful backhand attack. The Ventura, California competitor felt right at home in Huntington Beach's waters and looks to go better than his event-best equal-17th after returning from a brief competitive hiatus.
"I haven't surfed a QS heat in awhile since Morro Bay so that felt really good," said Arrambide. "I don't want to get ahead of myself but that was fun, waves were fun so you can't ask for much more. I've done some (West Coast) Board Riders events this year and those are always fun but I always enjoy myself at these events as well."
A 7:30am PDT call will determine a likely 8:00am PDT start for men's Round of 96 Heat 9.
Tune in LIVE beginning at 8:00 a.m. PDT April 28 - May 1 at www.WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL App, and WSL YouTube channel.
For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.
The Jack's Surfboards Pro runs April 28 - May 1 at the Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach, California.
Sawyer Lindblad And Keanu Asing Victorious At Jack's Surfboards Pro
Andrew Nichols
The first day of North America's Qualifying Series (QS) season is in the books.
Sawyer Lindblad and Keanu Asingemerged victorious at the Jack's Surfboards Pro, first stop of the World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) 2022/23' season, after impeccable finals day performances. The two victors overpowered two-to-four foot swell in the iconic arena of Huntington Beach Pier's southside lineup in their respective Finals over Zoe Benedetto and Tyler Gunter.
Lindblad struck first in the Final but then turned in a 6.00 (out of a possible 10) and then backed it up shortly after with a 7.83 to put fellow confirmed Challenger Series competitor Zoe Benedetto (USA) in an early combination situation, meaning she needed two new scores to overtake Lindblad. But, in a brilliant exchange, Benedetto turned in a 6.67 on her forehand to get herself back in the heat with 15-minutes remaining. In the end, Benedetto ran out of time to hunt down the score required to take down Lindblad and the San Clemente, California competitor turned in her first win since 2020. (Full interview in video above)
"It feels amazing, I feel like I've gotten so many seconds and I'm glad the waves provided in that last heat," said Lindblad. "Now I'm excited to go to Australia and hopefully do well there."
A jaw-dropping finals day showing from Lindblad included the day's highest single-wave score of 9.17 in her Semifinal battle with Bella Kenworthy after overcoming Kaleigh Gilchrist in the Quarterfinals to start all the action. Lindblad now prepares for the Boost Mobile Gold Coast Pro beginning May 8 - 15.
The men's Final got started with early throwaways before the former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Asing utilized his forehand attack to secure a 7.17 and pull away from Gunter. The 22-year-old was then in need of a near-perfect 9.21 but had twenty-minutes to overcome the deficit. But, Asing wasn't to be denied his first QS win since 2017 with his world-class prowess in small waves and, despite Gunter lowering his requirement to a 7.71 in an attempt to catch Asing, defeated one of Newport Beach's best. (Full interview in video above)
"Competing is in my blood and it felt good to get that killer instinct back," said Asing at the awards. "It's such a blessing to win and having my wife and daughter here is even better. It's my first win since she's been born and hopefully it's not my last."
Though Asing won't get any points as he surfs in the Hawaii region, the taste of victory was no less sweet. The now 28-year-old powered his way to the Final starting with day three standout Jabe Swierkocki before having to overcome two-time US Open of Surfing victor Brett Simpson in a stout Semifinal affair. Asing now waits for the next Hawaii regional QS event for a chance at claiming his spot onto the Challenger Series.
A dynamic finals day showing from Benedetto included the day's highest heat total with her Quarterfinal performance of a 14.93 against fellow confirmed Challenger Series competitor Havanna Cabrero before overpowering an in-form Ella McCaffray in the Semifinals. The 16-year-old completed her first full year on the QS during the 2021/22' season and earned herself a spot against some of the best from around the world as she will vie for CT qualification starting in just a week's time. But, the Palm City, Florida competitor is going in with an open mind and good head space.
"I haven't been in a Final in a while so and it felt good to find my rhythm," said Benedetto. "Making the Challenger gave me some confidence and I wanted to get his event under my belt before heading to Australia. It's not a bad way to start the new season with a runner-up and I'm so excited for the Challenger Series. It's only good pressure and I want to push myself against great surfers."
Gunter's run to eventual runner-up started with good friend and sparring partner John Mel in a nail-biting Quarterfinal that Gunter overturned in the dying minutes - earning a 7.33 to turn the heat. The 22-year-old then had to deal with event threat Ryland Rubens in the Semifinals after he defeated 2019 event winner Crosby Colapinto in his respective Quarter. Gunter's result solidified a great start to the season and he now sits atop the North America regional rankings.
"It's pretty surreal to know I'm at the top of the rankings and I'd like to keep it there til the end of the season," said Gunter. "It was a great way to start and feels good to know I can still make Finals. My surfing's felt good but to actually get this result I know I can get to that level and that I deserve to be here."
Noteworthy performances from the likes of Simpson, and former Pro Junior Regional Titlist Rubens alongside emerging threats Kenworthy and McCaffray earned them Semifinal finishes, respectively. For Rubens, Kenworthy, and McCaffray, this marks a big start toward their Challenger Series campaigns as they begin the new season with 565 points.
Josh Burke Wins Rockstar Air Final Nod
Throughout competition, each air that competitors were scored on went toward qualification for the Rockstar Air Final. The Top 6 of the event through the Round of 16 battled it out in a winner-take-all, $2,500 heat to see who could claim the biggest aerial assault. Eventual winner Josh Burke overtook Sam Coffey, Ben Benson, Ryan Huckabee, Taj Lindblad, and Hayden Rodgers.
"I came in wanting a win and it's not exactly how I saw this week going but it's great to win that and make back some money," said Burke. "Now it's time to head back home and get to work and my training until the next event. I'd rather be going to Australia but I'm going to give this year everything to be there next year."
Day 3: Women Dismantle Debuts, Men Overpower Moving Day
An all-important moving day unfolded at the Jack's Surfboards Pro with explosive performances in smaller, glassy Huntington Beach morning conditions that continued to offer moments of opportunity as the day progressed. The women made their big debuts to power through the Round of 40, 32, and 16 as the men completed their respective Round of 32 and 16 battles. Now, Quarterfinalists are set and finals day awaits the next horn.
2021 event runner-up Sawyer Lindblad staked her claim on the 2022 Challenger Series and showed that confidence in her Jack's Surfboards Pro debut - smashing an 8.83 (out of a possible 10) and 15.00 (out of a possible 20) heat total. San Clemente, California's own continued onto the Round of 16 with more veracity in her forehand attack and secured her place into finals day once more. (Full interview in video above)
On the verge of earning her place on to the Challenger Series last season, Autumn Hays started her fresh campaign off in dynamic fashion amid the deteriorating conditions on her backhand assault. The Santa Cruz, California competitor comes into the new year with her eyes set on accomplishing her goals and doing so in demanding fashion with back-to-back heat wins to start.
"I'm feeling really good and it was nice to get a few heat wins," said Hays. "I'm feeling confident on my boards and great about my surfing. If I caught a wave, I knew I could make the heat. (Looking back to last year) I was doing my best when I was having fun so that's my goal this year is to not put pressure on myself."
Also into finals day with big Round of 16 wins, 2022 Challenger Series competitors Havanna Cabrero and Zoe Benedetto continued their momentum brilliantly.
Jabe Swierkocki found his rhythm more and more as the 2021/22' season unraveled and hit his stride in brilliant form to start the fresh 2022/23' QS at Huntington Beach. The Ventura, California's aggressive forehand groomed on the point breaks around his homebreaks fit into the righthander he found during the Round of 16 and turned in a near-perfect 9.40 (out of a possible 10). Only opening day standout and 2018 winner Kevin Schulz surpassed Swierkocki with a 17.10 heat total as he finished behind the regular footer in the Round of 16 as both look for big results. (Full interview in video)
Championship Tour (CT) veteran, and event webcast announcer, Brett Simpson continued his clinic at home with an immaculate 8.60 and 7.93 alongside fellow former CT competitor Keanu Asing, also advancing. Simpson's roles as Olympic Gold Medal-winning coach and within Hurley have kept him at the forefront of surfing and he still shows his prowess in a jersey.
"There is no stress when you get a start like that and Jabe's doing the same thing right now (laughs)," said Simpson. "The waves are there. I was talking to Taj (Lindblad) and I got that 8.60 then Keanu got the 8-pointer, and there was a set of six waves and it was unfortunate because we didn't capitalize there, but we already got those scores. "
A flawless start for Tyler Gunter continued as he notched on two more heat wins to his campaign as he continues to find himself atop the four-man draws. The 22-year-old narrowly missed on his qualification to the Challenger Series finishing at No. 23 and isn't looking for anything but making that next step this season.
"This is exactly how I wanted to start my season and I'm stoked to keep finding some heat wins," said Gunter. "I'm really hungry. Especially after watching all the boys head for Australia, it makes me want it that much more."
Also finding their way into the Quarterfinals include 2019 event winner Crosby Colapinto, John Mel, and Ryland Rubens.
A 7:30am PDT call will determine a likely 8:00am PDT start for finals day action.
Tune in LIVE beginning at 8:00 a.m. PDT April 28 - May 1 at www.WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL App, and WSL YouTube channel.
For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.
The Jack's Surfboards Pro runs April 28 - May 1 at the Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach, California.
Day 2: Top Seeds, Former CT Stars Strike
Sets marched into Huntington Beach Pier's southside lineup and top seeds made their highly-anticipated debuts as action resumed at the Jack's Surfboards Pro. Pristine, three-to-four, occasional plus swell pulsed for men's Round of 96 Heats 9 - 16 and the Round of 64 in its entirety to set up a critical moving day.
2019 event winner Crosby Colapinto found that winning form once again with a jaw-dropping display of rail work to garner a day's best 16.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The San Clemente, California competitor was recently confirmed as the Challenger Series wildcard for the first two events and showed he's ready for the righthanders of Snapper Rocks with a dominant performance on the pristine beachbreak Huntington Beach had to offer. (Full interview in video above)
Confirmed 2022 Challenger Series surfer Evan Geiselman unleashed his signature backhand power and earned a near-perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10). One of the East Coast's most prolific QS competitors over the last decade, Geiselman continues to show he's a Championship Tour threat and is looking to improve his game even further here at the Jack's Surfboards Pro.
"I was so excited because this is about as good as Huntington Beach gets and I had the mind set to go right," said Geiselman. "But, the heat went the total opposite and had to grind that one out until the end when I got that right. I can't thank my dad enough for shaping me some great boards and I was stoked to get them going on my backhand. Definitely ready to get a rhythm going and I'm looking forward to some more heats."
Keanu Asing made a long-awaited return to the jersey worthwhile as he dropped an excellent 8.33 on his world-class backhand. The former Quiksilver Pro France victor and CT elite won't earn points at this event, but the now-San Clemente resident leaped at the alternate opportunity to rejoin fellow CT alumni Brett Simpson and Nathan Yeomans - all into the Round of 32 after surging through the top-seeded round from their respective Round of 128 beginning Thursday.
"I got the text this morning saying we might have an opening in Heat 13, are you around? And I'm working with Cole McCaffray so I was going to be back here," said Asing. "I have an interesting relationship with Huntington and some times I feel like I can call waves to myself and I got lucky with that little grower."
Top seeds also making their presence known included the likes of Jabe Swierkocki, Tyler Gunter, Skip McCullough, Eithan Osborne, Luke Gordon, Sam Coffey, Taro Watanabe, and Josh Burke.
Though, scattered upsets unfolded as well with Cole McCaffray, late entry, 2018 event winner, Kevin Schulz, Cory Arrambide, and more helping eliminate top seeds.
Day 1: Stormy Start Gives Way To Opening Day Excellence
A stormy start to the World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) season gave way to a beautiful day of competition for opening day at the Jack's Surfboards Pro. Three-to-four foot, occasional plus sets powered through the iconic southside Huntington Beach Pier lineup and moments of brilliance transpired as the men dealt with Round of 128 and 96 Heats 1 - 8 in dynamic fashion. Women's competition was called off for today and Friday, April 29.
Former event winner Kevin Schulz didn't hesitate to drop the hammer in his Round of 128 debut - starting in the opening affairs after losing his seeding points last season. The San Clemente, California QS veteran's forehand attacked earned him a day's best 8.83 (out of a possible 10) and astounding 16.33 heat total to overpower opening day proceedings as he looks for his third-career QS victory.
An impeccable start from emerging competitor Hagan Johnson left his opponents battling for runner-up after he found an excellent 8.00 and backed it up with a 7.27. The 19-year-old continues to find his footing among the QS contingent and is looking for a breakthrough result this year after finishing just outside the Top 50 on regional rankings.
"I was just waiting for the good waves because it was a little slow before my heat and I paddled out at the pier bowl looking for rights that never came through," said Johnson. "I got lucky to find that 8-pointer. And then I found that one big turn to get the 7.27 so I was stoked with how that heat went in the end."
At age 40, Nathan Yeomans still shows what it takes to be among the QS elite as one of the West Coast's most winningest QS surfers of his and this generation. San Clemente's own put his powerful forehand carves on full display in both the Round of 128 and 96 with dominant heat wins - accruing a 7.67 an 14.17 heat total in the Round of 128. Yeomans doesn't rely soley on competition for his means of living anymore but he hasn't lost the urge to compete at a top level amid his multiple roles.
"It's been awhile, I've dabbled in a few events but I haven't had a heat win in the last few so even at the ripe age of 40 it's still good getting a heat win (laughs)," said Yeomans. "I had my dad come up which is great to have him join us for the day. As you get older you have to double dip. I'm a sales rep, and still get a couple funds from a few companies that helps support the family so big shout out to all of them."
One of North America's QS veterans Cory Arrambide continues to light up his early round heats and turned in a convincing Round of 96 victory utilizing his powerful backhand attack. The Ventura, California competitor felt right at home in Huntington Beach's waters and looks to go better than his event-best equal-17th after returning from a brief competitive hiatus.
"I haven't surfed a QS heat in awhile since Morro Bay so that felt really good," said Arrambide. "I don't want to get ahead of myself but that was fun, waves were fun so you can't ask for much more. I've done some (West Coast) Board Riders events this year and those are always fun but I always enjoy myself at these events as well."
A 7:30am PDT call will determine a likely 8:00am PDT start for men's Round of 96 Heat 9.
Tune in LIVE beginning at 8:00 a.m. PDT April 28 - May 1 at www.WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL App, and WSL YouTube channel.
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The Jack's Surfboards Pro runs April 28 - May 1 at the Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach, California.
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