The current rankings’ leaders were able to hold off their opponents, but several big upsets ensued and sent big names into the dreaded Elimination Round. With the swell and pressure building into Wednesday the stage is set for a finals day showdown. The Final Day of the Cuervo Classic Malibu Longboard Championship will start today at 7:35 a.m. PDT.
Rankings’ Leaders Shine in Seeding Round Debuts
Current World No. 1 Kaniela Stewart (HAW) demonstrated that he is up for the task of holding off his opponents as he earned an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10) debut score in his chase for a maiden World Title. Stewart’s effortless approach of beautiful noserides, footwork, and railwork garnered him the day’s best 8.67 and 16.87 (out of a possible 20) heat total against former WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA) and fellow World Title contender Kaimana Takayama (USA).
“It feels super good to be back here at Malibu,” said Stewart. “The waves are fun, a little slow, but as they pick up it’ll get super fun. I’ve been training a bunch at DNA Performance with Bryce and working on a bunch of cardio, strength endurance, and fatigue. Just making sure that I’m on for this contest. With the right waves, I feel like I have a chance at winning it.”
Fellow World No. 1, and reigning WSL Longboard World Champion, Honolua Blomfield (HAW) put on a world-class showcase of her own to debut. Blomfield’s undeniable style on the nose and seamless transitions garnered her a 14.10 two-wave total in the Seeding Round before another 16.47 heat total in the Round of 16. The 23-year-old inches closer to pushing her own piece of history further, as she chases her fourth World Title.
“The whole heat I felt like I was just catching waves and having a blast,” said Blomfield. “I borrowed my friend’s board and liked it so much she sold it to me (laughs). I love the board I’m on, and the waves are so fun, and I’m very excited for tomorrow.”
Blomfield’s fellow World Title contender Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) also shined in both of her opening day heats as she styled her way directly into Round 3. Kaleopa’a is in her second consecutive World Title race and is looking for redemption and to take home her first World Title.
Current World No. 2’s Harrison Roach (AUS) and Taylor Jensen (USA) both earned their respective spots into Finals Day after masterful Seeding Round performances. A last-minute opportunity for Roach gave him the edge for the win in a nail-biting affair featuring 2019 WSL Longboard Champion Justin Quintal (USA) and Hawaii’s Keoki Saguibo.
“I knew that when waves like that come through they’re really worthwhile and to make the most out of them,” said Roach. “I was riding one of my models last year, and I felt like I was surfing my best but couldn’t get out of the high seven-point-ride range. They were looking for more hang-tens, and so I changed my equipment to give them that.”
World Title contenders, former WSL Longboard Champions, Rachael Tilly(USA) and Soleil Errico (USA) both advanced in brilliant form. Malibu’s own, Errico, kicked off her morning with a big heat win before matching up with Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) in their duel as the Californian posted a jaw-dropping 16.90 heat total (out of a possible 20), including a day’s best 8.67 (out of a possible 10).
“After twenty minutes of not getting a wave I was just thinking, ‘This is not happening right now,” said Errico. “I just needed an opportunity and then, thank God, a couple of sets came in. In my heart I knew they were going to come, every other heat had sets prior. It was super stressful, but I made it out. I do feel pressure, but it’s also very exciting because everyone I love is here.”
Prominent World Title contender Ben Skinner (GBR) also debuted with an excellent 8.00, with WSL Longboard Tour newcomer Tosh Tudor (USA) advancing over veteran Tony Silvagni (USA). Tudor showed full control while perched on the nose through critical sections of the wave and now looks to find his way to the Final here at Malibu.
Kai Sallas (HAW) also kept on pace to continue his search for a maiden World Title with a clutch debut win. A heart-racing moment for World Title contender Chloe Calmon (BRA) nearly witnessed the multiple Title runner-up face elimination, but a critical 7.10 turned the tide for her in the dying minutes against an in-form Sally Cohen (HAW).
Potential Spoilers Begin to Make Their Moves
A showdown of World Title spoilers unfolded in men’s Seeding Round 1, Heat 5 featuring Longboard Tour veterans Kevin Skvarna (USA) and Taka Inoue(JPN) taking on newcomer Declan Wyton (AUS). A flurry of opportunities pushed into First Point to offer a spectacle of world-class longboarding from each of the competitors, all posting 14-plus point heat totals, but it was Australia’s Wyton who stole the win with a 15.17.
“It was firing out there in my heat,” said Wyton. “It was a bit of a slow morning, but I’m gassed now. It was non-stop out there. At the moment the tide is really perfect, and the wave has a good pace on it, and it was easy to connect them through. I felt like I didn’t need to do much.”
Also, 2021 Cuervo Surf Ranch Classic winner, and 2021 World Title contender,Edouard Delpero (FRA) took over his opening heat against three-time WSL Longboard Champion Jensen and Peru’s Lucas Garrido Lecca. The Frenchman started the match with a brilliant 7.50 and 6.53 to eclipse his opponents’ opening rides.
While the top women held their ground, Mason Schremmer (USA) took down World Title contender Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) in their stout, Round of 16 battle.
Tomorrow, the remaining competitors will battle for the event win and the 2023 Longboard World Titles. The competition will start at 7:35 a.m. PDT with the men’s Round of 16, followed by the women’s and men’s Quarterfinals, women’s and men’s Semifinals. and women’s and men’s Finals.
For highlights from today’s competition at the Cuervo Classic Malibu Longboard Championship, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Cuervo Classic Malibu Longboard Championship Men’s Round of 16 Matchups:
Heat 1: Taylor Jenson (USA) vs Edouard Delpero (FRA)
Heat 2: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs Kaimana Takayama (USA)
Heat 3: Harrison Roach (AUS) vs Steven Sawyer (RSA)
Heat 4: Cole Robbins (USA) vs Justin Quintal (USA)
Heat 5: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs Keoki Saguibo (HAW)
Heat 6: Taka Inoue (JPN) vs Tony Silvagni (USA)
Heat 7: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs Tosh Tudor (USA)
Heat 8: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs Kevin Skvarna (USA)
Cuervo Classic Malibu Longboard Championship Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
Heat 1: Soleil Errico (USA) vs Alice Lemoigne (FRA)
Heat 2: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs Mason Schremmer (USA)
Heat 3: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs Sophia Culhane (HAW)
Heat 4: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW)
It’s been years since I’ve made the mission to the Mentawaiis. I was so fortunate to return and stay at HT Resort. Rallied a few friends and got to share some moments at Hollow Trees we’ve been dreaming of! – Coco
Featured Surfers: Zoe McDougall Saxon Reber Liam Turner
Malibu is the most iconic and revered break in all of longboard surfing. Housed in history and home to timeless style, it’s the perfect spot to host the final event on tour – the Cuervo Classic Malibu Longboard Championship presented by O’Neill. With the title on the line, the top surfers including Ben Skinner descend on First Point to end the year in style and decide the 2022 Longboard World Champions. Watch live October 4-5 on worldsurfleague.com
THE EUROPEAN RIP CURL GROMSEARCH FINAL 2022 will be held in Taghazout (Morocco) the February 17th, 18th and 19th 2023!
At the same time Grom Searchs in Brazil, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, New Zealand, USA and Europe will take place leading to an International Final which traditionally takes place “Somewhere” in spring.
The Rip Curl GromSearch is a real hotbed of young talent, having uncovered future World Champions such as Stephanie Gilmore (8 times World Champion and current world #1 in women’s surfing), the Brazilian prodigy and WSL 2014, 2018 and 2021 World Champion Gabriel Medina, and many others.
Qualified surfers for the European Final 2022 are
Spain:
Hans Odriozola Boy U16
Saioa Ortega Girl U16
Dylan Donegan Boy U14
Adriana Hidalgo Girl U14
Alvaro Casanova Boy U12
Carla Morera Girl U12
France:
Kalani Giraud Boy U16
Lilo Mazoyer Girl U16
Esteban Coucoulis-Lapierre Boy U14
Clémence Schorsch Girl U14
Matthew Maurin-Lignière Boy U12
Lee-Ann Boudine Girl U12
UK:
Fynn Gillespie Boy U16
Belle Betteridge Girl U16
Heath Gillespie Boy U14
Bethan Davies Girl U14
Harvey Waters Boy U12
Josie Hawke Girl U12
Portugal:
Matias Canhoto Boy U16
Maria Salgado Girl U16
Jaime Veselko Boy U14
Miriam Julia Girl U14
Francisco Santos Boy U12
Suri Rodrigues Girl U12
The Rip Curl European Final will take place this time in Morocco at the world class and epic waves of ANCHOR POINT in Taghazout Bay which will be incredible experience for the best Europeans Groms, and a great opportunity to discover a new country, a beautiful culture, and test the best surf conditions to get a chance to become the Best Groms Surfer in Europe.
WIN A WILDCARD FOR THE GRAND FINAL WITH THE RIP CURL GROMSEARCH ONLINE EVENT !
For the other European countries where the Rip Curl Gromsearch didn’t take place in 2022 the Groms will have the opportunity to win a spot straight to the European Final by submitting 2 videos of their 2 best waves (one right/one left). 6 spots are up for grabs, 2 per age categories (boys & girls).
Rip Curl is partnering with the most experienced European judges, already keen to check out and score your best moves and style as well as the Rip Curl European Team riders such as Teresa Bonvalot, Justin Becret, Kyllian Guerin, Miguel Blanco, Gearoid Mc Daid.
So, no matter what this season again, Groms from across Europe will have their chance to qualify to the European GromSearch Final and in a bid for glory!
Gromsearch partners 2022
FCS Smith
FATBOY
Hydroflask
Ocean 52
Greenbush
Citroen
Surfing England
Federacion Cantabra de Surf
FPS
Fédération Française de Surf
Costa Norte Escuela de Surf
The British Cup was held over the weekend in the principality of Llantwit, Wales. Tricky conditions on the Saturday, but pumping on the Sunday.
Some great performances with Luke Dillon taking the Mens Open. Particularly fitting words we think reflecting an amazing British surfing community.
“British Champion 2022. What a genuinely great weekend, it’s always nice to win but to see all guys & girls from the U.K. Nations and see how good everyone was surfing in tough conditions was fun to see. It’s always nice to share the ocean with the guys on screen and the ones who didn’t get it this year (All Rippers to me).”
Alys Barton took the womens and under 18 womens. She is now a U18 Euro Champ, two times Boardmasters champ, Womens under 18 and Open English and British champ.
17 year old Thurso local Craig Maclachlan won the under 18s and finished fourth in the Open. Great effort and we think maybe the first British Junior campion from Scotland?
Well done to the comp organisers and big thanks to the locals for looking after everyone.
Results
Mens open.
🥇Luke Dillion (Team England)🏆
🥈Stanley Norman 🏴
🥉Logan Nicol 🏴
🏅Craig Mclachlan 🏴
Under 18 mens
🥇Craig McLachlan 🏴🏆
🥈Lukas Skinner🏴
🥉Kieron Smith 🏴
🏅Eli Perrins-Davies 🏴
