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Hawaii's golden girls made a huge triple play for Team Hawaii, bringing home some heavy metal. Becky Benson, Melanie Bartels and Rochelle Ballard. Photos Jersson Barboza and Pablo Franco.
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La Bocana. Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
FATHOM TECH FLANNEL
WHEN the surf is pumping & the fish are biting, and nothing else matters...
Gear matters.
Congrats to our Patagonia surf ambassadors and all the invitees to the most prestigious event in big wave surfing, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.
This issue is dedicated to the men and women over 40, 50 and 60 who were lighting it up at the 2024 ISA World Masters Surfing Championships hosted in the fantastic region of Surf City, El Salvador! As a returning member to Hawaii Surf Team’s Masters program I was lucky enough to document the journey both in and out of a competition jersey!
I’m blessed at age 60 to still ride a 5’8” thruster and catch some thrills with a smile on my face most days. Is surfing the fountain of youth? Are the charged ions in the ocean helping? Perhaps there’s something about being upside down or doing cartwheels because even if you’re a weekend surfer, once in a while you’re gonna wipe out and the ragdoll is inevitable.
Factor in the breathwork associated with going over, under and in between waves and clearly, the dynamic of surfing seems specialized if not superhuman. Prepping and training again at my age was a whole journey unto itself, but it’s so worth it. Win, lose or draw, having that fire and purpose to be part of a crew with a unified goal is a rewarding endeavor, personally and physically. It had been nearly 11 years since the ISA ran its masters category and I’m proud to say I was part of the team that brought that gold medal home for Hawaii in 2013. For what it’s worth that was the last time I got to travel and compete and stand on stage with Sunny Garcia. Everybody on our team would agree the medals we bring home are dedicated to send aloha to him and his family!
It’s always special to mix about 25 different countries with nearly 100 surfers from around the world. With all that knowledge and experience, it made the smiles that came all the more meaningful. The ISA gathering at Surf City El Salvador was nothing short of inspiring. Enjoy.
A nation reinventing itself, one wave and one smile at a time
By Mike Latronic
Like many other Latin American surfing destinations, El Salvador offers warm, consistent, and playful waves, along with a rich blend of unique cuisine and culture. The country also boasts a variety of long, quality point breaks, adding to its special allure. However, what truly sets El Salvador apart is its remarkable surf renaissance. While surfing here has been known for over 50 years, the past few years have witnessed a true metamorphosis. I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing this transformation firsthand as an ambassador for The Hawaii Surf Team at this year’s ISA World Masters event in October.
Photo Mike Latronic
El Salvador’s surf history is one of remarkable resilience. The sport first took root in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when American and Australian surfers discovered the country’s untouched beaches. Unfortunately, the civil war that raged from 1979 to 1992 temporarily halted the surf scene. In the years that followed, surfers gradually returned, and by the early 2000s, small surf camps began to emerge along the coast, particularly in areas like El Tunco, La Libertad, and Punta Roca. These camps were among the first to recognize the potential of El Salvador's waves, quickly catering to the growing international surf tourism market.
Photo Mike Latronic
In 2019, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele launched the “Surf City” initiative, which has proven to be a game-changer for the country. Under Bukele’s leadership, the government worked diligently with coastal communities, launching a major crackdown on crime and gang violence. This has ushered in a new era of safety and civil peace, greatly increasing the number of visitors to El Salvador and, more importantly, ensuring that the majority of them have a fantastic experience in the country.
Recognizing that the nation’s underutilized coastlines held enormous potential, Bukele set out to position El Salvador as a world-class surf destination. “We don’t have oil,” Bukele says, “but we have the waves.” And he was right. Local communities have embraced the surf boom, with the younger generation taking up surfboards in droves. As safety improves and sustainable tourism practices take root, El Salvador is well on its way to becoming one of the world’s premier surfing destinations.
Kai Sallas Photo Mike Latronic
It had been nearly 12 years since my first visit, and the change in the civic environment was monumental. Historically, El Salvador has faced its share of civil unrest, crime, violence, and war. But the investment and reforms of recent years have had a clear and rapid impact. Bukele’s administration implemented a policy of mano dura—an iron-fisted approach—to tackle crime and gangs, resulting in the arrest of nearly 80,000 individuals. While this crackdown was undoubtedly dangerous and far-reaching, it has led to a significant drop in crime and homicides. After decades of violence, fear, and extortion, citizens now move more freely throughout the country. El Salvador has statistically transformed from one of the most dangerous places on the planet into one of the safest. It’s a profound shift, and there’s a newfound sense of freedom.
Photo Mike Latronic
SURF CITY, EL SALVADOR
El Salvador is currently emerging as one of the fastest-growing surf destinations in the world. The government has made substantial investments in infrastructure—improving roads, developing hotels, and supporting surf camps—that have reshaped the landscape, making once-remote surf spots safer and more accessible.
One such location is Puro Surf, which stands as both a symbol and a catalyst for this transformation. Before joining the Hawaii Surf Team at El Sunzal for the ISA World Masters event, I had the opportunity to spend time at Puro Surf Academy in the Zonte region. It is a standout surf-and-wellness hub on the coast.
SURF
My experience at Puro Surf was a refreshing reminder of just how much things have changed in El Salvador. Everything felt streamlined, healthy, simple, and—most importantly—secure. It was the kind of place where you could spend a stress-free day surfing, enjoying delicious local food, and simply soaking in the serenity of the surroundings.
Marcelo Castellanos, the academy’s visionary founder, is an avid surfer and health enthusiast deeply rooted in El Salvador’s surf culture. What began as a college thesis idea has since turned into his dream job: running one of El Salvador’s premier surf academies. “I don’t know if I can call myself a businessman,” he says with a laugh. “Businesspeople are after business. I’m a surfer first. I wanted to create something related to surfing, so we made a hotel with a great restaurant and a performance academy. The idea is to surf, relax, eat healthy, improve as a surfer, and ultimately, improve as a person. That’s the experience we want to promote.”
Sophia Culhane Photo Mike Latronic
"The warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, and the newfound security offer an entirely new kind of attraction. El Salvador’s surf transformation isn’t just about the surf—it’s a journey of a nation reinventing itself, one wave and one smile at a time."
- Mike Latronic
SURF CITY, EL SALVADOR
With a point break right in front of the property and sandbars stretching to the south, the surf is abundant. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a few early morning solo sessions, catching the first waves under the offshore winds—fun 2-4' right-handers peeling perfectly. Puro Surf is more than just a surf destination; it’s part of a larger movement. It reflects the growing wave of surfing’s expansion throughout El Salvador. The country’s once-hidden beaches are now becoming internationally recognized for their consistent breaks. This evolution in surf culture is also contributing to the country’s burgeoning tourism industry, which is becoming an engine for economic growth and providing jobs and opportunities to communities that were once affected by violence.
For many, surfing in El Salvador has become more than just a pastime—it has become a symbol of hope. The country’s postwar recovery saw small surf businesses emerge, offering jobs and opportunities to local communities. A new generation of Salvadorans began picking up surfboards, many of whom now work as surf instructors, guides, and ambassadors of their culture.
After experiencing this transformation firsthand, I can say without hesitation that El Salvador has earned a permanent spot on my return list. The waves are as magical as ever, but now, the warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, and the newfound security offer an entirely new kind of attraction. El Salvador’s surf transformation isn’t just about the surf—it’s a journey of a nation reinventing itself, one wave and one smile at a time
Mike Latronic Photo Kevin Diaz
2024 SURF CITY EL SALVADOR ISA WORLD MASTERS SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP
three women’s divisions
Brazil wins gold, Hawaii Silver and a clean sweep for Hawai'i in all
Photos Sean Evans Jerrson Barboza, Pablo Franco, Mike Latronic and Aukai Ng
A historic Finals Day in the 2024 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Masters Surfing Championship (WMSC) saw Brazil crowned as Masters Team World Champion for the very first time. Another day of incredible surf saw four-to-five foot walls lining the long, right point of El Sunzal. The conditions were ideal to crown World Champions from amongst the world’s best surfers over the age of 40.
A clean sweep for Hawaii in all three women’s divisions placed the back-to-back defending champions in second for the Silver Medal, with two-time champions Australia taking the Bronze Medal and France winning their first-ever Masters Team Medal, the Copper.
Photo ISA / Sean Evans
Brazil claimed medals in five of the six divisions, topped with a Gold Medal for Diego Rosa in men’s Masters (over 40). Roberta Borges and Jojó de Olivença both won Silver Medals in women’s Kahunas (over 60) and men’s Grand Masters (over 50), respectively, with Andrea Lopes and Jacqueline Silva taking home Bronze in Grand Masters and Masters, respectively.
“World Champion, man, I’m so happy, so stoked to be on the top of the world right now,” Rosa said. “I’m so happy for my team. We’ve been working together for the whole week. Thanks a lot to our confederation back in Brazil too. They were working a lot to bring us here, and we’re representing the best form here.”
Rosa’s powerful backhand topped that of two other strong goofy-footers, Gilbert Brown (CRC) and Hira Teriinatoofa (TAH), the two-time ISA World Surfing Games (WSG) Gold Medalist. Brown put up a strong challenge to Rosa, with a late exchange narrowly leaving the Costa Rican short of his required score, seeing him as the Silver Medalist. Teriinatoofa never quite found his rhythm and finished with Bronze. The sole regular-footer in the Final, Tyrell Johnson (RSA), had been a standout all week, but had to settle for the Copper Medal.
Photo Mike Latronic
El Sunzal Photo ISA / Pablo Franco
Sands of the world. Photo ISA / Pablo Franco
Clean sweep for Hawaiian women as Becky Benson, Rochelle Ballard and Melanie Bartels are crowned World Champions Representing three distinct generations of women’s surfing, Becky Benson, Rochelle Ballard, and Melanie Bartels each had iconic professional careers in their own respect and all three were crowned World Champions today.
Having competed in her first ISA event over 52 years ago, in 1972, and participated as a member of the first-ever iteration of a professional surfing tour in 1976, 67-year-old Benson today became the first-ever women’s Kahunas World Champion. Peaking at No. 3 on the WSL Championship Tour (CT) in 1977, Benson cut her professional career short due to a lack of funding in women’s surfing. The Hawaiian has been extremely appreciative of how much has changed for women in the sport since then, and loved every aspect of competing in the WMSC.
“I can’t believe I’m up here with first place, I’m so happy,” Benson said. “This is the answer of a lot of prayers, so thank you God. And I want to thank the ISA. I want to thank Surf City El Salvador for putting on this amazing event. If it weren’t for my dad, I would not be here right now. I would not be surfing. He supported me all the way, and my mom as well. This is for them. I know they’re watching.”
Becky Benson Photo Mike Latronic
Becky Benson Photo Mike Latronic
As with all of her heats, Benson opened early and strong, holding the lead for the duration of the Final. Late in the heat, Benson channeled her days charging Sunset Beach, to earn a 6.17 from a solid wave and put large requirements on the rest of the finalists. Roberta Borges (BRA) and Barbara Roettger (PUR), who first competed against each other in the 1986 ISA World Surfing Championships in Newquay, England, were locked in a tight battle for second. Borges got the nod to win the Silver Medal, with Roettger taking Bronze and Sandra English (AUS) earning her fourth WMSC medal, the Copper.
Ballard, the 2012 Masters World Champion, was the standout in her division, consistently delivering excellent scores, and the Final was no different. Opening with an 8.00 and then almost immediately backing it up with an 8.90, the Hawaiian kept herself out of reach of her three fellow finalists. The powerful backhand of two-time Masters World Champion Heather Clark (RSA) came the closest to matching the precision of Ballard, but the South African had to settle for the Silver Medal, with Andrea Lopes (BRA) taking the Bronze, Siri Cota (USA) the Copper.
Long a champion of women’s surfing, having likely sacrificed a WSL World Title in 2004 to create a powerful advocacy group within the sport, it was fitting that the 53-yearold became the first-ever women’s Grand Masters World Champion.
Photo ISA / Pablo Franco
Rochelle Ballard Photo ISA / Sean Evans
“I’m so proud of all of it,” Ballard said. “It feels good to get some deeper roots and legs moving in women’s surfing. Everybody from our generation and the generation before us and the generation before that. That’s all paving the road for what it is today. So you can’t ever forget the past, and the roots, because it carries through in the now. And now, it’s important that we all stand together as one.”
A surfer who came up under the influence of Ballard’s generation, Melanie Bartels (HAW) claimed her first World Title today. Bartels was on fire throughout the event, posting some of the highest scores and delivering passionate postheat interviews. A two-time WSG Silver Medalist, the 42-yearold was determined to walk away with the Gold Medal in El Salvador.
Facing two WSL World Title runners-up, Serena Brooke (AUS) and Jacqueline Silva (BRA), both of whom she shared time with on the CT, along with ISA WSG veteran Lisbeth Vindas (CRC), Bartels dominated. Though it took a couple waves to find her rhythm in the Final, once she did, her power was unmatched, posting an 8.67 and 7.93, and throwing away a 7.57. Brooke found an early 7.33 and late 6.07 to collect the Silver Medal, with Silva taking Bronze and Vindas earning the Copper.
Melani Bartels Photo ISA / Sean Evans
Photo ISA / Pablo Franco
"Let's Go Hawaii....WUT?!"
-Melanie Bartels
Melani Bartels Photo ISA / Sean Evans
Eric Graciet takes first-ever Masters Gold Medal for France, Scott Schindler carries legacy for Australia
Building his scores throughout the event, Eric Graciet (FRA) opened the men’s Kahunas Final with his best yet, a 9.33. The 62-year-old maintained control for the entirety of the Final despite strong challenges from 2010 Kahunas World Champion Rodney Baldwin (AUS) and surfing legends Allen Sarlo (USA) and Shuji Kasuya (HAW), to win France their firstever Masters World Title. Baldwin’s Silver Medal completes a full Kahunas collection that includes Gold, Bronze and Copper from previous events. Sarlo’s Bronze was also his fourth medal, while Kasuya won his first, the Copper.
Whatever success Scott Schindler (AUS) may have had in a professional surfing career was instead parlayed into a phenomenally successful business career. The 53-year-old’s delayed surfing ambitions came to fruition today however, as he became a World Champion for the first time after winning the men’s Grand Masters Gold Medal.
“To pull up a world title at any age, at any level, is really a moment in time that I’m going to have with me for the rest of my life. It’s such a pleasure to surf with such good surfers from all over the world. Even in the heats, the guys are so
Eric Graciet Photo Mike Latronic
Eric Graciet Photo ISA / Sean Evans
respectful. Everyone takes their turn, generally, and it’s really a chance for surfing to win rather than hassling and competition.”
Three-time medalist Jojó de Olivença (BRA) opened with an 8.00 to control the first half of the men’s Grand Masters Final. But Schindler had a good start of his own, posting a 7.33. An 8.17 later followed, providing the retired CEO turned firefighter with a 15.50 heat total to claim victory. De Olivença took the Silver Medal, Pablo Diaz (PUR), the Bronze, and Dani Garcia (ESP) won Spain their first-ever WMSC medal, the Copper.
ISA President Fernando Aguerre said: “El Sunzal, what a place. And what a return of the ISA World Masters Championship. I’m sure you are going to be very, very happy to go home and tell all your friends about the beautiful waves, the beautiful people, the beautiful weather, and the amazing camaraderie of the ISA World Masters Championship.
“This year, I reached out to our friends in El Salvador and we agreed that it was a great time to start the Masters. That mix of competition. Because, of course, everybody wants to win the medal, but at the same time amazing camaraderie,
Scott Schindler Photo ISA / Sean Evans
Photo Mike Latronic
TEAM BRAZIL / GOLD
Diego Rosa Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Jojo De Olivenca Photo ISA / Sean Evans
Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Diego Rosa Photo Mike Latronic
TEAM HAWAI'I / SILVER
Team Hawai'i Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Mike Latronic
Photo Aukai Ng
Jason Shibata Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Shuji Kasuya Photo Mike Latronic
Becky Benson Photo ISA / Pablo Franco
Jason Shibata
Photo Mike Latronic
TEAM AUSTRALIA / BRONZE
Scott Schindler Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Serena Brooke Photo ISA / Pablo Franco
Rodney Baldwin Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Scott Schindler Photo ISA / Pablo Franco
Photo ISA / Pablo Franco
Team Australia Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Serena Brooke Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
TEAM FRANCE / COPPER
Olivier Salviere Photo ISA / Sean Evans
Ugo Benghozi Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Photo ISA / Sean Evans
Team France Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Ugo Benghozi Photo ISA / Sean Evans
reconnecting with friends, and some new friends. There are a lot of new masters. 10 years without championships has meant that many of the young surfers are now masters surfers. And this is the beauty of surfing. There are so many ways you can surf. But the only thing you should not do is give up on surfing. So I give my greatest congratulations to everybody that participated.”
RESULTS
Team Rankings
Gold – Brazil
Silver – Hawaii
Bronze – Australia
Copper – France
Women’s Masters (over 40)
Gold – Melanie Bartels (HAW)
Silver – Serena Brooke (AUS)
Bronze – Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
Copper – Lisbeth Vindas (CRC)
Men’s Masters (over 40)
Gold – Diego Rosa (BRA)
Silver – Gilbert Brown (CRC)
Bronze – Tyrell Johnson (RSA)
Copper – Hira Teriinatoofa (TAH)
Women’s Grand Masters (over 50)
Gold – Rochelle Ballard (HAW
Silver – Heather Clark (RSA)
Bronze – Andrea Lopes (BRA)
Copper – Siri Cota (USA)
Men’s Grand Masters (over 50)
Gold – Scott Schindler (AUS)
Silver – Jojó de Olivença (BRA)
Bronze – Pablo Diaz (PUR)
Copper – Dani Garcia (ESP)
Women’s Kahunas (over 60)
Gold – Becky Benson (HAW)
Silver – Roberta Borges (BRA)
Bronze – Barbara Roettger (PUR)
Copper – Sandra English (AUS)
Men’s Kahunas (over 60)
Gold – Eric Graciet (FRA)
Silver – Rodney Baldwin (AUS)
Bronze – Allen Sarlo (USA)
Copper – Shuji Kasuya (HAW)
Kahunas 60+ Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Masters 40+ Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Masters 40+ Women Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
Kahunas 60+ Women Photo ISA / Jersson Barboza
SURF ART / EDUARDO BOLIOLI
By Mike Latronic
Renowned surf artist Eduardo Bolioli was commissioned to El Salvador to honor the sport and the surfers and create art reflecting some of the great athletes in the surfing world..
Eduardo is one of the more thoughtful surfers I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Perhaps because he is an eclectic artist. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bolioli's art draws heavily from his upbringing and deep connection to the sea. Throughout his career, he has been able to capture the essence of surf culture, combining the natural beauty of the ocean with the vibrant energy of the sport and its athletes.
It had been over 20 years since I worked with Eduardo at Blue Hawaii Surfboards and we caught up with a “board meeting” at El Sunzal. Bolioli told me about his project. “Here in El Salvador I am painting on wooden boards and we are using acrylics to give them kind of like a stain and then masking them, putting more acrylics on top, and then I finish them off with Posca markers. These are not boards to be functional. It's mostly to be decorations. Surf City commissioned me to do a few pieces for the WSL longboard contest and the ISA Masters event. So these boards are going to be exhibited at the events and then they're going to go to an exhibition at the airport where they're going to stay there permanently. “
Bolioli's artistic style is dynamic and fluid, characterized by bold lines, vivid colors, and a sense of motion. His works often evoke the raw power and serenity of surfing, expressing not just the sport itself but the unique lifestyle and culture that come with it. From small-scale illustrations to large-scale murals, his art communicates a deep respect for both the sport and the natural world.
As a surfer himself, Bolioli's art is deeply informed by his personal experiences in the water. Surfing isn't just a hobby for him; it’s a way of life, a passion that informs his creative process. His work isn’t merely a representation of waves and surfers—it’s a reflection of the emotions and sensations that surfing evokes: the thrill of catching a wave, the peacefulness of being in the ocean, and the harmony between a surfer and the sea.
Bolioli’s collaborations with surf brands have also allowed him to bring his distinctive artistic touch to surfboards, apparel, and other surf-related products, bridging the gap between the art world and the surfing community.
MUSIC / ROCHELLE BALLARD
Fergie makes me wanna dance and have fun.
Jimi Hendrix is the king of guitar and gets me pumped for surfing.
Led Zeppelin is all time rock ‘n’ roll and gets me psyched for surfing.
David Bowie is classic original 80s freestyle and out of the box.
Snoop Dogg is a master rapper funny as fuck.
Surfrider's Strategic Plan to Defend Our Coasts in 2025 and Beyond
As the Trump administration and the 119th Congress prepare to begin their terms in January, the Surfrider Foundation is ready to amplify our work defending our coasts and ocean. If the coming term resembles the administration’s first term, we can foresee efforts to open more of our coasts to offshore oil drilling, attacks on our bedrock environmental laws like the Clean Water Act, and industry capture of our important regulatory and natural resources agencies like the EPA and NOAA.
This is at a time when there is an urgent need for federal leadership on coastal and ocean issues. More than ever, our coastal environment is under siege from pollution, development, and climate change. Meanwhile, the incoming Trump administration has proposed a slew of policies that threaten the health of our environment. These include plans to “drill baby, drill” and pledges to weaken bedrock environmental laws.
The Surfrider Foundation’s strong legal team, together with our environmental and policy experts, are ready for the challenge — we have faced and overcome plenty in our 40-year history. Moving forward, we will mobilize our national network and partners to demand that the Trump administration and Congress protect these vital public resources. As we do with every administration, our network will take positive action to conserve our coasts through education, advocacy, and stewardship. Our federal priorities for the next four years include:
• Stopping new offshore oil drilling off U.S. coasts
• Defending clean water and coastal protection laws
• Fighting the rollback of climate change policies
• Ensuring critical funding for the EPA and NOAA
Surfrider has over 900 campaign victories in our storied history, and we’re just getting started! Our organization was founded on the premise that people should protect what they love. Four decades later, our victories, both large and small, have been fueled by volunteers taking action to effect positive change. It’s the proven power of this network that can clean a beach, test for clean water, and even stop a federal offshore drilling proposal.
Surfrider is uniquely positioned to meet the moment, but we can’t do this work without your help. The threats on the horizon demand that we grow and diversify Surfrider's U.S. network of over 200 chapters and clubs. They also require that we elevate our federal advocacy work to build the bipartisan leadership needed to protect our coasts and ocean. This work will require thoughtful collaboration with conservation, industry, and environmental justice partners. It will also require support and participation from our grassroots members.
Surfrider believes that the issues we fight for – clean water, ocean health, coastal access – are priorities that must be embraced by all community members, and Surfrider’s approach is exactly what’s needed to protect our coasts today, and for the future.
Photo Mike Latronic
EWELEIULA WONG AND LUKE TEMA WIN 2024 THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS SUNSET PRO
Photos Tony Heff / WSL
Eweleiula Wong (HAW) and Luke Tema (HAW) claimed wins at the World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro, a men’s and women’s Qualifying Series (QS) 1000, in iconic Sunset Beach conditions. A dream conclusion crowned Wong and Tema victors in six-to-eight-foot, pristine swell as they battled through heavily stacked fields of proven chargers. Impressive showings from 2023 event victor Shion Crawford (HAW) and reigning Hawaii/Tahiti QS Regional victor Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) earned them runner-ups moving into the next stop.
Eweleiula Wong Takes Down Maiden QS Victory
Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) got the women’s Final underway against two-time QS Regional victor Moana Jones Wong (HAW), perennial Challenger Series threat Eweleiula Wong (HAW), and No. 1 entering the event, Kiara Goold (PYF). After Tomoda-Bannert added to her score line, Eweleiula fired back with a 7.25 (out of a possible 10) on her powerful forehand to overtake the lead ten minutes into the Final. But, Eweleiula wasn’t done yet and posted another solid, 6.75 to push her lead and forced her opponents into needing excellent numbers to catch her.
But, no opportunities of major scoring potential came through before time expired and Wong emerged victorious to claim her first-ever QS win – pushing her atop the regional rankings.
“I’m super stoked to win my first QS. I haven’t made it to a Final in a really long time so I’m super stoked,” said Wong. “I hardly ever surf Sunset and usually just stick to Haleiwa but I’m stoked to have won in pretty solid Sunset and I’ll probably surf here a bit more now. I definitely do as well as I wanted to on the Challenger Series so these QS events at home are really nice and build some confidence and hopefully requalify for the Challenger Series next year.”
Photo Tony Heff / WSL
After a phenomenal showing in her Quarterfinal debut on Day 2, Wong started her Finals Day campaign in a stout Semifinal battle against then No. 1 Goold, defending event victor Nora Liotta (HAW) and an in-form Lucy Jarrard (ASM). Wong held firm for a Semifinal win alongside Goold advancing as Goold notched back-to-back Finals appearances. It all ended with Wong’s maiden QS win and now prepares for the U.S. Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro.
Luke Tema Claims First-Ever QS Win Over Heavily-Stacked Field
The men’s Final witnessed a clash of Hawaii/Tahiti Nui’s emerging talents including defending event victor Shion Crawford (HAW), Luke Tema (HAW), Luke Swanson (HAW) facing proven QS veteran Torrey Meister (HAW). Meister unleashed his signature forehand power to post an excellent 8.00 for an early jump on the field before Crawford matched Meister’s power with his own for an 8.75. But, with minimal backups, Tema seized his opportunity to showcase his high-performance capabilities for an 8.35, combined with his 6.50, to overtake the lead with just over five minutes left.
Swanson and Crawford’s last efforts fell short of the requirement and Tema earned his maiden QS chair-up the beach to kickstart the North Shore competitive leg.
“There were so many good guys in the field and it was hard. I had a lot of close heats but I’m stoked to come out on top,” said Tema. “Luke [Swanson] and Shion [Crawford] and Torrey [Meister], they all push me and I’ve been surfing with Luke and Shion forever so it was so cool to share a Final with them. I thought it was done when I got the worst of the first exchange but then that eight came in at the end. I’ll just go into Haleiwa and try to get a win but I’m mainly just so stoked to win this one.”
Luke Tema Photo Tony Heff / WSL
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Tema started his Finals Day surge in the men’s Round of 32 with a decisive win before heading into a stacked Quarterfinal bout featuring the likes of Mason Ho (HAW). But, the 18-year-old, Tema, held firm and advanced behind Meister in their Semifinal clash with Ho and Tahiti’s hard-charging Eimeo Czermak (PYF). Tema now sits at No. 1 on the rankings heading into Haleiwa with another big opportunity ahead.
Runner-ups Shion Crawford and Keala Tomoda-Bannert Gather Momentum
For Tomoda-Bannert, this marks back-to-back Finals in Hawaii QS events as she now gets ready to defend her U.S. Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro win beginning November 8. The Kauai, Hawaii competitor set the tone on Finals Day in her Semifinal bout after matching the day’s best single-wave score of a 9.00 and carried that momentum to a big runner-up finish.
“It feels really nice to be in a Final again after it was kind of a tough year. Getting second gives me a lot of confidence to go into next week at the Super Girl,” said Tomoda-Bannert. “It’s exciting to get some good results and the women are doing really well so I have to keep the rhythm going but I’m not putting a lot of pressure on myself to requalify for the Challenger Series. I’ll get to go home and reset which is what I love to do between contests and feel like my confidence is there so I’m happy.”
2023 event victor Shion Crawford (HAW) nearly pulled a historic, back-to-back win but fell just short and earned a momentumbuilding runner-up result. Crawford showcased his forehand power throughout the event, posting multiple excellent numbers and a 9.00 during his Finals Day surge through the Round of 32, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals. The rising threat faced some of Hawaii’s most proven QS contenders including a superheat in the Semifinals featuring multi-event winner Billy Kemper (HAW), 2019 event winner Cody Young (HAW), and eventual third-place finisher Luke Swanson (HAW).
Eweleiula Wong Photo Tony Heff / WSL
“I wanted to go back-to-back and it feels good to almost do that but I’m stoked to go into Haleiwa and just wanting to do my surfing,” said Crawford. “I’m definitely excited to get back there and hopefully it’ll be firing and hopefully take a win there. It’ll be really fun just to be in my routine and surfing at my home break.”
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For the men, QS competitors now set their eyes to Haleiwa for a chance to claim a victory of their own and push toward 2025 Challenger Series qualification.
The women now prepare for the U.S. Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs QS 3000 beginning November 8 through 10.
The 2024/2025 Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS continues at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro beginning November 25 through December 7.
Women’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Final Results:
1 – Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 14.00
2 – Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) 9.90
3 – Kiara Goold (PYF) 7.30
4 – Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 5.25
Men’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Final Results:
1 – Luke Tema (HAW) 14.85
2 – Shion Crawford (HAW) 14.50
3 – Luke Swanson (HAW) 12.30
4 – Torrey Meister (HAW) 10.90
For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.
Torrey Meister Photo Tony Heff / WSL
ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT LEFT... RAINBOW
2024 Red Bull Foam Wreckers
Red Bull Foam Wreckers, the participatory event series where only foam (soft-top) surfboards were allowed, offered a refreshing alternative to traditional surf contests. Surf enthusiasts of all skill levels and backgrounds had the opportunity to enter and to win.
The foam board competition returned to Oahu on Saturday, October 26th, for its final year at Sandy Beach. The previous year’s event had included 128 local competitors with over 1,000 spectators. Each competitor spun the “wheel of shred” to determine which foam board he or she had to ride from the provided quiver, which could have included a 4ft. twin fin, a bodyboard, or even a 9ft. LOG. From there, the only rule was to have fun.
“You don’t have to be an expert to participate in this competition," said Kainoa McGee, contest emcee and local waterman. “It’s about testing your creativity and showing the judges what's possible on a foam board. No matter what you end up riding, the person having the most fun and doing the craziest things on a foam board is going to be a Champion.”
The event series spanned fifteen different beaches from October through December 2024, with this being the only event in Hawaii.
Photos Red Bull Content Pool & John Weaver
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Special Mention: Raquel Heckert placed 7th and is the first female to make it to the final heat in Hawaii since the contest began.
Prizes: In addition to bragging rights, the top three finishers took home custom-branded Red Bull Foam Wreckers foam board trophies.
LANIAKEA TRAFFIC SOLUTION BEGINS
The Hawaii State Department of Transportation launched a major project today to realign Kamehameha Highway on Oahu's
Increasing erosion from powerful waves has brought the shoreline closer to the highway. This is one of several reasons prompting the state to shift the road further inland.
Laniakea Beach, known for its big winter waves, is a popular spot where turtles often come ashore, attracting both visitors and surfers. However, this popularity leads to a major downside
“Traffic is gnarly. Lots of stopping and hard brakes, and you get going only to stop again,” said Mililani resident Koa Taitague-
The congestion affects not just drivers but also pedestrians who cross the busy highway.
Ed Sniffen, Director of the Hawaii Department of Transportation, said, “There were concerns about congestion and pedestrian safety due to people parking mauka and walking across the highway. This project aims to address that.”
The state is investing nearly $16 million to realign about 1,000 feet of the highway, moving it inland to avoid erosion from winter storms and positioning it on the other side of a parking area.
"I think the realignment will work, but how long will it take?" Ching asked.
“The project will be complete by April or May 2026,” Sniffen responded, noting the project involves building a new bridge, improving drainage, and relocating parking to the makai side.
Though construction is starting, traffic impacts will be minimal since work will be done away from the main road until the realignment connects with Kamehameha Highway in spring 2026.
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LAST LOOK
A brand new winter is on the way, Here’s Kalani Rivera starting off with the most stylish cutback on a beefy wave at Sunset Beach, new era surfers, pushing limits with all the confidence and individuality you expect from North shore locals.
