Kirra Pinkerton and Lucca Mesinas turn it on in tough Huntington Beach conditions to emerge victorious as the 2024 Challenger Series qualifiers from North America showed they're ready for the next step with brilliant performances throughout the week. Chad Wells and Huntington Beach icon Brett Simpson break down Finals Day.
Today, Kirra Pinkerton and Lucca Mesinas claimed wins at the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, to start the North America QS 2024/2025 season. Pinkerton overtook reigning North America QS Regional victor Zoe Benedetto in their Final bout before Mesinas did battle with fellow former Championship Tour (CT) elite Kolohe Andino in testy afternoon conditions. Pinkerton and Mesinas now start the year as North America No. 1's before heading to start their CT qualification run on the 2024 Challenger Series alongside Benedetto and Andino.
The 2024 Challenger Series qualifier Kirra Pinkerton showed her true grit against an in-form Zoe Benedetto to claim the 2024 Jack's Surfboards Pro win. Pinkerton takes the rankings lead before heading to the Bonsoy Gold Goast Pro pres. by GWM beginning April 27 - May 4.
The women's Final unraveled between two of North America's highly decorated contenders Zoe Benedetto and Kirra Pinkerton in tough afternoon conditions. A classic battle of East vs. West Coast was off to a slow start with Florida's Benedetto getting a small score before Pinkerton took a slim lead with an 8.43 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The two awaited an opportunity to strike heading into the final 10 minutes and Pinkerton was able to gain the upper hand and extend her lead, posting a 5.50 (out of a possible 10), and hold firm for her first QS win since 2018.
"This is the first event I've won in over five years so it feels amazing," said Pinkerton. "In a heat like that I was just stressed the whole time and know Zoe could've easily gotten a score. I think that's the best way to win is when you're in full stress mode and it just works out for you. Huntington seems to be pretty nice to me and I've gotten a few wins here now and I'm pretty stoked. This is my first Jack's Surfboards win and a great way to go into Snapper, I'm feeling pretty confident right now."
Pinkerton brought her renewed confidence from a brilliant 2023/2024 season to the start of a fresh year that sent her to the Jack's Surfboards Pro Final. The former WSL World Junior Champion took over Finals Day starting with a Quarterfinal clash against Florida's newcomer Kylie Pulcini and then an impressive Semifinal showing over 2024 World Junior Championships qualifier Sanoa Dempfle-Olin.
Fresh off a win to close the 2023/2024 QS season, Lucca Mesinas fired right back and earned another victory to start the fresh year at the Jack's Surfboards Pro over fellow former CTer Kolohe Andino. Now, Mesinas and Andino prepare for the 2024 Challenger Series starting at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro pres. by GWM.
The anticipation also built in the men's Final as the first 10 minutes provided little opportunity between two of the event's juggernauts, Lucca Mesinas and Kolohe Andino, with Andino having a slim lead. The former CT elites showcased what they can do in tough conditions with Mesinas finding his form in the second half of the heat to steal the lead off Andino, posting back-to-back waves to total a 12.26 to leave Andino chasing a 6.93. A last-minute opportunity arose for San Clemente's Andino, but it wasn't enough as he posted a 5.83 and Mesinas earned incredible, back-to-back wins on the North America QS and starts the year as the region's No. 1.
"I'm super stoked and so happy to win this event and keep my momentum going," said Mesinas. "That heat was really hard conditions and Kolohe started quick and I was just trying to get two waves really quick. That made all the difference. I love surfing with Kolohe, we've shared some CT heats and he's an amazing surfer so it's always great to compete with him. Now I'll go back home and train for Australia then also get ready for the Olympics so it's a big year and I'm really excited."
Mesinas' current tear through North America competitions added back-to-back Final appearances, winning in Barbados to end the 2023/2024 season, and in convincing fashion. The former CT elite, Mesinas posted a day's best 15.33 heat total over fellow former CT standout Nat Young in their Quarterfinal bout before extinguishing an in-form Owen Moss' hot streak in the Semfinals. Now, the 27-year-old prepares to take on the Challenger Series and regain his spot among the world's best.
Zoe Benedetto's (USA) form took her to a second-consecutive QS Final and a runner-up finish. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Benedetto started her Finals Day charge taking on emerging North America talent Olivia Storrer in their Quarterfinal bout before facing proven regional threat Mathea Dempfle-Olinin the Semfinals. Starting the season as the reigning North America QS Regional victor, Benedetto now sets her sights on the bigger stage of the Challenger Series set to begin at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro presented by GWM from April 27 - May 4.
"I just wanted to do better than I did last year and I think when you win sometimes you let the foot off the gas and I just wanted to keep the momentum up," said Benedetto. "I'm stoked on a better result and I didn't have any Finals in the 3,000's last year so this is nice. Now I'm super excited for the Challenger Series and I feel like I had some momentum in my surfing last year at Snapper Rocks but then blew it, but this year I feel way more confident in myself and my surfing."
*Kolohe Andino (USA) made his case clear that he's back and in form to take on the Challenger Series contenders.* - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Andino made his intentions clear late in 2023 and continues to show he's rising to them after blistering through Finals Day. The former CT veteran took down reigning North America Pro Junior Regional victor Blayr Barton in the Quarterfinals before overpowering fellow event standout Alan Cleland in a tight Semifinal bout. Andino now searches for his redemption run on the 2024 Challenger Series to make his highly-anticipated return to the CT.
"I was super excited coming into this event, I knew Friday would have the big waves which is always exciting and then today was really fun in the morning before the tide made it tough," said Andino. "It's a surf contest and I just love competing. The feeling of winning a heat or getting a score, it's all the same whether the waves are big or small so it felt good to be in a rhythm and make some heats. Lucca was on a tear and congratulations to him, and I'm looking forward to surfing with him this year on the Challenger Series.'
Emerging threat Zoey Kaina and long-time QS competitor Alex Lima took to the air to claim the 2024 U.S. Air Force Airshow presented by Fu Wax.
Zoey Kaina and Alex Lima Get Bragging Rights with U.S. Air Force Airshow pres. by Fu Wax Wins
A special treat to Finals Day, the U.S. Air Force Airshow presented by Fu Wax featured six men and six women vying for the 2024 title and $1,500. The top-aerial maneuvers earned them a place into the event, with the top-scoring waves for women counted, for them to determine the winner. Quarterfinalist Zoey Kaina stole the show with a blow-tail air-reverse over a stacked field including Bella Kenworthy, Talia Swindal, Maddie Stanton, Vela Mattive and Rubiana Brownell.
Following the women's airshow, Alex Lima launched himself into a win over Huntington Beach's own Luke Guinaldo, Wesley Santos, Dylan Hord, Luke Wyler, and Dwight Pastrana.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com and JacksSurfboards.com.
Day 3: Heavyweight Matchups Determine Finals Day Draw
Moving Day of the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, has been called ON for an 8:00 a.m. PDT start. Continued swell continues to pulse into Huntington Beach with three-to-four foot, clean morning conditions for the women's Round of 32, Heats 5 - 8 before moving into women's Round of 16 and men's Round of 32 and Round of 16. Finals Day spots are on the line and a chance to gain an upper hand early in the 2024/2025 regional rankings.
Reigning North America QS Regional victor Zoe Benedetto continues to show her dominance with an excellent 8.17 against an all-star affair featuring Bella Kenworthy, Leilani McGonagle and Ella McCaffray with McGonagle advancing into Finals Day alongside Benedetto.
Benedetto Blasts Through North America All-Star Heat into Finals Day
An all-important Moving Day of competition began with the remaining women's Round of 32 battles unraveling to determine who would contest for a Finals Day appearance after Round of 16 match ups provided stacked heats. Reigning North America QS Regional victor Zoe Benedetto looked in form once again, posting an excellent 8.17 (out of a possible 10) and 14.07 (out of a possible 20) heat total against an all-star affair featuring Bella Kenworthy, Leilani McGonagle, and Ella McCaffray. McGonagle's last-minute efforts pushed her to the advancing position to join Benedetto into the Quarterfinals.
"This is a new board, I just got four new ones and this is an epoxy, I just needed to put the other one away," said Benedetto. "I talked to Ryan Simmons before my heat and noticed that rip was really changing. There were a lot of rights, but just as many good lefts so I was just trying to find the peak. So I just wanted to find the good ones, get busy and just adapt to the changes."
The rising threat Zoey Kaina made her presence known with a 13.50 heat total and stormed into Finals Day at Huntington Beach.
Kaina Keeps the Momentum Alive for Quarterfinal Appearance
Round of 16, Heat 3 featured four of North America's next generation of threats including Zoey Kaina, Kylie Pulcini, Lanea Mons, and Reid Van Wagoner. Van Wagoner and Mons both earned Round of 32 wins but it was Kaina who stole the show in their Round of 16 bout, with Pulcini advancing, utilizing her technical forehand and backhand attack to accrue a 13.50 heat total. Kaina continues to establish herself as an emerging threat with multiple Finals Day appearances now in her resume at a young age.
"My board is super magic and I love it, it's been going super good out here," said Kaina. "I was just thinking about starting off with a good wave then trying to back it up then just keep getting better scores. I'll hopefully surf again and then just chill and get ready for tomorrow. Thank you to my family for being here, my friends and my sponsors."
Kirra Pinkerton's big debut yielded success in her Round of 32 heat before taking on a stacked Round of 16 affair where she claimed another heat win to earn her place into Finals Day alongside QS emerging threat Sanoa Dempfle-Olin. Plus, Dempfle-Olin's sister, Mathea, earned a big Round of 16 win to clinch a spot into the Quarterfinals and now looks for 3,000 points of her own.
Another dominant display from Alan Cleland earned him a 15.94 heat total in the Round of 32 before posting another 14-point heat total in the Round of 16 for back-to-back Finals Day showings at this event.
Cleland's Dominant Day Sends Him Back To Quarterfinals
Men's action provided a spectacle of heavyweight bouts in the Round of 32 and Round of 16 with stacked heats putting some of North America's premier talents toe-to-toe. Once again, Alan Cleland made his statement with back-to-back Finals Day showings at this event in dominant form. Cleland's 15.94 heat total in the Round of 32 held as the day's best alongside an impressive 7.00 and 7.17 in his Round of 16 battle. Cleland looks to start the year even better than his 2023 Quarterfinal appearance and notch important points before the Challenger Series season starts.
"Same exact board as yesterday, it's about the sixth time I've ridden it and it's a magic board, the thing just goes," said Cleland. "I just want to be the present moment and have fun, heat-by-heat, wave-by-wave, and just enjoy it. It's been a good day, the waves have been nonstop all day and hopefully more for tomorrow."
The recent 2024 Challenger Series qualifier Owen Moss looks to continue his 2023/2024 success and notches a big Finals Day showing after posting an excellent 8.17 in both his Round of 32 and Round of 16 battles.
Moss Gains Major Momentum into First Finals Day of 2024/2025
North America 2023/2024 standout Owen Moss continues to show his prowess in the jersey as he builds major steam into Finals Day with two excellent showings in today's proceedings. Moss matched his 8.17 from the Round of 32 in his Round of 16 bout to earn a Quarterfinal showing alongside former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Nat Young (USA). Already qualified for both the 2024 Challenger Series and World Junior Championships, Moss looks to build even more heading into his biggest competitive year to date.
"It was a weird start but I was able to regroup and stoked to get through," said Moss. "It was on the late drop wave and he was just right under me on the free fall. But, I'm feeling good and just want to keep it rolling. Stoked it's man-on-man now and get to do a little more surfing. Thank you to everyone supporting me, my friends and family, it means the world to me."
Former CT elite Lucca Mesinasand Kolohe Andino also put on a showcase in their Round of 16 heat wins and stormed into Finals Day.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. PDT start to competition.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com and JacksSurfboards.com.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro is the fist stop on the 2024/2025 North America Qualifying Series. The competition window opens April 4 through 7, 2024. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL's YouTube channel.
Day 2: Top Seeds Establish Authority
Huntington Beach Pier's iconic lineup turned on for top seeds making their debuts at the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000. Four-to-six foot, clean conditions started the day before the wind began to disrupt proceedings for the men's Round of 64 and women's Round of 32, Heats 1 - 4. Now, the weekend action is set with a vital Moving Day awaiting those with an opportunity to break into the season's first Finals Day.
The soon-to-be Challenger Series contender Alan Cleland put the field on notice with a near-perfect 9.87 and 17.20 heat total, both an event-best so far, to start his run in Huntington Beach.
The top seeds took control of their debuts with Alan Cleland leading the surge, delivering an immaculate 17.20 (out of possible 20) heat total and near-perfect 9.87 (out of a possible 10). Cleland's backhand power was undeniable to turn in the day's best performance as he prepares to take on the 2024 Challenger Series. But, Cleland's focus is on the task at hand as he prepares for the Round of 32.
"It's pumping, there's swell so I'm definitely stoked to get some good canvas and just lay a couple good turns in," said Cleland. "I definitely want to put on a good performance and just to come in with fun waves and perfect lefts coming into the pier, it's not bad. There's going to be talk and pressure to perform but it's just about going wave-by-wave and turn-by-turn."
The former CT elite flexed his world-class form to deliver a near-perfect 9.33 via a massive air-reverse and post a 17.00 heat total to claim his spot into the Round of 32.
Andino's Aerial Assault Goes Near-Perfect, Leads Former CT Charge
A heavily-contested field includes multiple, former Championship Tour (CT) competitors and Kolohe Andinowasted no flexing his world-class abilities and posted a near-perfect 9.33 on a massive air-reverse. Andino's surge through the QS in 2023/2024 led to multiple Final appearances and now looks to bring that bravado to the 2024 Challenger Series. But first, his eyes are set on a big result here in Huntington Beach alongside the likes of fellow former CT elite Nat Young, Lucca Mesinas, and Carlos Munoz - all of whom are into the Round of 32 with heat wins.
"It was pretty fun out there and I was excited to surf that left rip bowl but it was actually more challenging than I thought," said Andino. "I was just thinking about surfing the lefts and then I thought about what have I been missing over there with that air wind. You can kind of get stuck in no man's land over there but once I got those two scores I just thought I'd do something cool and I actually wasn't planning on doing an air but that section just popped up."
Impressive debuts from Lucas Owston, Sam Reidy, Jabe Swierkocki, Luke Wyler, Nolan Rapoza, Owen Moss, Blayr Barton, and Wheeler Hasburgh join early event threats Luke Guinaldo, Parker Cohn, and Dylan Hord into the Round of 32 with heat wins.
The perennial North America threat Ella McCaffray is on a mission in 2024/2025 and started with a bang, posting a 7.83, to move into the Round of 16.
McCaffray Resets for Fresh Start in Decimating Form
A fresh season got underway for the women's top seeds and Ella McCaffray debuted in terrific fashion, posting a 7.83, despite deteriorating afternoon conditions. The Encinitas, California, competitor is a perennial threat to Challenger Series qualification and narrowly missed out joining the 2024 contenders. Now, McCaffray resets and is set for a big year ahead.
"It's pretty fun out there, it's kind of rough from the beach but there's a few corners and I definitely had my mind set on going left into the pier," said McCaffray. "I got lucky and found a right toward the end. That one big turn out the back, I saw Carlos do a similar turn in the heat before, and it just connected so that's what I had in mind and got lucky it worked out for me."
Fresh off her first regional title, Zoe Benedetto laid into a 6.77 and debut heat win to kickstart the 2024/2025 season.
Reigning North America QS Victor Benedetto Back at it With A Debut Win
After claiming the 2023/2024 North America Regional title, Zoe Benedetto (USA) returned to winning form to surge into the Round of 16. Benedetto is prepared for a big season among the Challenger Series contender once again and looks to build her momentum in Huntington Beach.
"I definitely want to get a better start than I did last year, I did the same thing where I won Barbados and then didn't finish well here," said Benedetto. "I'm just looking for a confidence booster before going into the Challenger Series and then just do my best on the Challenger. I'm actually riding the same board I won Barbados on and it's kind of in rough shape but it's too good of a board not to bring."
Dynamic showings from Chelsea Tuach and Vela Mattive added their names to Round of 32 victors in their debuts and look for more in the Round of 16.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. PDT start.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com and JacksSurfboards.com.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro is the fist stop on the 2024/2025 North America Qualifying Series. The competition window opens April 4 through 7, 2024. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL's YouTube channel.
Day 1: North America's Race Officially Underway
Opening day of the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, has been called ON for an 8:00 a.m. PDT start. Two-to-three foot waves pulse into Huntington Beach Pier's iconic lineup with men's Round of 104, women's Round of 40, and men's Round of 96 all on schedule featuring 20-minute heats to see who enters the top-seeded rounds for both men and women.
The Newport Beach, California competitor Parker Cohn lays down a near-excellent 7.83 to match the best single-wave score of opening day and moves straight into the Round of 64.
Cohn Cracks Near-Excellence for Round of 64 Appearance
Making his debut in near-excellent form, Newport Beach's own Parker Cohn laid down a day's best 7.83 (out of possible 10), matching Max Beach, to earn a debut heat win. Cohn continues to show he's an early event threat at each stop and now looks to keep that momentum going into the top-seeded Round of 64.
"I rode a Move or Die 'Brokeneck Fish' and it's really flat so it gets going when other boards wouldn't," said Cohn. "It feels really good in the small stuff. Would love to get a shout out to my mom, dad, Xcel, and hopefully I can keep it going."
David Okeefe continues to impress in the jersey near home, lighting up his debut with a 13.50 heat total to overcome excellence from Davi Toledo as both move into the Round of 64.
OKeefe Turns On to Start 2024/2025
Another one of Southern California's growing threats, David Okeefe brought out the best of conditions with a 13.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Okeefe's impressive forehand and backhand attack elevated his performance to the top of opening day with his ambitions set higher near home.
"I was super stoked to get that wave right off the bat and that definitely settled my nerves and the start of a heat actually went my way for once," said Okeefe. "Once I got that wave it I just wanted to wait for another good one and just better my situation. I'm super stoked to have an event at home and hopefully keep the ball rolling."
A tight heat went to Huntington Beach's own Sage Guinaldo as he helped eliminate local icon Brett Simpson to move into the Round of 64 despite a problematic back injury.
Guinaldo Powers Through, Helps Eliminate Huntington Beach Icon
Sage Guinaldo took to his home waters in solid form with a Round of 96 heat win to help eliminate Huntington Beach icon Brett Simpson (USA). The Huntington Beach local, Guinaldo, is fighting a back injury but still found the waves able to let him deliver a performance for family and friends in attendance. The emerging North America threat now prepares to take on top-seeded competitors in the Round of 32 alongside his brother, Luke, who also advanced in Heat 11, with Huntington Beach behind him.
"It was tricky out there but I've just been surfing out here every single day and understanding the sandbars which really helped me out there," said Guinaldo. "Brett and I had a Round of 16 heat here last year and he got the best of me, and watching the Round of 104 I knew the winner of that heat would be in my heat and Brett's the best out here. I've been dealing with a back injury so just the words of affirmation have really been helping me with surfing and believing in myself."
Also earning Round of 96 heat wins, Jhony Corzo, Max Beach, David Okeefe, Kai Gale Grani, Alex Lima, Will Deane, Tomas King, Greyson Grant, William Hedleston,
A tight heat went to Huntington Beach's own Sage Guinaldo as he helped eliminate local icon Brett Simpson to move into the Round of 64 despite a problematic back injury.
Storrer Sisters Take Over Women's Opening Proceedings
Making their move down the coast from Santa Cruz, California, Olivia and Maddie Storrer now reside in Surf City USA of Huntington Beach and kickstarted their season with early success at the Jack's Surfboards Pro. Tough conditions kept scoring potential with Olivia finding the better single-wave score of the duo and Maddie earning one of the best heat totals of the Round of 40 - with the highest going to Maddie Stanton in Heat 4.
"It was little tricky and just tried to find one that had a little wall to it that had opportunity for a few turns so it was tricky but fun," said Olivia Storrer. "We just moved to Huntington a few months ago and I've surfed a few events out here but this is my first Jack's Surfboards Pro. Thank you to all my friends and family watching and my sponsors for supporting me, I'm super stoked to get through that first one."
Maddie Storrer (USA) all smiles after starting her new season with heat win. - WSL
Now, both Maddie and Olivia head into the Round of 32 to face top-seeded competitors and make their claim toward a surge to start the 2024/2025 season.
"That was definitely slow, I had to adjust toward the end and just fighting all the way so I'm happy to make it," said Maddie Storrer. "I've been loving my board, it goes great in all conditions so it helped in that last heat. In the end I got a little desperate and just had to take whatever came my way so I got a little lucky and wish I had stayed a little busier but glad it all worked out."
Joining Stanton and the Storrer sisters, Izzi Gomez earned a clutch debut heat win and moves into the Round of 32.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. PDT start.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com and JacksSurfboards.com.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro is the fist stop on the 2024/2025 North America Qualifying Series. The competition window opens April 4 through 7, 2024. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL's YouTube channel.
Kirra Pinkerton and Lucca Mesinas Win 2024 Jack's Surfboards Pro
Andrew Nichols
Today, Kirra Pinkerton and Lucca Mesinas claimed wins at the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, to start the North America QS 2024/2025 season. Pinkerton overtook reigning North America QS Regional victor Zoe Benedetto in their Final bout before Mesinas did battle with fellow former Championship Tour (CT) elite Kolohe Andino in testy afternoon conditions. Pinkerton and Mesinas now start the year as North America No. 1's before heading to start their CT qualification run on the 2024 Challenger Series alongside Benedetto and Andino.
The women's Final unraveled between two of North America's highly decorated contenders Zoe Benedetto and Kirra Pinkerton in tough afternoon conditions. A classic battle of East vs. West Coast was off to a slow start with Florida's Benedetto getting a small score before Pinkerton took a slim lead with an 8.43 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The two awaited an opportunity to strike heading into the final 10 minutes and Pinkerton was able to gain the upper hand and extend her lead, posting a 5.50 (out of a possible 10), and hold firm for her first QS win since 2018.
"This is the first event I've won in over five years so it feels amazing," said Pinkerton. "In a heat like that I was just stressed the whole time and know Zoe could've easily gotten a score. I think that's the best way to win is when you're in full stress mode and it just works out for you. Huntington seems to be pretty nice to me and I've gotten a few wins here now and I'm pretty stoked. This is my first Jack's Surfboards win and a great way to go into Snapper, I'm feeling pretty confident right now."
Pinkerton brought her renewed confidence from a brilliant 2023/2024 season to the start of a fresh year that sent her to the Jack's Surfboards Pro Final. The former WSL World Junior Champion took over Finals Day starting with a Quarterfinal clash against Florida's newcomer Kylie Pulcini and then an impressive Semifinal showing over 2024 World Junior Championships qualifier Sanoa Dempfle-Olin.
The anticipation also built in the men's Final as the first 10 minutes provided little opportunity between two of the event's juggernauts, Lucca Mesinas and Kolohe Andino, with Andino having a slim lead. The former CT elites showcased what they can do in tough conditions with Mesinas finding his form in the second half of the heat to steal the lead off Andino, posting back-to-back waves to total a 12.26 to leave Andino chasing a 6.93. A last-minute opportunity arose for San Clemente's Andino, but it wasn't enough as he posted a 5.83 and Mesinas earned incredible, back-to-back wins on the North America QS and starts the year as the region's No. 1.
"I'm super stoked and so happy to win this event and keep my momentum going," said Mesinas. "That heat was really hard conditions and Kolohe started quick and I was just trying to get two waves really quick. That made all the difference. I love surfing with Kolohe, we've shared some CT heats and he's an amazing surfer so it's always great to compete with him. Now I'll go back home and train for Australia then also get ready for the Olympics so it's a big year and I'm really excited."
Mesinas' current tear through North America competitions added back-to-back Final appearances, winning in Barbados to end the 2023/2024 season, and in convincing fashion. The former CT elite, Mesinas posted a day's best 15.33 heat total over fellow former CT standout Nat Young in their Quarterfinal bout before extinguishing an in-form Owen Moss' hot streak in the Semfinals. Now, the 27-year-old prepares to take on the Challenger Series and regain his spot among the world's best.
Benedetto started her Finals Day charge taking on emerging North America talent Olivia Storrer in their Quarterfinal bout before facing proven regional threat Mathea Dempfle-Olinin the Semfinals. Starting the season as the reigning North America QS Regional victor, Benedetto now sets her sights on the bigger stage of the Challenger Series set to begin at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro presented by GWM from April 27 - May 4.
"I just wanted to do better than I did last year and I think when you win sometimes you let the foot off the gas and I just wanted to keep the momentum up," said Benedetto. "I'm stoked on a better result and I didn't have any Finals in the 3,000's last year so this is nice. Now I'm super excited for the Challenger Series and I feel like I had some momentum in my surfing last year at Snapper Rocks but then blew it, but this year I feel way more confident in myself and my surfing."
Andino made his intentions clear late in 2023 and continues to show he's rising to them after blistering through Finals Day. The former CT veteran took down reigning North America Pro Junior Regional victor Blayr Barton in the Quarterfinals before overpowering fellow event standout Alan Cleland in a tight Semifinal bout. Andino now searches for his redemption run on the 2024 Challenger Series to make his highly-anticipated return to the CT.
"I was super excited coming into this event, I knew Friday would have the big waves which is always exciting and then today was really fun in the morning before the tide made it tough," said Andino. "It's a surf contest and I just love competing. The feeling of winning a heat or getting a score, it's all the same whether the waves are big or small so it felt good to be in a rhythm and make some heats. Lucca was on a tear and congratulations to him, and I'm looking forward to surfing with him this year on the Challenger Series.'
Zoey Kaina and Alex Lima Get Bragging Rights with U.S. Air Force Airshow pres. by Fu Wax Wins
A special treat to Finals Day, the U.S. Air Force Airshow presented by Fu Wax featured six men and six women vying for the 2024 title and $1,500. The top-aerial maneuvers earned them a place into the event, with the top-scoring waves for women counted, for them to determine the winner. Quarterfinalist Zoey Kaina stole the show with a blow-tail air-reverse over a stacked field including Bella Kenworthy, Talia Swindal, Maddie Stanton, Vela Mattive and Rubiana Brownell.
Following the women's airshow, Alex Lima launched himself into a win over Huntington Beach's own Luke Guinaldo, Wesley Santos, Dylan Hord, Luke Wyler, and Dwight Pastrana.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com and JacksSurfboards.com.
Day 3: Heavyweight Matchups Determine Finals Day Draw
Moving Day of the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, has been called ON for an 8:00 a.m. PDT start. Continued swell continues to pulse into Huntington Beach with three-to-four foot, clean morning conditions for the women's Round of 32, Heats 5 - 8 before moving into women's Round of 16 and men's Round of 32 and Round of 16. Finals Day spots are on the line and a chance to gain an upper hand early in the 2024/2025 regional rankings.
Benedetto Blasts Through North America All-Star Heat into Finals Day
An all-important Moving Day of competition began with the remaining women's Round of 32 battles unraveling to determine who would contest for a Finals Day appearance after Round of 16 match ups provided stacked heats. Reigning North America QS Regional victor Zoe Benedetto looked in form once again, posting an excellent 8.17 (out of a possible 10) and 14.07 (out of a possible 20) heat total against an all-star affair featuring Bella Kenworthy, Leilani McGonagle, and Ella McCaffray. McGonagle's last-minute efforts pushed her to the advancing position to join Benedetto into the Quarterfinals.
"This is a new board, I just got four new ones and this is an epoxy, I just needed to put the other one away," said Benedetto. "I talked to Ryan Simmons before my heat and noticed that rip was really changing. There were a lot of rights, but just as many good lefts so I was just trying to find the peak. So I just wanted to find the good ones, get busy and just adapt to the changes."
Kaina Keeps the Momentum Alive for Quarterfinal Appearance
Round of 16, Heat 3 featured four of North America's next generation of threats including Zoey Kaina, Kylie Pulcini, Lanea Mons, and Reid Van Wagoner. Van Wagoner and Mons both earned Round of 32 wins but it was Kaina who stole the show in their Round of 16 bout, with Pulcini advancing, utilizing her technical forehand and backhand attack to accrue a 13.50 heat total. Kaina continues to establish herself as an emerging threat with multiple Finals Day appearances now in her resume at a young age.
"My board is super magic and I love it, it's been going super good out here," said Kaina. "I was just thinking about starting off with a good wave then trying to back it up then just keep getting better scores. I'll hopefully surf again and then just chill and get ready for tomorrow. Thank you to my family for being here, my friends and my sponsors."
Kirra Pinkerton's big debut yielded success in her Round of 32 heat before taking on a stacked Round of 16 affair where she claimed another heat win to earn her place into Finals Day alongside QS emerging threat Sanoa Dempfle-Olin. Plus, Dempfle-Olin's sister, Mathea, earned a big Round of 16 win to clinch a spot into the Quarterfinals and now looks for 3,000 points of her own.
Cleland's Dominant Day Sends Him Back To Quarterfinals
Men's action provided a spectacle of heavyweight bouts in the Round of 32 and Round of 16 with stacked heats putting some of North America's premier talents toe-to-toe. Once again, Alan Cleland made his statement with back-to-back Finals Day showings at this event in dominant form. Cleland's 15.94 heat total in the Round of 32 held as the day's best alongside an impressive 7.00 and 7.17 in his Round of 16 battle. Cleland looks to start the year even better than his 2023 Quarterfinal appearance and notch important points before the Challenger Series season starts.
"Same exact board as yesterday, it's about the sixth time I've ridden it and it's a magic board, the thing just goes," said Cleland. "I just want to be the present moment and have fun, heat-by-heat, wave-by-wave, and just enjoy it. It's been a good day, the waves have been nonstop all day and hopefully more for tomorrow."
Moss Gains Major Momentum into First Finals Day of 2024/2025
North America 2023/2024 standout Owen Moss continues to show his prowess in the jersey as he builds major steam into Finals Day with two excellent showings in today's proceedings. Moss matched his 8.17 from the Round of 32 in his Round of 16 bout to earn a Quarterfinal showing alongside former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Nat Young (USA). Already qualified for both the 2024 Challenger Series and World Junior Championships, Moss looks to build even more heading into his biggest competitive year to date.
"It was a weird start but I was able to regroup and stoked to get through," said Moss. "It was on the late drop wave and he was just right under me on the free fall. But, I'm feeling good and just want to keep it rolling. Stoked it's man-on-man now and get to do a little more surfing. Thank you to everyone supporting me, my friends and family, it means the world to me."
Former CT elite Lucca Mesinasand Kolohe Andino also put on a showcase in their Round of 16 heat wins and stormed into Finals Day.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. PDT start to competition.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com and JacksSurfboards.com.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro is the fist stop on the 2024/2025 North America Qualifying Series. The competition window opens April 4 through 7, 2024. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL's YouTube channel.
Day 2: Top Seeds Establish Authority
Huntington Beach Pier's iconic lineup turned on for top seeds making their debuts at the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000. Four-to-six foot, clean conditions started the day before the wind began to disrupt proceedings for the men's Round of 64 and women's Round of 32, Heats 1 - 4. Now, the weekend action is set with a vital Moving Day awaiting those with an opportunity to break into the season's first Finals Day.
The top seeds took control of their debuts with Alan Cleland leading the surge, delivering an immaculate 17.20 (out of possible 20) heat total and near-perfect 9.87 (out of a possible 10). Cleland's backhand power was undeniable to turn in the day's best performance as he prepares to take on the 2024 Challenger Series. But, Cleland's focus is on the task at hand as he prepares for the Round of 32.
"It's pumping, there's swell so I'm definitely stoked to get some good canvas and just lay a couple good turns in," said Cleland. "I definitely want to put on a good performance and just to come in with fun waves and perfect lefts coming into the pier, it's not bad. There's going to be talk and pressure to perform but it's just about going wave-by-wave and turn-by-turn."
Andino's Aerial Assault Goes Near-Perfect, Leads Former CT Charge
A heavily-contested field includes multiple, former Championship Tour (CT) competitors and Kolohe Andinowasted no flexing his world-class abilities and posted a near-perfect 9.33 on a massive air-reverse. Andino's surge through the QS in 2023/2024 led to multiple Final appearances and now looks to bring that bravado to the 2024 Challenger Series. But first, his eyes are set on a big result here in Huntington Beach alongside the likes of fellow former CT elite Nat Young, Lucca Mesinas, and Carlos Munoz - all of whom are into the Round of 32 with heat wins.
"It was pretty fun out there and I was excited to surf that left rip bowl but it was actually more challenging than I thought," said Andino. "I was just thinking about surfing the lefts and then I thought about what have I been missing over there with that air wind. You can kind of get stuck in no man's land over there but once I got those two scores I just thought I'd do something cool and I actually wasn't planning on doing an air but that section just popped up."
Impressive debuts from Lucas Owston, Sam Reidy, Jabe Swierkocki, Luke Wyler, Nolan Rapoza, Owen Moss, Blayr Barton, and Wheeler Hasburgh join early event threats Luke Guinaldo, Parker Cohn, and Dylan Hord into the Round of 32 with heat wins.
McCaffray Resets for Fresh Start in Decimating Form
A fresh season got underway for the women's top seeds and Ella McCaffray debuted in terrific fashion, posting a 7.83, despite deteriorating afternoon conditions. The Encinitas, California, competitor is a perennial threat to Challenger Series qualification and narrowly missed out joining the 2024 contenders. Now, McCaffray resets and is set for a big year ahead.
"It's pretty fun out there, it's kind of rough from the beach but there's a few corners and I definitely had my mind set on going left into the pier," said McCaffray. "I got lucky and found a right toward the end. That one big turn out the back, I saw Carlos do a similar turn in the heat before, and it just connected so that's what I had in mind and got lucky it worked out for me."
Reigning North America QS Victor Benedetto Back at it With A Debut Win
After claiming the 2023/2024 North America Regional title, Zoe Benedetto (USA) returned to winning form to surge into the Round of 16. Benedetto is prepared for a big season among the Challenger Series contender once again and looks to build her momentum in Huntington Beach.
"I definitely want to get a better start than I did last year, I did the same thing where I won Barbados and then didn't finish well here," said Benedetto. "I'm just looking for a confidence booster before going into the Challenger Series and then just do my best on the Challenger. I'm actually riding the same board I won Barbados on and it's kind of in rough shape but it's too good of a board not to bring."
Dynamic showings from Chelsea Tuach and Vela Mattive added their names to Round of 32 victors in their debuts and look for more in the Round of 16.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. PDT start.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com and JacksSurfboards.com.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro is the fist stop on the 2024/2025 North America Qualifying Series. The competition window opens April 4 through 7, 2024. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL's YouTube channel.
Day 1: North America's Race Officially Underway
Opening day of the World Surf League (WSL) Jack's Surfboards Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000, has been called ON for an 8:00 a.m. PDT start. Two-to-three foot waves pulse into Huntington Beach Pier's iconic lineup with men's Round of 104, women's Round of 40, and men's Round of 96 all on schedule featuring 20-minute heats to see who enters the top-seeded rounds for both men and women.
Cohn Cracks Near-Excellence for Round of 64 Appearance
Making his debut in near-excellent form, Newport Beach's own Parker Cohn laid down a day's best 7.83 (out of possible 10), matching Max Beach, to earn a debut heat win. Cohn continues to show he's an early event threat at each stop and now looks to keep that momentum going into the top-seeded Round of 64.
"I rode a Move or Die 'Brokeneck Fish' and it's really flat so it gets going when other boards wouldn't," said Cohn. "It feels really good in the small stuff. Would love to get a shout out to my mom, dad, Xcel, and hopefully I can keep it going."
OKeefe Turns On to Start 2024/2025
Another one of Southern California's growing threats, David Okeefe brought out the best of conditions with a 13.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Okeefe's impressive forehand and backhand attack elevated his performance to the top of opening day with his ambitions set higher near home.
"I was super stoked to get that wave right off the bat and that definitely settled my nerves and the start of a heat actually went my way for once," said Okeefe. "Once I got that wave it I just wanted to wait for another good one and just better my situation. I'm super stoked to have an event at home and hopefully keep the ball rolling."
Guinaldo Powers Through, Helps Eliminate Huntington Beach Icon
Sage Guinaldo took to his home waters in solid form with a Round of 96 heat win to help eliminate Huntington Beach icon Brett Simpson (USA). The Huntington Beach local, Guinaldo, is fighting a back injury but still found the waves able to let him deliver a performance for family and friends in attendance. The emerging North America threat now prepares to take on top-seeded competitors in the Round of 32 alongside his brother, Luke, who also advanced in Heat 11, with Huntington Beach behind him.
"It was tricky out there but I've just been surfing out here every single day and understanding the sandbars which really helped me out there," said Guinaldo. "Brett and I had a Round of 16 heat here last year and he got the best of me, and watching the Round of 104 I knew the winner of that heat would be in my heat and Brett's the best out here. I've been dealing with a back injury so just the words of affirmation have really been helping me with surfing and believing in myself."
Also earning Round of 96 heat wins, Jhony Corzo, Max Beach, David Okeefe, Kai Gale Grani, Alex Lima, Will Deane, Tomas King, Greyson Grant, William Hedleston,
Storrer Sisters Take Over Women's Opening Proceedings
Making their move down the coast from Santa Cruz, California, Olivia and Maddie Storrer now reside in Surf City USA of Huntington Beach and kickstarted their season with early success at the Jack's Surfboards Pro. Tough conditions kept scoring potential with Olivia finding the better single-wave score of the duo and Maddie earning one of the best heat totals of the Round of 40 - with the highest going to Maddie Stanton in Heat 4.
"It was little tricky and just tried to find one that had a little wall to it that had opportunity for a few turns so it was tricky but fun," said Olivia Storrer. "We just moved to Huntington a few months ago and I've surfed a few events out here but this is my first Jack's Surfboards Pro. Thank you to all my friends and family watching and my sponsors for supporting me, I'm super stoked to get through that first one."
Now, both Maddie and Olivia head into the Round of 32 to face top-seeded competitors and make their claim toward a surge to start the 2024/2025 season.
"That was definitely slow, I had to adjust toward the end and just fighting all the way so I'm happy to make it," said Maddie Storrer. "I've been loving my board, it goes great in all conditions so it helped in that last heat. In the end I got a little desperate and just had to take whatever came my way so I got a little lucky and wish I had stayed a little busier but glad it all worked out."
Joining Stanton and the Storrer sisters, Izzi Gomez earned a clutch debut heat win and moves into the Round of 32.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. PDT to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. PDT start.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com and JacksSurfboards.com.
Watch LIVE
The Jack's Surfboards Pro is the fist stop on the 2024/2025 North America Qualifying Series. The competition window opens April 4 through 7, 2024. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL's YouTube channel.
Zoe Benedetto
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