The World Surf League (WSL) Air Tahiti Rangiroa Pro, a men's Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, got underway in solid four-to-six-foot conditions at the pristine reef of Avatoru. A surprise uptick in swell treated competitors to an array of barrel opportunities throughout the Round of 40 and top-seeded Round of 32. Heavy implications unfolded in the Round of 32 with Challenger Series qualification hopefuls having to surmount Round of 40 standouts and underdog contenders.
Enrique Ariitu (PYF) shined once more in home waters and surged into the Round of 16. - WSL / Kotaha
Tahitian Duo Enrique Ariitu and Mihimana Braye Thrive in Debut
The local supporters had plenty to cheer for with Enrique Ariitu and Mihimana Braye both advancing from their Round of 32, Heat 5, bout. Ariitu's form looked incredible, navigating an Avatoru curtain call to post an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10). Braye, 2023 event runner-up, held firm to advance behind Ariitu in the all-Tahitian battle. Now, both look to earn their place into the Quarterfinals with Round of 16 heats coming up.
"I'm really happy to be able to surf a contest at home, and I hope next year we can hold a couple more," Ariitu said. "It's great to make it with Mihi [Braye]. The locals are always happy when one of us gets past our heat. I'm super happy with my 8-point wave after I waited a while for the wave. But it paid off and hopefully I can pack a couple more tomorrow."
Adding his name to the DeSoto competitive surfing excellence, Kalanoweo DeSoto (HAW) found his form early. - WSL / Kotaha
Kalanoweo DeSoto sets the Standard Early in Pulsing Conditions at Rangiroa
A brilliant debut by Kalanoweo Desoto upped the ante in the Round of 32 during Heat 1 with an excellent 8.75 and 13.75 (out of a possible 20) heat total. DeSoto's forehand power and ability to control his time in the barrel pushed current No. 1 Shion Crawford, Memphis Brown and Round of 40 standout Legend Chandler to answer. Crawford found a 7.35 of his own, but DeSoto's 5.00 responded to regain the lead and take a decisive heat win.
"It felt really good to get a good wave and I was super stoked to come out," DeSoto said. "I feel so blessed to be in such a beautiful place and I'm so grateful to see the beautiful waves and get to surf them. I learned a lot about this wave and the reef and currents the practice really helped with my lineups."
Holding firm at No. 4 on the rankings, Oliver Zietz (NDL) showed his prowess in the Avatoru lineup. - WSL / Kotaha
Oliver Zietz Starts Strong in Rangiroa, Keeps his Challenger Series Bid Alive
One of the Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS newcomers, Oliver Zietz, made his presence known once more in the jersey and posted an excellent 8.00 of his own - and matched DeSoto's Round of 32 best 13.75 heat total. Zietz's career-best performance earlier this year earned him a runner-up behind former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Ezekiel Lau. Now, the emerging talent looks to add another Zietz to the list of CT hopefuls.
"It feels really good to start off with a heat win, especially at such an important and special event. Rangiroa is unlike anywhere I've ever been before," Zietz said. "The barrel-riding aspect is a pretty easy thing to adapt to for me coming from Kauai, but figuring out my position in the lineup was tricky at first and I honestly think I finally figured it out during my heat. That heat was super fun and there were probably about 30 good barrels that came through.
"The 8-point ride was nice solid set wave. I locked in a little late and pulled up, then kinda had to readjust mid-barrel, then came out and put the cherry on top with a nice grab rail carve. I feel really great and confident in my ability not only to qualify for the challenger series but, also to take out the whole event."
Tahiti's own Teiva Tairoa put his name on the list to watch after pushing through the Round of 40 and top-seeded Round of 32. - WSL / Kotaha
Zeitz holds place firm within the Top 5 qualification spot for now alongside Crawford and No. 2 Luke Swanson. But, an early exit from Joshua Moniz left the door open for the likes of Braye, Finn McGill, Rylan Beavers, and Luke Tema - who posted an excellent 8.35 - to strike after earning their place into the Round of 16.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. TAHT to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. TAHT start.