HALEIWA, Oahu, Hawaii (Monday, October 23, 2023) – The World Surf League (WSL) Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) is back in action October 28 – November 7 with Hawaiian Islands Creations Present the Sunset Pro QS 1,000. Men and women return to the famed Sunset Point for Stop No. 2 of the 2023/2024 QS season looking for valuable points toward 2024 Challenger Series qualification. The Hawaii Tourism Authority continues to provide a viable season for local competitors to build careers and earn points at home.
Some of Hawaii/Tahiti Nui’s emerging threats and proven competitors converge once more for Stop No. 2 of the QS season with Isaiah Moniz (HAW) and Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) leading the rankings, respectively. This event provides a pivotal opportunity to earn valuable points early on in the season and begin pulling ahead in the Challenger Series qualification race.
“Sunset is such a great venue to showcase the incredible talent in our region,” said Robin Erb, WSL North America/Hawaii Regional Director. “We’re looking forward to more incredible performances and qualification stories as the Regional QS season rolls on, and are grateful for the continued support of the North Shore community and our event partners in helping us deliver these competitive opportunities for our local athletes.”
“HTA is proud to continue our comprehensive partnership with the World Surf League as a way to reinvest in Native Hawaiian sporting pursuits here in the home of surfing, including at Paumalū (Sunset Beach),” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “We are honored to support Hawai‘i’s surfers as WSL’s esteemed events allow our homegrown competitors to qualify locally and compete globally.”
HTA was also a presenting partner of WSL’s Local Motion Surf Into Summer At Home in the Hawaiian Islands earlier this June. HTA will also serve as the presenting sponsor of The Hawaiian Islands Present HIC Hale‘iwa Pro from November 26 to December 7.
A heavy-hitting field awaits included No. 1’s Moniz and Tomoda-Bannert, and are joined by the likes of CT standouts, and defending event winners, Barron Mamiya (HAW) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW), Challenger Series threat Zoe McDougall (HAW), Shion Crawford (HAW), and Sheldon Paishon (HAW). Plus, Hawaii surfing icon Mason Ho, reigning Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Regional QS Champion Moana Jones Wong (HAW), and more look for a crucial result to carry into their 2023/2024 QS season.
The Hawaiian Islands Present the Sunset Pro will run on the best three days during the event window beginning October 28 – November 7.