TOA Pro Contenders Showcase Power and Progression for Finals Day Appearances

Eli Hanneman’s Electric Start Goes Near-Perfect to Start Round of 64
Jackson Dorian Delivers Debut Stunner
Kauli Vaast and Mihimahana Braye Power Through, Take Tahiti to Finals Day

Pictured: A dynamic showcase from Eli Hanneman (HAW) pushed the scale in his debut at the TOA Pro. Credit: © WSL / Lilou Valero

PAPARĀ, Tahiti, French Polynesia (Thursday, May 8, 2025) – A pivotal Finals Day at the World Surf League (WSL) TOA Pro, a Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui men’s and women’s Qualifying Series (QS) 2,000, is set to start the 2025/2026 race toward Challenger Series qualification. The men’s Round of 64 put on a showcase of high-performance surfing in three-to-four foot, clean conditions at Paparā. Now, stacked Round of 32 heats await alongside women’s Semifinals to start Finals Day and determine the 2025 victors.

Eli Hanneman’s Electric Start Goes Near-Perfect to Start Round of 64

Maui’s most recent Championship Tour (CT) qualifier, Eli Hanneman (HAW), fell short of staying among the world’s best last season but showed he hasn’t lost any of his world-class abilities. Hanneman’s full rotation, followed by finishing maneuvers posted a 9.50 (out of a possible 10) before notching a 16.00 heat total in his 2025 TOA Pro debut. Now, the 22-year-old has one goal on his mind heading into Finals Day.

“I’m stoked to get the ball rolling. I haven’t been in a jersey in awhile so a little out of breath but had fun and did what I do,” said Hanneman. “My goal is to win the event. But, we’re going to take one heat at a time, one wave at a time. It sounds cliche but it’s cliche for a reason. Just keep doing my game and keep doing me and I believe I should be fine.”

Jackson Dorian Delivers Debut Stunner

A breakthrough heat for Jackson Dorian (HAW) pushed the standard to match that of Hanneman with a 16.00 heat total of his own. Dorian’s lofty grab-rail air-reverse sealed an already impressive wave to earn a 9.25 and send himself into the Round of 32. Now, the Big Island’s own is ready for a major Finals Day push.

“I feel super stoked. Those boys brought the best out of me and surfing so good,” said Dorian. “At one point I was in fourth and felt like I wasn’t even surfing that bad. I had a wave where I hit the right and got a 4-point ride so I knew I would have to push a bit harder on my next one and that’s what I did. I landed that air and super stoked to make it through.”

Pictured: Cody Young’s (HAW) decimating start posted an 8.75 in his TOA Pro debut. Credit: © WSL / Lilou Valero

Fellow Hawaiʻi contenders including 2025 Challenger Series qualifier Finn McGill (HAW) joins Cody Young (HAW), Robert Grilho III (HAW), Diego Ferri (HAW), and Oliver Zietz (HAW) with excellent showings in dynamic fashion. Plus, soon-to-be Challenger Series contenders Luke Swanson (HAW) and Luke Tema (HAW) earned heat wins alongside Kalanoweo Desoto (HAW), Kai Martin (HAW), Tiger Abubo (HAW), MaiKai Burdine (HAW), and Rylan Beavers (HAW) into the Round of 32.

Kauli Vaast and Mihimana Braye Power Through, Take Tahiti to Finals Day

Tahitian duo Kauli Vaast (FRA) and Mihimahana Braye (PYF) elevated the standard among their fellow islanders to surge toward the Round of 32.

Vaast’s impressive showing led him to a 14.50 heat total in his Paparā return. The 2019 event runner-up is back among the Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui contingent and looks to make a run at 2026 Challenger Series qualification. The reigning Olympic Gold Medalist, Vaast carries that confidence into each of his heats but knows the caliber of his opponents in the region.

“First QS of the season here in Tahiti and I’m stoked to make that heat. The waves are really hard but I managed to be active and get two waves,” said Vaast. “The plan is the same moving forward, just having fun and get waves. There’s waves but you have to be on the good ones. It means a lot for me. To be at home is the best and to have this event at home is even better. We’re going to give it a 100 percent and hope to have many more here.”

Braye closed the day out with a brilliant 8.00 and 15.50 heat total showcasing his power on a decimating forehand attack. The Tahitian fell short of requalifying for the Challenger Series and has his eyes set on a big year ahead, and knows what it takes to get toward the top.

“I’m super stoked to have the event here where I grew up surfing and I live just right there so this is my local break and today we had fun waves,” said Braye. “It was a little bit tricky but if you know the waves you can manage to catch a couple good ones. I’ve been on the Challenger Series every year and it was really hard for me. But now I just focus on the regional and it all starts here.”

Plus, Teiva Tetahio (PYF) added his name to a big heat win with an 8.00 and is joined by Tahitians Eimeo Czermak (PYF), Enrique Ariitu (PYF), and more into the Round of 32.

Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. TAHT for a possible 7:30 a.m. TAHT start for Finals Day.

TOA Pro Men’s Round of 64 Results:
HEAT 1: Eli Hanneman (HAW) 16.00 DEF. Cash Berzolla (HAW) 12.90, Tereva David (PYF) 8.75, Matteus Santos (HAW) 5.50
HEAT 2: MaiKai Burdine (HAW) 12.60 DEF. Given Goodwin (HAW) 11.90, Shiloh Tennberg (HAW) 7.85, Nikoa Gazzola (HAW) 7.10
HEAT 3: Tiger Abubo (HAW) 12.40 DEF. Brodi Sale (HAW) 11.70, Tama Hannemann (HAW) 6.70, Hauroa Maiotui (PYF) 5.65
HEAT 4: Rylan Beavers (HAW) 13.50 DEF. Philippe Chagas (BRA) 13.15, Legend Chandler (HAW) 12.35, Teiva Mare (PYF) 8.30
HEAT 5: Luke Swanson (HAW) 12.40 DEF. Haumana Ateni (FRA) 10.30, Teiva Tairoa (PYF) 7.35, Toaura Haumani (PYF) 4.30
HEAT 6: Diego Ferri (HAW) 14.50 DEF. Nalu Deodato (HAW) 13.25, Haunui Haumani (PYF) 9.90, Nalu Sheppard (HAW) 7.60
HEAT 7: Luke Tema (HAW) 10.50 DEF. Heifara Tahutini Jnr. (PYF) 8.50, Taije Liljestrom (HAW) 8.25, Haunui David (PYF) 7.30
HEAT 8: Robert Grilho (HAW) 14.75 DEF. Turo Ariitu (PYF) 12.85, Waimea Star (USA) 7.70, Kéo Tamatoa Chabrier (PYF) 7.35
HEAT 9: Finn McGill (HAW) 14.25 DEF. Levi Young (HAW) 14.25, Peio Charriaud Ostolozaga (PYF) 5.80, Tauirai Oopa (PYF) 4.40
HEAT 10: Kai Martin (HAW) 13.75 DEF. Kingston Panebianco (HAW) 12.40, Manakei Kahiha (PYF) 12.25, Vehiatua Prunier (PYF) 7.15
HEAT 11: Jackson Dorian (HAW) 16.00 DEF. Teiva Tetahio (PYF) 14.00, Makana Franzmann (HAW) 13.30, Cole Alves (HAW) 12.90
HEAT 12: Cody Young (HAW) 15.50 DEF. Roran Mullen (HAW) 10.35, Logan Bediamol (HAW) 8.90, Johann Hedemann (HAW) 6.20
HEAT 13: Oliver Zietz (NLD) 15.25 DEF. Sage Tutterow (HAW) 13.25, Mananalu Chandler (HAW) 9.15, Remi Mallet (PYF) 6.90
HEAT 14: Kalanoweo Desoto (HAW) 11.20 DEF. Eimeo Czermak (PYF) 10.00, Kaiano Costa (HAW) 9.95, Maunakea Hioe (PYF) 9.50
HEAT 15: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 14.50 DEF. Liam Wilson (ASM) 11.00, Ezra Clark (HAW) 9.80, Hokuwelo Desoto (USA) 7.50
HEAT 16: Mihimana Braye (PYF) 15.50 DEF. Sam Debonet (USA) 11.90, Kane Turalde (HAW) 11.00

TOA Pro Women’s Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Aelan Vaast (FRA) vs. Takihei Ellacott (PYF) vs. Eweleiula Wong (HAW) vs. Skai Suitt (HAW)
HEAT 2: Nora Liotta (HAW) vs. Kohai Fierro (PYF) vs. Tya Zebrowski (FRA) vs. Kiara Goold (PYF)

TOA Pro Men’s Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Eli Hanneman (HAW) vs. MaiKai Burdine (HAW) vs. Brodi Sale (HAW) vs. Philippe Chagas (BRA)
HEAT 2: Cash Berzolla (HAW) vs. Given Goodwin (HAW) vs. Tiger Abubo (HAW) vs. Rylan Beavers (HAW)
HEAT 3: Luke Swanson (HAW) vs. Diego Ferri (HAW) vs. Heifara Tahutini Jnr. (PYF) vs. Turo Ariitu (PYF)
HEAT 4: Haumana Ateni (FRA) vs. Nalu Deodato (HAW) vs. Luke Tema (HAW) vs. Robert Grilho (HAW)
HEAT 5: Finn McGill (HAW) vs. Kai Martin (HAW) vs. Teiva Tetahio (PYF) vs. Roran Mullen (HAW)
HEAT 6: Levi Young (HAW) vs. Kingston Panebianco (HAW) vs. Jackson Dorian (HAW) vs. Cody Young (HAW)
HEAT 7: Oliver Zietz (NLD) vs. Kalanoweo Desoto (HAW) vs. Liam Wilson (ASM) vs. Sam Debonet (USA)
HEAT 8: Sage Tutterow (HAW) vs. Eimeo Czermak (PYF) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA) vs. Mihimana Braye (PYF)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui men’s and women’s Qualifying Series (QS) 2,000

Women’s Finals Day Contenders Emerge Alongside Men’s Debut Standouts at TOA Pro

Reigning Regional Winner Eweleiula Wong Takes Over Opening Day
Aelan Vaast Sparks Brilliance in Return to Paparā
Tahiti’s Own Tya Zebrowski Sets the Scale Early
Hauroa Maiotui Leads the Charge Towards Men’s Top Seeds

Pictured: Opening day awaits on Paparā’s black sands with a possible start on Tuesday, May 6, following the opening ceremony. Credit: © WSL / Kotaha

PAPARĀ, Tahiti, French Polynesia (Tuesday, May 6, 2025) – The World Surf League (WSL) TOA Pro, a Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui men’s and women’s Qualifying Series (QS) 2,000, powered through opening day action in two-to-three foot waves at Tahiti’s beach break of Paparā. Men’s Round of 72 set the tone before women’s Round of 32 and Quarterfinals put on a showcase of high-performance surfing in the building swell to tip the scale. Now, top-seeded men await their debut as the women’s Semifinalists are set.

Reigning Regional Winner Eweleiula Wong Takes Over Opening Day

One of Hawaiʻi’s perennial Challenger Series qualification threats, Eweleiula Wong (HAW) wasted no time reestablishing herself as the reigning Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui QS Regional victor. Wong’s convincing Round of 32 heat win led to an incredible showing in the Quarterfinals as she posted a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) and 16.90 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Wong now eyes her first Finals Day of the new season ahead of the 2025 Challenger Series start.

“I just knew it was a good wave so I just made sure I was in the right position. I didn’t think it’d be a 9.00 since I bogged on the first turn but I’m stoked,” said Wong. “This is my first time to Tahiti and the waves are super fun. This is the most fun I’ve had since I’ve been here. Hopefully it stays like this and gets more consistent.”

Tahiti’s Own Tya Zebrowski Sets the Scale Early

Tahiti’s own Tya Zebrowski (FRA) made her breakthrough to the surfing world in 2024 after a decimating a wildcard opportunity at the EDP Ericeira Pro Challenger Series event that took her to the Final. The now 14-year-old, went on to recently claim the WSL Europe QS Regional win but returned home for the TOA Pro and unleashed an incredible showing. Zebrowski’s precision and variety of maneuvers posted a 17.50 heat total in her Round of 32 heat before another dominant win in her Quarterfinal heat.

Aelan Vaast Sparks Brilliance in Return to Paparā

One of Tahiti’s proven contenders, Aelan Vaast (FRA) is back in home waters competing for the first since this event ran in 2020 and wasting now time showcasing her power. Vaast stormed through the Round of 32 and Quarterfinals with heat wins, posting a 14.10 heat total in the Quarterfinals alongside fellow Tahitian Takihei Ellacott (PYF) – eliminating regional standout Zoe McDougall (HAW). Vaast, along with her brother, Kauli, now compete in the Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui following time among the WSL Europe contingent.

“That was a really tough heat. I surfed with one of my really good friends Takihei (Ellacott) and I know Zoe (McDougall) is really good,” said Vaast. “Everyone got so many scores and even though it was tricky, everyone had good scores. It’s so nice to have this contest back for the first time since 2020. Last time it was my first QS and Pro Junior and it’s just so good to be home and be here competing.”

Plus, an in-form Nora Liotta (HAW) posted back-to-back heat wins as well to storm toward a Finals Day showing.

Hauroa Maiotui Leads the Charge Towards Men’s Top Seeds

The men’s Round of 72 kicked off the day’s action with Tahiti’s own looking to storm toward the top-seeded Round of 64.

Hauroa Maiotui (PYF) found his opportunities to strike in the smaller conditions to open with a 6.00 alongside compatriot Teiva Tetahio (PYF) locking in a 6.50. But, Maiotui wasn’t done and had a heat win in his sights. The last ten seconds provided for Maiotui’s air game to shine, throwing an air-reverse to post a 6.90 and take the heat win.

“I hurt my foot on the rock before my heat so I was a little nervous. But, I got a good one on the first exchange which got me comfortable,” said Maiotui. “I kept the rhythm and got a lot of waves, and got my last one ten seconds before the horn. I was so stoked for that and onto the next.”

Also, Cash Berzolla (HAW), Haumana Atehi (FRA) and Heifara Tahutini Jr. (PYF) all took debut Round of 72 heat wins and now prepare for the region’s top talents.

Event organizers have called competition OFF for the day tomorrow, Wednesday, May 7, and will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. TAHT on Thursday, May 8, to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. TAHT start for the men’s Round of 64.

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.