Tya Zebrowski and Kauli Vaast Win 2025 TOA Pro QS 2,000

Zebrowski and Vaast Provide Tahitian Sweep in Home Waters
Aelan Vaast and Mihimana Braye Earn Runner-up to Start 2025/2026 Season
Next Generation of Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui Contenders Rise to Final Showings

Pictured: (Center front and back row) Kauli Vaast (FRA) and Tya Zebrowski (FRA) claimed a Tahitian sweep in home waters. Credit: © WSL / Lilou Valero

PAPARĀ, Tahiti, French Polynesia (Friday, May 9, 2025) – Today, Tya Zebrowski (FRA) and Kauli Vaast (FRA) claimed wins at the World Surf League (WSL) TOA Pro, a Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui men’s and women’s Qualifying Series (QS) 2,000, after a brilliant conclusion to the first event of the season. Four-to-six foot waves provided a high-performance showdown to crown Zebrowski, 14, and Vaast, 26, victors in dynamic form. This marks Zebrowski’s first QS win in home waters after claiming the 2024/2025 WSL Europe QS Regional victory ahead of the 2025 Challenger Series – not earning points in the Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui region for this victory. For Vaast, it was unfinished business achieved after a runner-up in 2019.

Zebrowski and Vaast Provide Tahitian Sweep in Home Waters

A clash of Tahiti’s prominent women threats including Tya Zebrowski (FRA), Kiara Goold (PYF), and Aelan Vaast (FRA) faced Hawaiʻi’s newest QS contender Skai Suitt (HAW). Zebrowski’s early start garnered a 13.25 (out of a possible 20) heat total over the field. Vaast’s aggressive style was able to earn her a 7.75 (out of a possible 10) and put her name in the mix, but Zebrowski wasn’t to be outdone. The Tahitian, Zebrowski, unleashed her decimating backhand attack to post a near-perfect 9.50 to all but solidify her victory – putting Goold and Suitt into a combination situation as time wound down.

“We had really good event Finals with really good waves. I’m super happy to get the win and hopefully I continue to feel this more this year,” said Zebrowski. “It makes me feel more confident for the Challenger Series. I haven’t done a contest for a long time so it feels good to compete again and now I’ll hope to win in Australia. I’m really grateful to all my family and my sponsors for the support. ”

Zebrowski’s Round of 32 debut held as the women’s top performance with over 17 points to her name heading into yet another dominant Quarterfinal showing. A tiebreak in the Semifinals went to Goold but Zebrowski brought her form to the Final when it mattered most for a bragging rights win as she doesn’t get points surfing out of her Europe region.

The men’s Final provided fireworks from start to finish with Tahitian duo Kauli Vaast (FRA) and Mihimana Braye (PYF) taking on Hawaiʻi’s emerging talents MaiKai Burdine (HAW) and Luke Swanson (HAW). An intense battle kicked off with Braye posting near-excellence on a 7.75 before Burdine answered with a 7.00 of his own. Braye and Vaast then shared a massive exchange that pushed the scale with Vaast’s impeccable timing and power posting a 9.25 alongside Braye’s 8.25. The 2019 event runner-up, Vaast, then found another gem to unleash his signature flair and power on to post another excellent 8.90 to take the lead heading into the final minutes with the event’s second-highest heat total of an 18.15.

With no more waves of consequence providing an answer back, Vaast emerged victorious in his first QS Final on home soil.

“Winning a QS event is one of the best things. I haven’t won too many events, especially on the QS, so this one feels good at home,” said Vaast. “The last tie I did this event I won the junior and got second in the QS. This one is dedicated to my brother for his birthday tomorrow. It’s good for the confidence and now to be first in the rankings I’m just going to go as hard as I can.”

Vaast’s Final Day brilliance boasted a perfect 10-point in a Quarterfinal screamer to post the event’s highest heat total of an 18.75. Now that the Tahitian is competing in the Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui region, this marks a major leap out front to start the year.

“That’s the goal is to have the most Tahitian guys in the Final as we can. We ended up in the three heats together so it was great. My sister was in the Final too so I’m proud of her and congrats to all the other girls, everybody is stoked.”

Pictured: Aelan Vaast (FRA) nearly made it a sibling sweep and finished runner-up at home. Credit: © WSL / Lilou Valero

Aelan Vaast and Mihimana Braye Earn Runner-up to Start 2025/2026 Season

Another one of Tahiti’s own standouts and younger sister to Kauli, Aelan Vaast (FRA), started her Finals Day surge with a dominant Semifinal performance to make her way to the Final. Vaast’s 14.15 heat total held as the women’s Semifinals best for her first-ever QS Final appearance, and in home waters to finish with a runner-up.

“It’s amazing to get my first Final on the QS here at home and brings so much confidence for the season. I just changed my region after competing in Europe but now I’m back in this region and I’m excited to compete at some great venues like Sunset,” said Vaast. “This year the goal is to qualify for the Challenger Series. It’s a good start for me and now I can’t wait to see what the future has in store this year.”

Pictured: Mihimana Braye (PYF) still hunts a maiden QS win on Tahitian soil with a brilliant Finals Day push. Credit: © WSL / Lilou Valero

For Mihimana Braye (PYF), this marks his first year in search of requalifying for the Challenger Series since its inception and showed he’s up for the task with multiple excellent scores in the event, particularly on Finals Day. Braye’s exceptional form earned him a Quarterfinal heat win before arguably the heat of the event unfolded in the Semifinals featuring Vaast, Braye, 2024/2025 No. 2 Finn McGill (HAW) and No. 3 Oliver Zietz (HAW). Now, Braye prepares for the year ahead.

“It’s a great start to the year. Falling off the Challenger Series was really hard to process so I had to get back to reset for the process,” said Braye. “Super stoked to be here for the start of the regional year and super happy to make the Final. It was a great event and I would’ve loved to win but that’s how it goes and hopefully keep it going. It’s special and thank you to WSL and the Federation for making this happen.”

Pictured: (Clockwise) Skai Suitt (HAW), MaiKai Burdine (HAW), Luke Swanson (HAW), and Kiara Goold (PYF) all put on showcase throughout the week to earn Final appearances. Credit: © WSL / Lilou Valero

Next Generation of Hawaiʻi Contenders Rise to Final Showings

This marked Skai Suitt’s (HAW) second-career QS Final of the teenager’s start among her fellow Hawaiian and Tahitian contingent. Suitt’s precision and technique led her to a runner-up in the Round of 32, Quarterfinals and Semifinals to join Vaast into the Final. Plus, an amazing 2024/2025 season for Kiara Goold (PYF) continued in her new season debut with a massive Finals appearance. Goold’s form on Day 1 took her surging through the Quarterfinals behind Zebrowski before getting one back on her fellow Tahitian in today’s Semifinals.

For MaiKai Burdine (HAW) and Luke Swanson (HAW), the goofy-footed duo showed they’re set for a big year ahead with Final appearances. Swanson now sets his eyes on the 2025 Challenger Series following a breakout year last season earned him a first-ever QS Final. This marks Burdine’s maiden QS Final as the North Shore of O‘ahu competitor looks to make major noise this season.

TOA Pro Women’s Final Results:
1 – Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 16.75
2 – Aelan Vaast (FRA) 14.05
3 – Skai Suitt (HAW) 12.90
4 – Kiara Goold (PYF) 10.90TOA Pro Men’s Final Results:
1 – Kauli Vaast (FRA) 18.15
2 – Mihimana Braye (PYF) 16.00
3 – MaiKai Burdine (HAW) 13.85
4 – Luke Swanson (HAW) 11.85TOA Pro Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Aelan Vaast (FRA) 14.15 DEF. Skai Suitt (HAW) 10.00, Takihei Ellacott (PYF) 9.35, Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 8.65
HEAT 2: Kiara Goold (PYF) 13.75 DEF. Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 13.35, Nora Liotta (HAW) 11.65, Kohai Fierro (PYF) 10.00TOA Pro Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: MaiKai Burdine (HAW) 15.50 DEF. Luke Swanson (HAW) 13.75, Robert Grilho (HAW) 13.40, Rylan Beavers (HAW) 12.40
HEAT 2: Mihimana Braye (PYF) 16.75 DEF. Kauli Vaast (FRA) 14.05, Finn McGill (HAW) 13.30, Oliver Zietz (NLD) 11.15

TOA Pro Men’s Quarterfinals Results:
HEAT 1: MaiKai Burdine (HAW) 15.25 DEF. Luke Swanson (HAW) 14.25, Given Goodwin (HAW) 12.65, Luke Tema (HAW) 8.15
HEAT 2: Rylan Beavers (HAW) 14.00 DEF. Robert Grilho (HAW) 14.00, Diego Ferri (HAW) 12.90, Eli Hanneman (HAW) 10.50
HEAT 3: Mihimana Braye (PYF) 15.45 DEF. Finn McGill (HAW) 13.10, Levi Young (HAW) 11.50, Liam Wilson (ASM) 10.40
HEAT 4: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 18.75 DEF. Oliver Zietz (NLD) 15.45, Cody Young (HAW) 14.70, Kai Martin (HAW) 11.55

TOA Pro Men’s Round of 32 Results:
HEAT 1: MaiKai Burdine (HAW) 14.25 DEF. Eli Hanneman (HAW) 13.85, Philippe Chagas (BRA) 9.95, Brodi Sale (HAW) 9.80
HEAT 2: Given Goodwin (HAW) 14.00 DEF. Rylan Beavers (HAW) 12.90, Tiger Abubo (HAW) 12.75, Cash Berzolla (HAW) 11.10
HEAT 3: Diego Ferri (HAW) 15.00 DEF. Luke Swanson (HAW) 13.50, Turo Ariitu (PYF) 13.10, Heifara Tahutini Jnr. (PYF) 8.85
HEAT 4: Robert Grilho (HAW) 13.60 DEF. Luke Tema (HAW) 13.05, Nalu Deodato (HAW) 12.10, Haumana Ateni (FRA) 9.80
HEAT 5: Finn McGill (HAW) 17.40 DEF. Kai Martin (HAW) 11.10, Teiva Tetahio (PYF) 10.75, Roran Mullen (HAW) 9.25
HEAT 6: Levi Young (HAW) 14.55 DEF. Cody Young (HAW) 13.30, Kingston Panebianco (HAW) 11.10, Jackson Dorian (HAW) 9.20
HEAT 7: Oliver Zietz (NLD) 15.25 DEF. Liam Wilson (ASM) 13.15, Sam Debonet (USA) 10.80, Kalanoweo Desoto (HAW) 9.25
HEAT 8: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 14.85 DEF. Mihimana Braye (PYF) 13.85, Eimeo Czermak (PYF) 11.75, Sage Tutterow (HAW) 7.90

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

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW
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.