Sophia Culhane and Kaniela Stewart Win Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic

Presented by Corona

All-Hawaiian Sweep at El Sunzal
Kaleopa’a and Van Hohenstein Claim Runner-up Finishes
Remaining Longboard Championship Top 8 Qualifiers Confirmed, World Title Showdown Awaits in Malibu

Pictured: (L to R): Minister of El Salvador Tourism Morena Valdez, John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW), Kaniela Stewart (HAW), Sophia Culhane (HAW), Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW), and WSL North America, Central America, and Africa President Graham Stapelberg. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Friday, September 22, 2023) – Today, Sophia Culhane (HAW) and Kaniela Stewart (HAW) emerged victorious at the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona, Stop No. 3 on the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour. This marks Culhane’s biggest-career event win to date and she will head into the World Title showdown ranked No. 3. Stewart will hold the No. 1 ranking and hopes that will give him an edge as he seeks redemption for the World Title. Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) and John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) earned runner-up finishes, making the podium a sweep of surfers all from Waikiki.

Culhane Earns Maiden Event Victory

A back-and-forth battle ensued during the women’s Final between Waikiki’s rising stars Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) and Sophia Culhane (HAW). Culhane’s quick start yielded a 6.00 (out of a possible 10) to Kaleopa’a’s 5.83 and 2.50 openers. Culhane then responded on her stylish forehand to post a 5.63 and take control of the heat. A critical exchange later in the heat resulted in a near-excellent 7.50 for Culhane to increase her lead over Kaleopa’a. Culhane held her lead until the final horn and finally earned her maiden event win against the world’s best.

“No words can describe this feeling but I’m just super happy and the waves were fun and Kelis (Kaleopa’a) is such a good competitor,” said Culhane. “She has amazing style. She’s just an amazing person and I look up to her and I love her so much.”

Culhane’s impressive Finals Day showing included a big win over multiple World Title runner-up Chloe Calmon (BRA) in the Quarterfinals and 2015 WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) in the Semifinals. Culhane now prepares for her first World Title run at the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Classic Presented by Tractor Beverage Co.

Steward Claims Second Event Win of the Season

The men’s Final featured a showdown between Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and Longboard Tour newcomer John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW). A quick first exchange put Stewart slightly ahead of Hohenstein. But, Stewart established his authority with an excellent 8.33 and put his fellow Waikiki competitor in need of a big score to catch him. With a 6.50 backup, Stewart stayed firm heading into the final minutes before ultimately claiming his second win of the 2023 season.

“I’m so stoked and speechless right now,” said Stewart. “Nobody else to thank but the Man up above. He made it happen. Without him, I wouldn’t be here. Thank you God, thank you everybody back home for watching and supporting me. Hopefully we get some waves [at Malibu] and we’ll probably all be surfing so good so I can’t wait. Hopefully bring that Title back to Hawaii.”

Stewart began his Finals Day run with his signature style and grace. The Waikiki, Oahu, local eliminated fellow Longboard Championship Top 8 competitor Ben Skinner (GBR) in the Semifinals with an impressive 14.34 heat total. Now, Stewart enters the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. ranked No. 1.

Pictured: Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) styled her way to a runner-up finish today and is now ranked No. 1 heading into Malibu. Credit: © WSL / Miers

Kaleopa’a and Van Hohenstein Finish Runner-up

With her runner-up finish Kaleopa’a will return to Malibu ranked No. 1. She finished last season runner-up and this will be her chance to earn redemption and her first World Title. The 18-year-old turned in an incredible Finals Day performance beginning with her Quarterfinal bout against Mason Schremmer (USA). Kaleopa’a then had to face three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) in the Semifinals, winning in nail-biting fashion. Now, Kaleopa’a prepares to focus on the majestic lineup of Malibu.

“There are so many emotions right now,” said Kaleopa’a. “I just want to think everyone from El Salvador that helped us put on this event. It was really awesome and the wave is so good. I was surfing against one of my best friends and this is her first win so it was really exciting. And then Malibu, there’s just so much going on (laughs).”

Pictured: The first of what may become many stage appearances from runner-up standout, John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW). Credit: © WSL / Miers

Event runner-up Van Hohenstein had a remarkable surge today resulting in his best finish of the season. The Waikiki competitor’s run through competition included eliminating three-time WSL Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) in the Round of 16, Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) in the Quarterfinals, and former WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA) in the Semifinals.

“It was such a great event here, I had a good time,” said Van Hohenstein. “Everyone killed it here. Good job to all the competitors. It was a crazy heat with one of my friends I’ve grown up with, Kaniela (Stewart). Great surfing. Muchos gracias El Salvador, thank you to my sponsors, I love you all.”

Skinner, Tilly, Delpero, Silvagni and Schremmer Officially Qualify for Longboard Championship Top 8

2015 WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) officially qualified for the Longboard Championship Top 8 with an outstanding Quarterfinal showing. Tilly’s 16.86 (out of possible 20) heat total was more than enough to overtake reigning WSL Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA). Tilly, the youngest WSL Longboard Champion in history, now heads to Malibu to fight for a second World Title.

Joining Tilly into the Longboard Championship Top 8 is Mason Schremmer (USA) who held firm today and will enter Malibu ranked No. 8. For the men, Longboard Tour veterans Edouard Delpero (FRA), Tony Silvagni (USA), and Ben Skinner (USA) will round out the World Title contenders.

Women’s Longboard Championship Top 8 Rankings:
1. Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW)
2. Soleil Errico (USA)
3. Sophia Culhane (HAW)
4. Honolua Blomfield (HAW)
5. Alice Lemoigne (FRA)
6. Chloe Calmon (BRA)
7. Rachael Tilly (USA)
8. Mason Schremmer (USA)

Men’s Longboard Championship Top 8 Rankings:
1. Kaniela Stewart (HAW)
2. Kai Sallas (HAW)
3. Taylor Jensen (USA)
4. Declan Wyton (AUS)
5. Ben Skinner (GBR)
6. Edouard Delpero (FRA)
7. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
8. Tony Silvagni (USA)

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Final Results:
1 – Sophia Culhane (HAW) 13.50
2 – Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 12.23

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Final Results:
1 – Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 14.83
2 – John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 11.80

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 12.77 DEF. Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 12.07
HEAT 2: Sophia Culhane (HAW) 13.07 DEF. Rachael Tilly (USA) 11.40

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 14.34 DEF. Ben Skinner (GBR) 12.16
HEAT 2: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 12.80 DEF. Steven Sawyer (RSA) 12.20

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 14.34 DEF. Mason Schremmer (USA) 10.94
HEAT 2: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 13.23 DEF. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 13.10
HEAT 3: Rachael Tilly (USA) 16.86 DEF. Soleil Errico (USA) 14.83
HEAT 4: Sophia Culhane (HAW) 13.30 DEF. Chloe Calmon (BRA) 12.64

Next Stop: Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships
Presented By Tractor Beverage Co.
The Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships
Presented By Tractor Beverage Co. holds a window October 3-13, 2023. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

Presented by Corona

Friday morning: Finals Day Called ON at Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic

Women’s Quarterfinals Start at 9:05 a.m. CST
Two Event Victors To Be Crowned this Afternoon
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Former WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) looks to secure her place in the World Title showdown starting in Quarterfinal, Heat 3. Credit: © WSL / Miers

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Friday, September 22, 2023) – Finals Day of the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona, Stop No. 3 on the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour has been called ON for an 9:05 a.m. CST start. Conditions are clean and two-to-four foot. Women’s Quarterfinals will start competition followed by men’s Semifinals and women’s and men’s Finals. By the end of the day, the inaugural event victors will be crowned and the final spots in the Longboard Championship Top 8 will be determined.

Longboard Championship Top 8 scenarios will unfold right away in women’s Quarterfinal, Heat 1 with Mason Schremmer (USA) hoping to keep her hopes alive against an in-form Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW). Both Zoe Grospiron (FRA) (Heat 2) and former WSL Longboard Champion, Rachael Tilly (USA) (Heat 3) are also World Title hopefuls. They must overcome their Semifinal clashes with WSL Longboard Champions Honolua Blomfield (HAW) (Heat 2) and Soleil Errico (USA) (Heat 3), respectively.

The men’s field has been narrowed to just four competitors including current No. 2 Kaniela Stewart (HAW) taking on confirmed, Longboard Championship Top 8 qualifier Ben Skinner (GBR) in Semifinal, Heat 1.

A must-win Semifinal awaits former WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA) in Semifinal, Heat 2, against event standout John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW). Sawyer must win his Semifinal heat to earn his place into the Longboard Championship Top 8, while Hohenstein must win the event.

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) vs. Mason Schremmer (USA)
HEAT 2: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Zoe Grospiron (FRA)
HEAT 3: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Rachael Tilly (USA)
HEAT 4: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Chloe Calmon (BRA)Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Ben Skinner (GBR)
HEAT 2: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA)

Watch LIVE: Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona
The Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE…

Finals Day Set at Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona

Culhane and Calmon Officially Qualify for Longboard Championship Top 8
Former WSL Longboard Champion Tilly Keeps World Title Hopes Intact
Stewart’s Undeniable Style Continues, Skinner’s Near-Perfection Secures Semifinals Appearance
Esquievel and Wyton Secure Longboard Championship Top 8 Qualification

Pictured: The Longboard Tour’s youngest competitor, Sophia Culhane (HAW), officially qualified for the Longboard Championship Top 8 and will vie for a World Title at Malibu. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Thursday, September 21, 2023) – A possible Finals Day looms following today’s Round of 16 head-to-head clashes at the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona, Stop No. 3 on the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour. Beautiful, two-to-four foot conditions provided moments of spectacle from the world’s best competitive longboarders. Today’s competition powered through the men’s and women’s Round of 16 bouts and the men’s Quarterfinals.

Culhane and Calmon Officially Qualify for Longboard Championship Top 8

Sophia Culhane (HAW) has secured her place in the Longboard Championship Top 8 and will return to Malibu in search of becoming the youngest WSL Longboard Champion. Culhane’s bout with Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) yielded an impressive 14.27 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Culhane now looks to improve her seeding for the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co.

“I’m super happy, the conditions are pretty fun and surfing against Maria [Fernanda Reyes] is always a little stressful,” said Culhane. “Waking up this morning I was super nervous because everyone was saying ‘One more heat and you got Malibu,’ but I’m just over the moon. I’m going for the Top 3 but just letting it go right now and knowing I’m in Malibu is a really good thing. I’m hoping to go as far as I can in this event to secure one of those top seeds.”

The day’s action saw a dominant showing from fellow Hawaii competitors Honolua Blomfield and Kelis Kaleopa’a who have already qualified for the Longboard Championship Top 8. Blomfield posted one of the event’s highest single-wave score so far, an excellent 8.70 and Kaleopa’a also found Round of 16 success.

A nail-biting Round of 16, Heat 7 duel between Longboard tour veterans Chloe Calmon (BRA) and Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) came down to the final exchange. For Calmon, it was a must-win situation to ensure her place into the Longboard Championship Top 8, and her final effort was just enough to overtake the heat win. Now Calmon, a multiple World Title runner-up, will have her chance at joining history once more at Malibu.

“It was not relaxed (laughs), it was quite the opposite and today we had overlapping heats so you assume you’ll get more waves but we were in the moment when the tide was changing so it got really quiet out there,” said Calmon. “It’s always hard to go against a good friend, Kaitlin [Mikkelsen], but when we go in the water we have a good battle. That’s a big relief [to make it to Malibu]. That was my main goal coming here, but I have so much fuel in the tank and I can’t wait for the Quarters.”

Former WSL Longboard Champion Tilly Keeps World Title Hopes Intact

Former WSL Longboard Champion, current No. 7, Rachael Tilly (USA) inched closer toward the opportunity of chasing a second World Title with a commanding Round of 16, Heat 6 victory over Tully White (AUS). Tilly found an excellent 8.00 to secure her place into the Quarterfinals and increase her chances of staying in the Longboard Championship Top 8.

All-important heats unraveled with Mason Schremmer (USA) overtaking fellow No. 7 ranked Avalon Gall (USA) to keep her World Title hopes intact. Current No. 9 Zoe Grospiron (FRA), also earned a vital Round of 16 win over compatriot Alice Lemoigne (FRA). Current No. 1 Soleil Errico (USA) continued to hold her place atop the rankings with a Round of 16 win.

Stewart’s Undeniable Style Continues, Skinner’s Near-Perfection Secures Semifinals Appearance

Current No. 2 Kaniela Stewart (HAW) notched the event’s best performance thus far in the Round of 16, Heat 1. Stewart responded under pressure from Kai Ellice-Flint’s (AUS) terrific start, going on to post the event’s best heat total, a 17.10.

Stewart then backed up that performance with more excellence and a Quarterfinal victory over Longboard Tour veteran Kevin Skvaran (USA). Stewart now looks to surpass current No. 1 Taylor Jensen (USA) after Jensen was eliminated in the Round of 16.

“Definitely feels good to make the Semifinals,” said Stewart. “Hopefully the conditions are perfect like they were today. I’ll probably watch over the heats from today and see what I can focus on. I’ve learned so much watching that Final with me and Harrison [Roach] and I know why he won. I feel I just have to do the same thing he did with footwork in the pocket, perfect tens, and that’s how you win right there.”

A showdown between Longboard Tour veterans Ben Skinner (GBR) and Kai Sallas (HAW) yielded near-perfection from Skinner. Skinner’s power and combination of critical maneuvers earned him a 9.40, the event’s highest single-wave score so far.

Skinner now prepares for a massive showdown with fellow event standout Stewart in Semifinal, Heat 1. After his Round of 16 clash with World No. 1, Jensen, John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) continued his incredible dream run with another victory in the Quarterfinals over Philippines’ star Rogelio Jr Esquievel. But, he now must face former WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA) in Semifinal, Heat 2, after Sawyer’s victory over Central California’s Cole Robbins.

Wyton and Esquievel Secure Longboard Championship Top 8 Qualification

Despite a Round of 16 loss, Declan Wyton (AUS) secured his place among the Longboard Championship Top 8 after Tony Silvagni (USA) fell short of a win in Round of 16, Heat 8.

“It’s a massive goal and I knew I was close, and I knew having both No. 5’s drop out was a big thing,” said Wyton. “I was definitely on the edge of my seat up there with Kevin [Skvarna]. I’ll just keep trying to do what I can do. I don’t know what I come in at. I think it’ll be close for No. 5 or No. 6, but I’m just stoked to make it. This Tour has been absolutely incredible this year.”

Following his brilliant Round of 16 showing, Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) officially qualified for the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. The Longboard Tour newcomer fell short of a Semifinal appearance to an in-form John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW).

“This is the dream for the Philippines community and surfing, we’re so happy to be going to Malibu for the finals,” said Esquievel. “[All my friends and fans in Huntington] helped push me to do more and keep improving. It feels amazing to see some of the Filipino communities watching in Huntington at that time, it just feels really good for me.”

Event organizers will reconvene at 8:00 a.m. CST for a possible 8:35 a.m. CST start.

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 14.17 DEF. Maya Glasenapp (FRA) 10.53
HEAT 2: Mason Schremmer (USA) 12.43 DEF. Avalon Gall (USA) 11.97
HEAT 3: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 15.60 DEF. Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 13.17
HEAT 4: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 13.43 DEF. Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 10.00
HEAT 5: Soleil Errico (USA) 13.27 DEF. Roisin Carolan (AUS) 8.90
HEAT 6: Rachael Tilly (USA) 15.33 DEF. Tully White (AUS) 11.80
HEAT 7: Sophia Culhane (HAW) 14.27 DEF. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) 12.93
HEAT 8: Chloe Calmon (BRA) 9.66 DEF. Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) 9.27Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 17.10 DEF. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) 15.50
HEAT 2: Kevin Skvarna (USA) 15.06 DEF. Edouard Delpero (FRA) 10.86
HEAT 3: Kai Sallas (HAW) 15.33 DEF. Kaimana Takayama (USA) 12.73
HEAT 4: Ben Skinner (GBR) 13.53 DEF. Richie Cravey (USA) 12.26
HEAT 5: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 16.27 DEF. Taylor Jensen (USA) 16.10
HEAT 6: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 14.57 DEF. Taka Inoue (JPN) 13.33
HEAT 7: Steven Sawyer (RSA) 10.96 DEF. Declan Wyton (AUS) 10.73
HEAT 8: Cole Robbins (USA) 14.67 DEF. Tony Silvagni (USA) 13.30Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 15.67 DEF. Kevin Skvarna (USA) 13.90
HEAT 2: Ben Skinner (GBR) 16.40 DEF. Kai Sallas (HAW) 16.00
HEAT 3: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 15.67 DEF. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 13.03
HEAT 4: Steven Sawyer (RSA) 16.00 DEF. Cole Robbins (USA) 15.10Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Mason Schremmer (USA)
HEAT 2: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Zoe Grospiron (FRA)
HEAT 3: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Rachael Tilly (USA)
HEAT 4: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Chloe Calmon (BRA)Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Ben Skinner (GBR)
HEAT 2: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA)

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW
Day Three at Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Called ON Presented by Corona
Women’s Round of 16 Start at 8:05 a.m. CST (4 hours ahead of us…)
Men’s Round of 16 Set to Follow
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Australia’s Tully White enters a must-win, Round of 16 dual with former WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) in Heat 6. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Thursday, September 21, 2023) – The World Surf League (WSL) Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona, Stop No. 3 on the WSL Longboard Tour has been called back ON for a 7:35 a.m. CST start. Continued, two-to-four-foot, clean conditions are on offer for the all-important Round of 16 duals that will determine the Quarterfinalists. Several Longboard Championship Top 8 spot scenarios are set to unfold for both men and women today.

The women’s Round of 16 will begin with Sophia Culhane (HAW) taking on Elimination Round standout Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER). If Culhane claims a win, she will earn her spot into the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championship Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. The same scenario is set for the perennial World Title threat Chloe Calmon (BRA) in the Round of 16, Heat 8.

Also looking to keep their fight for a place into the Longboard Championship Top 8 are former WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) and Australia’s Tully White who will clash in Heat 6. Another head-to-head bout between World Title hopefuls unravels between Mason Schremmer (USA) and Avalon Gall (USA) in Round of 16, Heat 2.

All-star bouts await in the men’s Round of 16, beginning with current No. 2 Kaniela Stewart (HAW) facing an in-form Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) in Heat 1. Longboard Championship Top 8 scenarios will unfold for Australia’s rising star Declan Wyton in Round of 16, Heat 7, against former WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA). Wyton must make it to the Quarterfinals to officially qualify for the Longboard Championship Top 8.

Looking to keep their World Title hopes intact are Edouard Delpero (FRA) (Heat 2) and Tony Silvagni (USA) (Heat 8), who must overcome their Round of 16 duals. Also, a clash between two of Asia’s premier longboarders will determine who keeps their hopes of securing a place into Malibu with Taka Inoue (JPN) and Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) facing off in Round of 16, Heat 6.

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) vs. Maya Glasenapp (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA)
HEAT 3: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
HEAT 4: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Zoe Grospiron (FRA)
HEAT 5: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)
HEAT 6: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Tully White (AUS)
HEAT 7: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER)
HEAT 8: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs. Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA)Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS)
HEAT 2: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA)
HEAT 3: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs. Kaimana Takayama (USA)
HEAT 4: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Richie Cravey (USA)
HEAT 5: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
HEAT 6: Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
HEAT 7: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA)
HEAT 8: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Cole Robbins (USA)

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

RESULTS DAY 2: Eliminations Ensue at Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona
Stewart Recovers Brilliantly, Solidifies Longboard Championship Top 8 Qualification
Longboard Tour Newcomers Esquievel and Hohenstein Shine Amid Elimination Scare
Calmon Inches Closer to Longboard Championship Top 8, Earns Valuable Elimination Round Victory
Taoka Posts Event’s Best Performance in the Face of Elimination

Pictured: No. 2 ranked Kaniela Stewart (HAW) solidified his place into the Longboard Championship Top 8 with a clutch Elimination Round victory. Credit: © WSL / Miers

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Wednesday, September 20, 2023) – The first batch of eliminations were dealt today at the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona, Stop No. 3 on the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour. Clean, two-to-four-foot conditions provided a beautiful platform to finish the men’s Opening Round, Heats 7 – 8, and the men’s and women’s pressure-packed Elimination Rounds. Longboard Championship Top 8 frontrunners held firm in the face of elimination to keep their World Title hopes intact.

Kaniela Stewart Qualifies For Longboard Championship Top 8, Avoids Elimination Scare

Current World No. 2 Kaniela Stewart (HAW) narrowly missed out on an Opening Round victory yesterday, but recovered brilliantly today against local wildcard threat Amado de Jesus Alvarado (SLV). Stewart’s focus was palpable, knowing the task at hand. With his Elimination Round win, the 2022 World Title runner-up is back in the World Title showdown once more.

“It doesn’t matter who you’re against, anything can happen, and of course, he’s a local here and super used to the wave, so he’s very, very dangerous,” said Stewart. “I just tried to stay in my own zone and find the right waves. It’s a lot of pressure, but I just want to focus on the next heat and not really focus down the line. We made it to Malibu, that’s always a good thing, but just keep your head down and just get better.”

Fresh Faces John Micahel Hohenstein and Rogelio Jr Esquievel Shine Under Pressure

Longboard Tour newcomer John Michael Hohenstein (HAW) put on a dominant display against Australia’s Ben Considine in their Elimination Round, Heat 8 dual. Hohenstein’s ability on the nose through critical sections followed by stylish turns turned in a 15.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total, an Elimination Round best. He now looks to keep his stunning form in the Round of 16.

“Huntington was a little tricky, and Bells was two heats of confusing conditions, so I’m happy to surf El Salvador, a nice right-hand wave, and I’m stoked I made it,” said Hohenstein. “My first heat with Taka (Inoue) and JR (Esquievel), the tide was a little higher, so we were sitting at the point more. Now that the tide dropped, I knew it’d be a little bit faster, found a few, and was stoked for the win. I just want to go out there and have fun, and try to soak it all in for my first time on the Longboard Tour.”

Fellow Tour newcomer Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) found another level in his competitive surfing today, putting on a dynamic showing of nose-riding and flow against two-time WSL Longboard Champion Piccolo Clemente (PER).

Before Elimination Round action got underway, Edouard Delpero (FRA) and Taka Inoue (JPN) debuted brilliantly to take respective Heat wins in the Opening Round. Joining them in the Round of 16 are world Title hopefuls Tony Silvagni (USA), Richie Cravey (USA), former WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA), Kaimana Takayama (USA), and Kevin Skvarna (USA), who all thrived under Elimination Round pressure.

Chloe Calmon Steps Closer to Longboard Championship Top 8

Following men’s Elimination Round action, the women’s first eliminations ensued and clutch performances kept World Title contenders in the hunt for their spot in the Longboard Championship Top 8.

Multiple World Title runner-up Chloe Calmon (BRA) currently sits at No. 5 on the rankings and has her sights set on making it back to the World Title showdown. The Brazilian’s poise under pressure was on full display against local wildcard Sindy Portillo (SLV) in Elimination Round, Heat 1. Now, Calmon heads into the Round of 16 and inches closer to Longboard Championship Top 8 qualification.

“The Latin energy is really nice and really warm, similar to Brazil, and everyone always has a smile with open arms,” said Calmon. “I feel we are all a big family, the Americas, so it feels really special to be competing close to home. Sindy [Portillo] is such a sweetheart and she surfs really good, and makes the whole country proud. It’s nice to see new talents coming from Central America. They are putting down a new path for future surfers and inspiring them, and hopefully we have more Latin surfers on the Longboard Tour.”

Taoka Posts Event’s Best Performance So Far in the Face of Elimination

Longboard Tour veterans Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) and Natsumi Taoka (JPN) put on masterful performances, accruing the event’s best performances so far. Taoka bested Fernanda Reyes’, Heat 6, performance in the last Heat of the day with a single-wave score of 8.50 (out of a possible 10) and a heat total of 15.90. Taoka is in a must-win situation to qualify for the Longboard Championship Top 8, and today she showed she’s ready for the task at hand.

“I waited a long time for the last wave with priority, and the wave is just amazing, it’s perfect,” said Taoka. “It’s my first time here, and I watched the ISA contest, but this time I’m so happy I’m here and the wave is pumping. I just tried to focus on my riding in that heat. I’m not thinking about Malibu and just focused on heat by heat.”

Avalon Gall (USA) is currently in a three-way tie for No. 7 on the rankings and made moves to put herself ahead of her competitors today. She now prepares for an all-important Round of 16 dual to keep her World Title hopes intact.

Also notching clutch Elimination Round victories were current No. 9 Zoe Grospiron (FRA), Longboard Tour veteran Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA), Australia’s Tully White (AUS), and Mason Schremmer (USA).

Event organizers will convene at 7:30 a.m. CST for a possible 8:05 a.m. CST start to competition.

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Chloe Calmon (BRA) 14.90 DEF. Sindy Portillo (SLV) 10.43
HEAT 2: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 11.66 DEF. Liv Stokes (CAN) 10.87
HEAT 3: Mason Schremmer (USA) 12.76 DEF. Frankie Seely (USA) 8.77
HEAT 4: Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) 11.27 DEF. Luana Soares (BRA) 7.83
HEAT 5: Tully White (AUS) 11.50 DEF. Lindsay Steinriede (USA) 11.20
HEAT 6: Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) 15.73 DEF. Keani Canullo (HAW) 3.50
HEAT 7: Avalon Gall (USA) 14.50 DEF. Crystal Hulett (RSA) 12.27
HEAT 8: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 15.90 DEF. Kirra Molnar (AUS) 12.63Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 12.53 DEF. Amado De Jesus Alvarado (SLV) 9.46
HEAT 2: Richie Cravey (USA) 10.74 DEF. Chase Lieder (USA) 9.36
HEAT 3: Tony Silvagni (USA) 13.33 DEF. Dorian Quesada Torres (CRC) 8.40
HEAT 4: Steven Sawyer (RSA) 12.50 DEF. Nicolás Andrade (ESP) 9.87
HEAT 5: Cole Robbins (USA) 11.10 DEF. Tony Silvagni (USA) 11.10, Chase Lieder (USA) 7.76
HEAT 6: Ben Skinner (GBR) 11.87 DEF. Richie Cravey (USA) 8.77, Nicolás Andrade (ESP) 7.10
HEAT 7: Edouard Delpero (FRA) 14.00 DEF. Kevin Skvarna (USA) 9.77, Max Weston (AUS) 8.80
HEAT 8: Taka Inoue (JPN) 14.97 DEF. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 14.10, John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 12.10Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Opening Round (Heats 7-8) Results:
HEAT 7: Edouard Delpero (FRA) 14.00 DEF. Kevin Skvarna (USA) 9.77, Max Weston (AUS) 8.80
HEAT 8: Taka Inoue (JPN) 14.97 DEF. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 14.10, John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 12.10Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Elimination Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Maya Glasenapp (FRA)
HEAT 2: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA)
HEAT 3: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
HEAT 4: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Zoe Grospiron (FRA)
HEAT 5: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)
HEAT 6: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Tully White (AUS)
HEAT 7: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER)
HEAT 8: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs. Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA)Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Elimination Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS)
HEAT 2: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA)
HEAT 3: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs. Kaimana Takayama (USA)
HEAT 4: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Richie Cravey (USA)
HEAT 5: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
HEAT 6: Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
HEAT 7: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA)
HEAT 8: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Cole Robbins (USA)

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER AM UPDATE WEDNESDAY

Wednesday: Day Two at Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Called ON
Men’s Opening Round, Heats 7 and 8 Start at 7:35 a.m. CST
Women’s and Men’s Elimination Rounds Set to Follow
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: El Sunzal continues to pulse with a big day of competition ahead including the men’s and women’s Elimination Round. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Wednesday, September 20, 2023) – The World Surf League (WSL) Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona, Stop No. 3 of the WSL Longboard Tour, has been called back ON for a 7:35 a.m. CST start. Clean, two-to-four foot conditions pulse into El Sunzal. The men’s Opening Round, Heats 7 and 8, will start at 7:35 a.m. CST. Then, competition will move directly into the Elimination Round action.

Longboard Tour veterans Edouard Delpero (FRA) and Kevin Skvarna (USA) square off with Australia’s Max Weston (AUS) to kick off the remaining Opening Round bouts in Heat 7. Then, Taka Inoue (JPN), Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL), and John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) battle for a spot in the Round of 16.

Then, the Elimination Round will determine the remaining Round of 16 contenders.

Perennial World Title threat Chloe Calmon (BRA) goes up against local wildcard Sindy Portillo (SLV) in Heat 1. Fellow Longboard Tour veterans Zoe Grospiron (FRA) (Heat 2), Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) (Heat 4), Lindsay Steinriede (USA) (Heat 5), and Natsumi Taoka (JPN) (Heat 8) look to fend off emerging talents and keep their World Title chase alive.

Current World No. 2 Kaniela Stewart (HAW) has the opportunity to qualify for the Longboard Championship Top 8 but must overcome local wildcard Amado de Jesus (SLV) in the Elimination Round, Heat 1. A bout between Tony Silvagni (USA) and Dorian Quesada Torres (CRC) is locked in for the Elimination Round, Heat 3. The remaining heats await to be determined following the completion of the Opening Round.

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Opening Round (Heats 7-8):
HEAT 7: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. Max Weston (AUS)
HEAT 8: Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs. Sindy Portillo (SLV)
HEAT 2: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Liv Stokes (CAN)
HEAT 3: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Frankie Seely (USA)
HEAT 4: Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) vs. Luana Soares (BRA)
HEAT 5: Tully White (AUS) vs. Lindsay Steinriede (USA)
HEAT 6: Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW)
HEAT 7: Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Crystal Hulett (RSA)
HEAT 8: Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

DAY ONE: Top Competitors Qualify for World Title Showdown on Opening Day at Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona
Blomfield’s Stunning Debut Confirms Her for Longboard Championship Top 8
Kaleopa’a and Lemoigne Back in for a World Title Showdown After Opening Round Success
Sallas Continues To Surge, Takes Opening Round Win and Spot in Longboard Championship Top 8 Qualification
Current World No. 1 Jensen Solidifies His Chance to Vie for a Fourth World Title

Pictured: Three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) officially qualified for the Longboard Championship Top 8 after her Opening Round victory. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Tuesday, September 19, 2023) – The world’s best longboarders put on a showcase of style to begin the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona, Stop No. 3 of the WSL Longboard Tour, Stop No. 3 on the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour. Beautiful three-to-four-foot conditions graced the lineup of El Sunzal. The first Elimination Round matchups are set after the women’s Opening Round and men’s Opening Round, Heats 1 – 6, finished today. Longboard Championship Top 8 spots began to narrow with multiple competitors qualifying for the World Title showdown.

Blomfield’s Stunning Debut Confirms Her for Longboard Championship Top 8

Three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) turned in a brilliant debut at El Sunzal with an Opening Round victory, accruing a 14.93 (out of a possible 20) heat total. In doing so, Blomfield confirmed her place in the Longboard Championship Top 8, where she will vie for a historic fourth World Title. But, the North Shore of Oahu competitor has her eyes set on more here in El Salvador.

“It feels pretty good actually [coming from cold water], and feels more like home,” said Blomfield. “It’s a bit more hot than home, but it’s still good. Qualifying for Malibu takes the weight off my shoulders and makes me really happy. That was kind of the goal this year to at least make it there, and now this contest can be a little more fun.”

Kaleopa’a and Lemoigne Back in for a World Title Showdown After Opening Round Success

Also confirming their spot into the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co. with an Opening Round win was fellow Hawaiian Kelis Kaleopa’a.

“The wave is nearly perfect, so it was just really fun,” said Kaleopa’a. “It feels like such a big accomplishment, it’s one step closer to the World Title, so it feels good to secure that spot so early on in this event. Being goofy and going backside on every wave this year so far is a bit challenging, but I love going backside, so I’m really excited for Malibu.”

Alice Lemoigne’s (FRA) 8.00 (out of a possible 10) stood out as the day’s best single-wave score and the only excellent score of opening day. She now looks to better her recent runner-up result at Bells Beach with a win here in El Salvador.

Reigning WSL Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA), former WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA), current World No. 5 Sophia Culhane (HAW), Australia’s Roisin Carolan, and France’s Maya Glasenapp also earned clutch Opening Round victories.

Current World No. 1 Jensen Solidifies His Chance to Vie for a Fourth World Title

Following the women’s Opening Round action, the men got their El Sunzal debuts underway. Current World No. 1 Taylor Jensen (USA) held firm for an impressive Opening Round win, earning a 15.00 heat total. He will now have the opportunity to compete for an impressive fourth World Title at Malibu. Jensen has been extremely consistent this season and now will have another Round of 16 appearance.

“It was good, and it was good to surf against one of the local guys, he grew up surfing on one of my boards so we’ve been chatting in the water, and he’s kind of the mayor out there,” said Jensen. “He knows this wave really well and I’m stoked to get the ball rolling and get some waves. I would’ve liked to qualify at Bells, but it’s good to get it out of the way early, and now it’s all about positioning in the Top 8.”

Sallas Continues To Surge, Takes Opening Round Win and Qualifies for Longboard Championship Top 8

Recent victor at Bells Beach, Kai Sallas (HAW), surged to a massive Opening Round victory. Sallas had to overcome two-time WSL Longboard Champion and event wildcard, Piccolo Clemente (PER), and dangerous competitor Kaimana Takayama (USA). Sallas’ 14.33 heat total was more than enough to keep his winning form intact and secure his place in the Longboard Championship Top 8.

“We just came from Bells, where it was super cold, and over it’s super hot, but the waves here are so fun,” said Sallas. “Every day I’ve been here, the waves have been so rippable, and it’s just been so fun. That was my goal was to make the Top 8, but now that I’m here, I want to keep progressing and keep it simple, and smart, and keep it going.”

A big performance from Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) pushed the Australian to an Opening Round win over current World No. 2 Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and Dorian Quesado Torres (CRC). Ellice-Flint postponed Stewart’s qualification into the Longboard Championship Top 8 with his dynamic footwork and stylish turns, earning a 7.17 in the process.

Also earning Opening Round wins were recent Bells Beach runner-up Declan Wyton (AUS), Longboard Tour veteran Cole Robbins (USA), and Ben Skinner (GBR).

Event organizers will convene for a 7:00 a.m. CST call for a possible 7:35 a.m. CST start.

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Sophia Culhane (HAW) 12.17 DEF. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) 10.20, Crystal Hulett (RSA) 5.76
HEAT 2: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 14.93 DEF. Lindsay Steinriede (USA) 11.67, Kirra Molnar (AUS) 7.93
HEAT 3: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 12.74 DEF. Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 11.93, Frankie Seely (USA) 9.50
HEAT 4: Soleil Errico (USA) 11.24 DEF. Sindy Portillo (SLV) 7.16, Keani Canullo (HAW) 7.04
HEAT 5: Roisin Carolan (AUS) 9.33 DEF. Chloe Calmon (BRA) 7.03, Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) 5.33
HEAT 6: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 13.17 DEF. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 11.63, Liv Stokes (CAN) 10.64
HEAT 7: Maya Glasenapp (FRA) 9.67 DEF. Avalon Gall (USA) 8.43, Mason Schremmer (USA) 8.30
HEAT 8: Rachael Tilly (USA) 11.00 DEF. Tully White (AUS) 8.87, Luana Soares (BRA) 7.73Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Opening Round Results (Heats 1 – 6):
HEAT 1: Declan Wyton (AUS) 11.70 DEF. Steven Sawyer (RSA) 10.66, Matias Maturano (PER) 9.84
HEAT 2: Kai Sallas (HAW) 14.33 DEF. Piccolo Clemente (PER) 12.00, Kaimana Takayama (USA) 7.67
HEAT 3: Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) 11.10 DEF. Dorian Quesada Torres (CRC) 11.10, Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 8.00
HEAT 4: Taylor Jensen (USA) 15.00 DEF. Ben Considine (AUS) 8.34, Amado De Jesus Alvarado (SLV) 8.23
HEAT 5: Cole Robbins (USA) 11.10 DEF. Tony Silvagni (USA) 11.10, Chase Lieder (USA) 7.76
HEAT 6: Ben Skinner (GBR) 11.87 DEF. Richie Cravey (USA) 8.77, Nicolás Andrade (ESP) 7.10Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs. Sindy Portillo (SLV)
HEAT 2: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Liv Stokes (CAN)
HEAT 3: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Frankie Seely (USA)
HEAT 4: Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) vs. Luana Soares (BRA)
HEAT 5: Tully White (AUS) vs. Lindsay Steinriede (USA)
HEAT 6: Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW)
HEAT 7: Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Crystal Hulett (RSA)
HEAT 8: Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)Remaining Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 7: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. Max Weston (AUS)
HEAT 8: Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

Tuesday: Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Called ON
Women’s Opening Round Starts at 10:00 a.m. CST
Men’s Opening Round, Heats 1 – 4, Set To Follow, Heats 5 – 8 on Standby
More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: (L to R) WSL North America and Central America, and Africa President Graham Stapelberg, Current World No. 1’s Soleil Errico (USA) and Taylor Jensen (USA), Minister of Tourism of El Salvador Morena Valdez, event wildcards Sindy Portillo (SLV) and Amado de Jesus Alvarado (SLV) at the opening ceremony. Credit: © WSL / Miers

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Tuesday, September 19, 2023) – The World Surf League (WSL) Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona, Stop No. 3 of the WSL Longboard Tour, has been called ON for a 10:00 a.m. CST start. Three-to-four foot, occasional plus size sets, and clean conditions are pulsing through the lineup of El Sunzal to start competition this morning. Women’s Opening Round will kick off the day, followed by the men’s Opening Round, Heats 1-4, with Heats 5-8 currently on standby.

One of the WSL Longboard Tour’s rising stars, Sophia Culhane (HAW), starts competition in Opening Round, Heat 1, against veteran talent Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER), and South Africa’s newcomer Crystal Hulett. Culhane’s fellow Hawaii standout, three-time WSL Longboard Champion, Honolua Blomfield (HAW), takes to the water in Opening Round, Heat 2.

Current World No. 1, two-time WSL Longboard Champion, Soleil Errico (USA), looks for back-to-back wins starting in Opening Round, Heat 4, against Keani Canullo (HAW), and El Salvador’s own Sindy Portillo. Perennial World Title threats Chloe Calmon (BRA) (Heat 5), Alice Lemoigne (FRA) (Heat 6), and former WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) (Heat 8) all take to the water with their eyes set on a big result in order to compete for the World Title in Malibu.

Former WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA) kicks off men’s competition against rising WSL Longboard Tour threat Declan Wyton (AUS) and Peru’s Matias Maturano in men’s Opening Round, Heat 1. Recent Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic victor Kai Sallas (HAW) takes on event wildcard and two-time WSL Longboard Champion, Piccolo Clemente (PER), and California’s Kaimana Takayama in Heat 2. Then, World No. 2 Kaniela Stewart (HAW) looks to find his way up the rankings to No. 1 in Opening Round, Heat 3.

Current World No. 1 Taylor Jensen (USA) faces El Salvador’s own wildcard Amado de Jesus Alvarado and Australia’s Ben Considine in Opening Round Heat 4.

Heats 5 – 8 are on standby and will await an official call by the WSL Tours and Competition team at the start of the men’s Opening Round, Heat 1.

Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
Heat 1: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Crystal Hulett (RSA)
Heat 2: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Lindsay Steinriede (USA)
Heat 3: Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN) vs. Frankie Seely (USA)
Heat 4: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW) vs. Sindy Portillo (SLV)
Heat 5: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs. Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)
Heat 6: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Liv Stokes (CAN)
Heat 7: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Maya Glasenapp (FRA)
Heat 8: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Tully White (AUS) vs. Luana Soares (BRA)Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona Men’s Opening Round Matchups:
Heat 1: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA) vs. Matias Maturano (PER)
Heat 2: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs. Kaimana Takayama (HAW) vs. Piccolo Clemente (PER)
Heat 3: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) vs. Dorian Quesada Torres (CRC)
Heat 4: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. Ben Considine (AUS) vs. Amado De Jesus Alvarado (SLV)
Heat 5: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Cole Robbins (USA) vs. Chase Lieder (USA)
Heat 6: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Richie Cravey (USA) vs. Nicolas Andrade (ESP)
Heat 7: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. Max Weston (AUS)
Heat 8: Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

World’s Best Longboarders Ready for Opening Day Tuesday Sept 19th …at Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona

Soleil Errico and Taylor Jensen Lead Rankings Going Into Stop No. 3
Competitors Hope for Big Results to Enter WSL Longboard Championship Top 8
Piccolo Clemente, Amado de Jesus Alvarado, and Sindy Portillo Announced as Event Wildcards

Pictured: The beautiful lineup of El Sunzal awaits the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona, which holds a waiting period from September 19 – 25, 2023. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

EL SUNZAL, La Libertad, El Salvador (Monday, September 18, 2023) – The waiting period for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Classic Presented by Corona, Stop No. 3 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour, opens tomorrow at the right point break of El Sunzal. This marks the final stop of the regular 2023 WSL Longboard Tour season. Whoever does well here will claim a spot in the WSL Longboard Championships’ Top 8 and have a chance to compete for the World Title at the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships in October.

Soleil Errico and Taylor Jensen Lead Rankings Going Into Stop No. 3

So far, only current World No. 1 Soleil Errico (USA) has qualified for the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co.

“It’s been really fun, the wave is sick, and everyone came pretty early, so we’ve all just been surfing together, which is nice,” said Errico. “Winning at Bells was amazing, it was probably one of my favorite wins. It was a goal that I wanted to achieve, and all around, it was just a really good trip. Coming in as No. 1, I don’t have as much stress, but I definitely want to stay in within the Top 3 just to not surf as many heats. I definitely want to do good here and keep the top spot.”

But, Errico must keep a world-class field of competitors at bay in order to hold onto her place. Huntington Beach Longboard Classic victor Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW), three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW), former WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA), recent Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic runner-up Alice Lemoigne (FRA), and more will do their best to dismantle the Malibu, California, competitor at El Sunzal.

For Jensen, a runner-up at the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic and Semifinal finish at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic elevated him to his current No. 1 position. The now 39-year-old has shown his ability to produce clutch performances under pressure in 2023. He must continue to do so to retain the top spot on the rankings heading into Malibu.

“Going into this event at No. 1 has been the goal all along, and stay there,” said Jensen. “Obviously, there’s a huge incentive going into the final event with that, but to come off a Huntington Final and Bells third-place just puts me in a good position, and I feel like I’m being consistent. The locations this year have been sick, and this wave is like a Bells 2.0, just not as cold, and it’s really fun. I’m looking forward to getting this one underway and, fingers crossed, another good result.”

World Title threats Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and Kai Sallas (HAW) enter El Salvador a mere 625 points behind Jensen and will be hungry to take the No. 1 spot. Also in the mix is merging Longboard Tour threat Declan Wyton (AUS), who made his mark at Bells Beach with a runner-up finish. He now looks to continue his surge to cement himself into the Top 8.

Pictured: Former WSL Longboard Champion Piccolo Clemente (PER) is back to stir up proceedings among the world’s best. Credit: © WSL / D’Andreas

Piccolo Clemente, Amado de Jesus Alvarado, and Sindy Portillo Announced as Event Wildcards

Two-time WSL Longboard Champion Piccolo Clemente (PER) joins the event as a wildcard and is hoping to play spoiler to the world’s best. Clemente stopped competing on the Tour in 2022 but still has the ability to thrive in a jersey. He recently earned a Regional Longboard Qualifying Series victory near home in Peru.

In addition to Piccolo, wildcards and El Salvador’s own Amado de Jesus Alvarado and Sindy Portillo will join the men’s and women’s fields, respectively.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.