Pictured: Tully White (AUS) has been enjoying the water while competing at home here in Manly. Credits: © WSL / Cait Miers
GWM Sydney Surf Pro Pres. By Rip Curl Challenger Series Event Off To Flying Start At Manly Beach
MANLY BEACH, Sydney, NSW / Australia
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Report by WSL
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl, the second stop of the 2022 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS), saw excellent conditions at Manly Beach today with groomed two-to-three foot waves running across perfect sandbanks. Large crowds on the beach enjoyed sunshine and a high performance day of competition with the first 19 heats of the men’s Round of 96 being run.
Mixed Results For Former CT Competitors on the Challenger Series
Mixed results today for former CT standout surfers and Australia Olympian’s Owen Wright (AUS) and Julian Wilson (AUS). While Wilson was able to take a confidence boosting win in his heat, Wright was unfortunately relegated to third position late in his heat and eliminated from the event. A former winner here at Manly, Wilson looked in good touch, even surfing on the board he competed on at the Tokyo Games last year with.
“These waves on the Challenger Series are good and I’m enjoying getting back into competition,” Wilson said. “Surfing four man heats is definitely a change to what I was used to and you really have to be hungry in the water to get the best waves and be prepared to fight for those waves but I’m becoming more familiar with the format and the waves here at Manly and feel like I can keep improving on my scores.”
Julian Wilson (AUS) at Manly today. Credit: © WSL / Beatriz Ryder
Owen Wright (AUS) at Manly today. Credit: © WSL / Beatriz Ryder
Another former CT competitor who looked in good touch within his opening heat at Manly was Brazilian representative Alejo Muniz (BRA). Muniz, another former winner here at Manly, has only just returned to the water after sustaining an injury whilst surfing earlier this year and has worked hard to get back for the CS season. The hard work looks to have paid off with the super fast natural footer taking a solid heat win to progress into the Round of 48.
“I’m coming off an injury I sustained in Argentina a few months ago but I’m getting better quickly and no matter what I’ll do my best regardless,” said Muniz. ‘It’s good to be competing here with my brother, we train together and advise each other before heats and it helps - I’ll be here on the beach for him later today for his heat as well and hopefully the waves remain good.”
Pictured: Alejo Muniz (BRA) was one of the former elite level CT competitors who progressed through his Round of 96 heat at Manly today Credit: © WSL / Beatriz Ryder
Other former CT competitors that found success on Day 1 of competition included Ryan Callinan (AUS) Willian Cardoso (BRA) who progressed whilst the likes of Jesse Mendes (BRA), Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Frederico Morais (PRT) where unable to move past the opening round in Sydney.
Kiwi Competitors Fly Flag ‘Across The Ditch’ on Day 1 of Competition
Kiwi duo Billy Stairmand (NZL) and Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) surfed in back-to-back heats today at Manly and both progressed into the Round of 48 with Stairmand taking a commanding victory in his Round of 96 matchup. Hailing from the long left point of Raglan, Stairmand is known for his razor-sharp backhand attack and it showed in the running lefts on offer at Manly Beach today.
“I had a great start in that heat, my competitors made mistakes with waves while I was able to pick off a great left and get a solid score and the heat played out well from there” said Stairmand. ‘I’m really enjoying the Challenger Series - traveling the world and I love competing so this is a good life, especially when I’m winning heats and surfing good quality lefts here is ideal because I’m from Raglan and surf lefts all the time - It’s suits me for sure.”
Billy Stairmand (NZL) at Manly today. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
South African Competitors Impress on Day 1 of CS Event at Manly
South African surfers Joshe Faulkner (ZAF) and Adin Masencamp (ZAF) both posted opening round heat wins today with Faulkner particularly impressive with a lively display of progressive surfing in his win over Cody Young (Haw). The pair will progress into the Round of 48 while their countryman Eli Beukes (ZAF) will unfortunately leave Manly with a first round loss.
“I’m super stoked to take that win,” Faulkner said. “The last event on the Gold Coast I was eliminated by just one one hundredth of a point and that was disappointing so to win today makes me feel a lot better. There’s three Sth Africans in the field, two of us have already won our heat today and hopefully Slade Prestwich can also win later today - We’ve travelled a long way to be here but it feels good right now.”
Pictured: Joshe Faulkner (ZAF) progressed through his Round of 96 heat at Manly today with an impressive performance. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Dylan Moffat and Jordy Lawler Do Local Crowd Proud on Northern Beaches
The day's opening heat featured local competitor Dylan Moffat (AUS) and a solid crowd of supporters who made sure they were on the beach early getting behind the North Narrabeen youngster. Moffat didn’t let them down, opening the heat with a decent 5.67 ride and shortly after posting a near excellent 7.33 to control the heat throughout and take a relatively comfortable win over highly rated Hawaiian Ezekiel Lau (HAW) who took the second advancing spot in their four man heat.
The local supporters were treated to another winning performance by highly fancied Northern Beaches resident Jordy Lawler (AUS) who opened his heat with an impressive air-reverse giving him control of the heat and the win over Hawaiian Brodi Sale (HAW). Lawler is a past winner of this event and has been on the cusp of Championship Tour (CT) qualification over the past 12 months and appears well focused and prepared for the 2022 Challenger Series.
“It was good to pull that air reverse early in the heat and get a good score - It set me up straight away to focus on a back up score so it was an easy win in the end,” Lawler said. “I live just around the corner and having won here in 2019 it feels good to be here surfing again with a lot of local support. I’ve learnt a lot surfing against the world’s best in the past year and I just want to apply what I’ve learnt to the task and qualify for the CT 2023.”
Local wildcards George Pittar (AUS) and Saxon Reber (AUS) put on a great performance in front of their home crowds but were unable to find their way into progressing positions at Manly Beach.
Jordy Lawler at Manly today. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Dylan Moffat (AUS) at Manly today. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Pictured: Local lad Dylan Moffat (AUS) enjoying the hometown support at Manly today. Credit: © WSL / Beatriz Ryder
Watch LIVE
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl runs through May 24, 2022, and will broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners and keep up to date with the competition on the WSL Schedule page.
This event is proudly supported by GWM, Rip Curl, Destination NSW, Bond University, Harvey Norman, Bonsoy, Boost Mobile, Oakberry, Oakley, Dometic Outdoor, Coopers, Northern Beaches Council, Havaianas, Bailey Ladders, and FCS.
Future Stars Step Up At Manly Beach For GWM Sydney Surf Pro Pres. By Rip Curl
MANLY BEACH, Sydney, NSW / Australia
Friday, May 20, 2022
Report by WSL
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl, the second stop of the 2022 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS) , has enjoyed yet another great day of super clean, high-performance two-to-three foot waves at the famous Manly Beach. High scores were posted consistently throughout the day as the scene was set for a huge weekend of surf action. Today saw the completion of the opening rounds for men and women.
North Shore Duo Rule Australia’s Northern Beaches
Hawaiian surfers dominated the women’s Round of 64 with Luana Silva (HAW) leading the charge with the second highest heat total of the event so far. Silva’s 16.16 two-wave combination came from an epic combination of swooping rail-turns and vertical re-entries. Silva took the top spot in her heat with Kiwi veteran Paige Hareb progressing in second spot.
“That was a dream start to that heat for me getting an 8.33 on my first wave” said Silva. “Small beach breaks aren’t exactly what I’m used to coming from Hawaii and I feel it's an area of my competitive surfing I need to work on and I’m stoked with how that heat went for me - The waves are fun.”
Silva is part of an exciting bunch of young Hawaiian’s rapidly climbing the ranks which included Moana Jones-Wong (HAW) and Zoe McDougall (HAW) who all advanced impressively while Bettylou Sakura-Johnson (HAW) will surf her opening round heat tomorrow morning. Jones-Wong, known as one of the greatest females to surf Pipeline and the current Pipeline Champion, was a standout today, showing the world she can match it with the best in performance waves as well, posting a 15.83 two-wave total to take out her opening heat.
“I was really nervous coming into that heat,” Jones-Wong said. “Most people believe I can only surf well at Pipeline and that I don’t have the turns and moves in smaller waves so I’m really pleased to put that on show today and take the win and post excellent scores.”
Pictured: Moana Jones-Wong (HAW) was a standout today at Manly Beach. Credit: © WSL / Beatriz Ryder
Mixed Results for Women’s Top Seeds In the round of 64
Australia’s Molly Picklum (AUS) is fast becoming a crowd favourite as she consistently posts impressive heat wins along with brilliant scores. She placed runner-up just last week at the opening Challenger Series event on the Gold Coast and she opened today with a powerful heat win which included both the day’s top scoring ride (9.27 out of a possible 10) and the highest winning two-wave total of 16.34.
“I was quite nervous going into that heat but when I got that great score I started to feel a lot better, ” said Picklum. “Getting the first heat out of the way and scoring well has me confident now and I just want to build on that heat and gain momentum and aim for another great result.”
Pictured: Molly Picklum continuing her epic CS role today at Manly Beach for the GWM Sydney Surf Pro pres. by Rip Curl. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Other high seeds who performed well included former CT competitors Macy Callaghan (AUS), Nikki van Dijk (AUS) and Keely Andrew (AUS) as well as Zahli Kelly (AUS) and Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) who all progressed into the Round of 32.
Nikki van Dijk (AUS) at Manly Beach for the GWM Sydney Surf Pro pres. by Rip Curl. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Anna Dos Santos (AUS) at Manly Beach for the GWM Sydney Surf Pro pres. by Rip Curl. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Yolanda Hopkins (PRT), Bronte Macaulay(AUS) and Leilani McGonagle (CRI) are all surfers inside the top 20 who unfortunately dropped out of the draw today at Manly and will hope to put this throwaway result behind them as they shift their focus to the next event.
Young USA sensation and current Challenger Series Rankings leader Caitlin Simmers (USA) attracted a lot of attention late in the day and the exciting young Californian cruised to a comfortable opening heat win. Simmers’ effortless backhand style garnered her a mid-range heat total of 12.57 to claim the heat win.
“I’m enjoying my time in Australia and my whole family are here and between events we used the time to road trip the coast here and score a variety of waves which has been great," Simmers said. “Apart from surfing I’ve also been skating a lot - there’s a lot of skate parks here.”
Jorgann Couzinet Leads International Charge in Remaining Heats of Round of 96
After a solid showing at the recent Boost Mobile Gold Coast Pro, Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) has come to Manly hoping to lock in a keeper result to leave Australia with as he has his sights firmly set on Champion Tour qualification by the end of this season. The Frenchman got his campaign at Manly off to a fantastic start, posting a 15.00 point two-wave combination to take a commanding heat win in the final heat of the day for the men. Couzinet was happy to see his countrymen Thomas Debierre (FRA) and Gatien Delehaye (FRA) also progressing through the Round of 96.
”That was a stressful heat in the end,” said Couzinet. “I had the excellent wave score but I had a very poor second required score and I knew I needed to find a wave - luckily it came to me and I got the score to secure the win. - “I top scored for Round 1 here and on the Gold Coast last week but I don't want to drop out in Round two here like I did on the Gold Coast - My focus has to be to keep progressing - I’m surfing well, my equipment feels great and I need to keep progressing.”
Pictured: Frenchman Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) today at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro pres. by Rip Curl. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Reigning event winner here at Manly Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) continued where he left off at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro, taking an impressive heat win in the Round of 96. Fioravanti will be joined in the Round of 48 by Japanese competitor Taichi Wakita (JPN) who also put down a solid performance early on the second day of competition to win his Round of 96 heat.
Other competitors progressing through included Gold Coast duo Liam O’Brien (AUS) and Sheldon Simkus (AUS), Brazilian dynamo Mateus Herdy (BRA) and former CT competitor Deivid Silva (BRA).
Brazilian dynamo Mateus Herdy (BRA) at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro pres. by Rip Curl. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Watch LIVE
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl runs through May 24, 2022, and will broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners and keep up to date with the competition on the WSL Schedule page.
This event is proudly supported by GWM, Rip Curl, Destination NSW, Bond University, Harvey Norman, Bonsoy, Boost Mobile, Oakberry, Oakley, Dometic Outdoor, Coopers, Northern Beaches Council, Havaianas, Bailey Ladders, and FCS.
Competitors Make Light Work Of Tough Conditions At Manly Beach For GWM Sydney Surf Pro Pres. By Rip Curl
MANLY BEACH, Sydney, NSW / Australia
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Report by WSL
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl, the second stop of the 2022 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS), has continued today in onshore, two-foot waves at Manly Beach. The tough conditions didn’t detract from the action as weekend crowds were treated to a massive day of surfing action with the completion of the men’s Round of 48 and the opening 4 heats of the women’s Round of 32.
Rodrigues and Callinan Continue to Set the Pace at Manly
Former Championship Tour competitor Michael Rodrigues (BRA) continued his epic run of form in 2022, progressing into the Round of 24 here at Manly, posting another excellent two-wave combination of 16.00 to win his Round of 48 heat. Rodrigues looked fast and lively in the small, onshore conditions to take a convincing win to despatch of Former CT stars Julian Wilson (AUS) and Ezekiel Lau (HAW).
“That was a tough heat but I felt good because conditions today are very similar to my home beach,” Rodrigues said. “It was hard for me competing against Julian Wilson, he’s a nice guy and for a long time he’s been my idol, but in the heat I remained tough, didn’t allow him to get a good wave under my priority and, well, you know - job done for me, I win and advance.”
Unlike Rodrigues, Aussie hopeful Ryan Callinan (AUS) was an early victim at stop one of the Challenger Series on the Gold Coast, an early round loss that no one saw coming. After dropping below the Mid-season Cut and losing his spot on the Championship Tour, Callinan is a surfer all surf fans are expecting to find form at the CS level and find his way back onto the CT. Today, Callinan showed some of the flare he is known for to progress into the next round and closer to clinching a keeper result early in the season.
“I actually don’t mind surfing waves like today,” said Callinan. “For sure it’s tough but I stay positive, stay light on my feet and most importantly try and pick the right waves that give the best scoring potential - It worked for me today. Everything is feeling good so I'm confident I can keep this going.”
Ryan Callinan (AUS) at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro pres. by Rip Curl. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Indonesian and San Clemente Upstarts Eye Off Career Best Results at Manly Beach
Kade Matson (USA) and Jett Schilling (USA) are leading a young crop of competitors coming out of professional surfing hotbed San Clemente in Southern California. After falling out of the draw early on the Gold Coast, the pair are keen to turn their seasons around with solid results here at Manly. With their good friend and fellow San Clemente local Crosby Colapinto (USA) falling out of the draw in the Round of 48 today, the pair were happy to both take the second progressing spots in their heats and continue flying the flag here at stop 2 on the Challenger Series.
Another pair of youngsters who have continued to cruise through the draw here at Manly are Indonesian duo Ketut Agus (IDN) and Rio Waida (IDN) who have both progressed into the Round of 24 at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro. Waida finished in second place behind form surfer of the event Michael Rodrigues (BRA) while his good friend and countryman Agus finished in first, ahead of reigning event winner Leonardo Firoavanti (ITA) who snuck through in second place. Agus looks in good touch in the small soft conditions at Manly.
“I am so happy to surf against Italian super star Leonardo Fioravanti,” Agus said. “I’m learning and enjoying competing against great international surfers and for Indonesia this is great that both Rio (Waida) and myself are doing good here - there are many good surfers in Indonesia and it’s time for us to be surfing against the best world surfers - Let’s go Indonesia.”
North Narrabeen duo Jordy Lawler (AUS) and Dylan Moffat (AUS) are another pair of upstarts from the same hometown who continued to progress through the draw here at Manly Beach, much to the delight of local fans on the beach.
Jordan Lawler (AUS) pleasing the punters at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro pres. by Rip Curl today. Credit: © WSL / Beatriz Ryder
Women’s Round of 32 Underway at Manly Beach
Japanese representative Mahina Maeda (JPN) opened the women’s Round of 32 with a solid heat win over Rachel Presti (GER) and Paige Hareb (NZL). With the tide dropping and onshore wind moderating, conditions were tough, but Maeda made the most of her opportunities, progressing with a mid-range two-wave total to the Round of 16 where she will take on event standout Luana Silva (HAW).
Other competitors that progressed into the Round of 16 on Saturday afternoon included Hawaiian trio Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW), Zoe McDougall (HAW) and Moana Jones Wong (HAW) as well as Sawyer Linblad (USA), Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) and Sarah Baum (ZAF).
Baum and Bonvalot progressed through the final heat of the day which saw the biggest upset of the day with event standout and current No. 2 on the Challenger Series rankings Molly Picklum (AUS) losing in the dying seconds. Picklum, who is fresh off a runner-up finish on the Gold Coast will need to reset as she looks to re-qualify for the elite CT by years end.
Watch LIVE
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl runs through May 24, 2022, and will broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners and keep up to date with the competition on the WSL Schedule page.
This event is proudly supported by GWM, Rip Curl, Destination NSW, Bond University, Harvey Norman, Bonsoy, Boost Mobile, Oakberry, Oakley, Dometic Outdoor, Coopers, Northern Beaches Council, Havaianas, Bailey Ladders, and FCS.
Field Narrowed At Manly Beach For GWM Sydney Surf Pro Pres. By Rip Curl
MANLY BEACH, Sydney, NSW / Australia
Sunday, May 22, 2022
Report by WSL
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl, the second stop of the 2022 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS), has seen another massive day of competition with the men’s Round of 24 and six heats of the women’s Round of 16 being completed in bumpy two-to-three foot waves at Manly Beach. The draw is starting to take shape as the field has been further narrowed to only 16 men and 10 women with only two days left until the event winner’s are crowned for 2022.
First Six Women’s Quarterfinalists Decided at GWM Sydney Surf Pro
The second heat of the women’s Round of 16 was an exciting matchup between Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) and San Clemente up and comer Sawyer Linblad (USA) with the pair going wave for wave and score for score in the peaky conditions. Linblad looked solid but was unable to find a finish where Tomoda-Bannert could, leaving the Hawaiian to take the heat and progress into the Quarterfinals where she will come up against event standout Luana Silva (HAW).
“I knew that was going to be a tough heat and I’m relieved to get through,” Tomoda-Bannert
“Sawyer’s a great surfer and when she caught that final ride I was very nervous that she’d get the score, but she fell just short thankfully - I’m ready for the Quarterfinals, my surfing and equipment all feel great and I’m confident.”
Sarah Baum (ZAF) has been gaining momentum throughout this event and her win over Hawaii’s Moana Jones-Wong (HAW) sees her through to the Quarterfinals. On Baum’s opening ride in today’s heat she displayed a series of powerful and precise top-to-bottom turns which were rewarded with an excellent 8.00 point score and that ride was decisive in her taking the win over Jones-Wong.
“That first wave was really good for me, I thought I was too deep on the take off but it actually panned out well, allowed two good sections and I got my best score,” Baum said. “I have a great support team here, they help me a lot and I’m looking forward to these final two days and getting a great result.”
Nikki van Dijk (AUS) Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
The other four women’s Quarterfinalists decided today at Manly included Teresa Bonvalot (PRT), Nikki van Dijk (AUS) and Southern California’s Alyssa Spencer (USA) who was on fire today, dispatching of form surfer Macy Callaghan (AUS) with a super impressive performance at Manly. Spencer posted an excellent heat total of 16.00 for an awesome display of frontside and backside surfing in the low-tide conditions.
"Breaking into the Quarterfinals, I've only done it one other time so it definitely feels good to get past that ninth-place," said Spencer. "It felt nice to open up on a couple waves. I feel like I hadn't really done that yet in this event. It definitely ups my level and I knew I'd have to drop big scores against (Macy) so I knew I'd have to wait for a good wave."
Pictured: Alyssa Spencer (USA). Credit: © WSL / Beatriz Ryder
Cut CT Surfers Dominate The Day at Manly Beach
After finishing in fifth place on the 2021 Championship Tour Rankings and claiming the coveted title of Rookie of the Year, it was a shock to see Morgan Cibilic (AUS) miss the Mid-season Cut and fall from the CT to the CS less than 12 months later. Today at Manly, Cibilic continued to bounce back from the disappointment, posting the third highest heat total of the day with an excellent 16.00 point two-wave total. Ciblic’s precise and lightning quick backhand was on full display as he booked himself a spot in the Round of 16 at the Sydney Surf Pro.
“That was a great heat for me to win today,” Ciblic said. “The last few heats, I haven’t really been that well prepared for the heats but I made an effort to get back to the basics, prepare properly and well, the results are there and going forward I will remain focused.”
Pictured: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) throwing caution to the win at Manly Beach. Credit: © WSL / Beatriz Ryder
The main competitor to out score Cibilic today at Manly was his fellow Novacastrian Ryan Callinan (AUS) who posted a 16.77 heat total to comfortably win his heat. Callinan’s total included a 9.00 point ride for a massive full rotation air-reverse to the flats.
A former winner here at Manly, Deivid Silva (BRA) knows what it takes to get a CT qualification campaign underway in the small shifting peaks of Manly. The super quick goofy-footer put on a frontside, rail surfing clinic to post his mid-range score and progress into the Round of 16 and guarantee a keeper result before leaving Australia.
“I have won this event before (2018) and I feel I can win again,” said Silva. “The ocean conditions are very hard but these waves are really similar to what I surf on my home beaches in Brazil so I know I can surf well here, my equipment is specialised for these waves so let’s go for these final days.”
Other standouts included reigning event winner Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) who took a commanding win in his Round of 24 heat as well as Michael Rodrigues (BRA) who again posted an excellent heat total with his speed and finesse on the rail. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) also continued his charge towards Finals Day and towards Championship Tour requalification with another strong showing at Manly Beach today.
CT Hopefuls Continue to Go Big in Sydney
Northern Beaches duo Jordy Lawler (AUS) and Dylan Moffat (AUS) continued their charge towards Finals Day, both booking themselves a spot in the Round of 16 as Lawler looks to repeat his win from 2019 at this same beach.
One of the world’s fastest developing surfing regions is Asia and the two Indonesian’s competing on this year's Challenger Series are showcasing a window into the future of what we can expect from this talent pool of great surfers from great surfing locations. Rio Waida (IDN) and Ketut Agus (IDN) have both advanced to the final 16 surfers and the exciting pair have the moves to take on all comers in the coming days.
Watch LIVE
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl runs through May 24, 2022, and will broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners and keep up to date with the competition on the WSL Schedule page.
This event is proudly supported by GWM, Rip Curl, Destination NSW, Bond University, Harvey Norman, Bonsoy, Boost Mobile, Oakberry, Oakley, Dometic Outdoor, Coopers, Northern Beaches Council, Havaianas, Bailey Ladders, and FCS.
Huge Performances Set Stage For Finals Day GWM Sydney Surf Pro Pres. By Rip Curl
MANLY BEACH, Sydney, NSW / Australia
Monday, May 23, 2022
Report by WSL
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl, the second stop of the 2022 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS), has continued at Manly Beach today with some of the best conditions of the entire event for the early heats of the day with Manly delivering super clean two-to-three foot waves which provided the perfect canvas for some of the best performances of the event. Before conditions deteriorated in the early afternoon, the event saw the completion of the men’s Round of 16 as well as the women’s Quarterfinals.
Waida and Rodrigues Raise the Bar in Heat of the Event
Rio Waida (IDN) and Michael Rodrigues (BRA) have been standouts all week at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro, both posting some of the highest scores of the event and both displaying incredible power, finesse and progression in their surfing. The pair looked destined for Finals Day until they matched up with each other in the Round of 16. In the best conditions of the day, Rodrigues got the ball rolling, posting an 8.17 on his opening wave, then backing it up with a 9.50 shortly after. With his back firmly against the wall, Waida needed something special if he was going to lock in a Quarterfinal berth here in Manly, and special is what he got, posting a 9.00 and an 8.80 on back-to-back rides, to take the lead and the heat win. Both surfer’s set a massive standard of backhand surfing, both going upside down in the critical section to post the top two heat totals of the event so far, in the same heat, with the Indonesian getting the nod.
Rio Waida (IDN). Credit: © WSL / Dunbar
“I’m really happy to win through to the Quarterfinals,” Waida said. “When I saw the waves this morning, really clean and well shaped, I was confident I can win because I know I can score well in good waves. I’ll rest now and cheer on my fellow Indonesian Ketut Agus who surfs later today and I’ll be ready for finals day tomorrow.”
Continuing the trend set by Waida and Rodrigues in the heat prior, North Narrabeen local Jordy Lawler (AUS) and San Clemente’s Jett Schilling (USA) put on an incredible back and forth battle in their Round of 16 clash this morning. As Manly continued to dish-up incredible conditions, both surfers took to the air, each posting excellent single wave scores to ensure the battle would go down to the wire. Although Lawler landed one of the biggest aerials of the event, he fell short of raking the win, meaning he will need to wait another year before he can look for another win here at Manly. Schilling on the other hand has progressed into the Quarterfinals where he will take on good friend and fellow San Clementeian Kade Matson (USA), who is also assured a career best result here at Manly.
"I knew that would be a high scoring heat and that's how it played out - Jordy is a great surfer,” Schilling said. “The waves are really good and hopefully for tomorrow's finals day we get it this good again. This is definitely my best result so I'm stoked right now. I just want to keep it going.”
Women’s Semifinalists Decided at GWM Sydney Surf Pro
With the women’s Quarterfinals being run today at Manly, there are now only four competitors left in the draw who have a chance of hoisting the Harbor Bridge Trophy, and three of them have never won a major event in their careers. With Nikki van Dijk (AUS) claiming a win here in 2016, it will be up to Sophie McCulloch (AUS), Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) or Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) to take a maiden CS win here at Manly tomorrow.
Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) on her way to the Semifinals. Credit: © WSL / Dunbar
While Bonvalot and Tomoda-Bannert have been posting some of the most impressive totals of the event, it was McCulloch who took the biggest win today, eliminating event favourite and current rankings leader Caitlin Simmers (USA) in their Quarterfinal matchup. Although Simmer’s took an epic win over fellow Californian Kirra Pinkerton (USA) in their Round of 16 heat where both competitors scored excellent heat totals, she was unable to repeat the dose against McCulloch who looked sharp on her backhand on her way to the heat win in deteriorating conditions.
“Semifinals is always better than Quarterfinals so I’m super happy with that win,” McCulloch said. “Caity (Simmers) has been on fire so it was always going to be a tough heat and it definitely was a grindy one. At the end of the day I just want to give my best effort and I feel like I did that today. I have made a couple of errors that I’d like to clean up come Finals Day but either way I’m stoked to be in the semis.”
Pictured: Sophie McCulloch (AUS) busting the fin at Manly Beach on her way to the Semifinals. Credit: © WSL / Dunbar
Former Championship Tour Surfers Onto Finals Day
A handful of former CT competitors who are looking to requalify to the Championship Tour continued their run at Manly today with the likes of Deivid Silva (BRA), Ryan Callinan (AUS), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), Imaikalani deVault (HAW) and Nikki van Dijk (AUS) all progressing through their heats. Van Dijk was the standout of this group, posting an excellent two-wave combination of 16.97 to overcome Californian up and comer Alyssa Spencer (USA) in the Quarterfinals. Van dijk is through to the Semifinals as she eyes off a second title here at Manly.
“Despite the rain and wind the waves were good out there and it was great to get through and make the Simi’s,” van Dijk said. “Alyssa is a really good surfer and I was nervous going into that heat, especially after she opened the heat with an excellent 8 point ride, but I stuck to my plans, chose the right waves and managed to take the win.”
Watch LIVE
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl runs through May 24, 2022, and will broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners and keep up to date with the competition on the WSL Schedule page.
This event is proudly supported by GWM, Rip Curl, Destination NSW, Bond University, Harvey Norman, Bonsoy, Boost Mobile, Oakberry, Oakley, Dometic Outdoor, Coopers, Northern Beaches Council, Havaianas, Bailey Ladders, and FCS.
Four Victors Hoist Hardware At GWM Sydney Surf Pro Pres. By Rip Curl
- Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) and Rio Waida (IDN) Claim Maiden Challenger Series Victories
- Honolua Blomfield (HAW) and Harrison Roach (AUS) Win First Longboard Tour Event of 2022 Season
- Waida, van Dijk, Callinan and Bonvalot Lock into Top 10 on CS Rankings
- More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com
Pictured: GWM Sydney Surf Pro pres. by Rip Curl Challenger Series and Longboard Winner's [L-R] Honolua Blomfield (HAW), Harrison Roach (AUS), Rio Waida (IDN) and Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) at Manly Beach today. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
MANLY BEACH, Sydney, NSW
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Report by WSL
Finals Day at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl, the second stop of the 2022 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS) and the first event of the WSL Longboard Tour (LT) has been completed today at Manly Beach with men’s and women’s winner’s being crowned across both divisions. Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) and Rio Waida (IDN) have claimed the biggest wins of their careers in the Challenger Series event while Honolua Blomfield (HAW) and Harrison Roach (AUS) have taken out the opening event of the 2022 LT season.
After over a week of action, Manly Beach, on cue, delivered the best conditions of the entire period with super clean, three-to-four foot surf on offer all Finals Day, making it an incredible crescendo to what has been three straight months of professional surfing action on Australian shores.
Rio Waida and Teresa Bonvalot Claim Biggest Victories of Their Careers
Portugal’s Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) has long been touted as the next European female to join the elite ranks and battle for a title on the Championship Tour. Today, Bonvalot has taken a step in the right direction, taking the biggest win of her young career with a victory here at the Sydney Surf Pro Challenger Series event. The stylish goofy-footer went through the event, relatively under the radar but brought out her best performance in the Final, posting her highest two-wave combination of the event in her matchup with Nikki van Dijk (AUS). Bonvalot’s 15.83 two-wave combination was too much for van Dijk to chase down and clinch her second victory here at Manly.
“It’s so amazing to win here, I love coming to Australia and I have had good results here before the pandemic so it’s just fantastic to be back here and winning,” said Bonvalot. “It’s the biggest win of my career and to have a good Portuguese crowd here supporting me is fantastic - So good for Portugal.”
Pictured: Portugal's Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) chaired to victory for the first time at the CS level at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro pres. by Rip Curl, Manly Beach. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Rio Waida (IDN) has taken out the biggest win of any Indonesian in world surfing today, claiming his maiden CS win at Manly Beach. Earlier in the week, Waida was named the Wildcard for the upcoming Quiksilver Pro G-Land Championship Tour event, but his focus never moved from the task at hand, and it showed, as the Olympian put down the standout performances of the event to eventually find himself in the Final against Ryan Callinan (AUS). The Final was the true representation of the best performers of the event, with Callinan and Waida going toe-to-toe in epic beach-break conditions at Manly and Waida coming out on top with a two wave combination of 17.53 which included a near perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10).
“I’m really happy to win but the job is not finished yet for me,” said Waida. “My goal this year is to qualify for the elite WSL Championship Tour and this is a great result but I must continue to get great results. I’m looking forward to the G-Land event at home in Indonesia which starts this weekend - My surfing ability is there to compete against the world’s best and be the best in the world. I've trained hard and I will continue to train and improve - It’s a great day for me and Indonesia.”
Pictured: Rio Waida (IDN) claims the biggest WSL win of any Indonesian in history at Manly Beach today. Credit: © WSL / Matt Dunbar
Roach Claims Maiden Longboard Tour Victory With Reigning World Champion Blomfield
Noosa’s Harrison Roach (AUS) has claimed his maiden WSL event victory at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro with an emphatic win over Great Britain's Ben Skinner (GRB). The pair were the form surfers all event but it was Roach who was able to back up his performances with an excellent one in the Final. Roach combined critical nose-rides, tight arcs and floating maneuvers to post an excellent heat total of 16.50 which proved too great for Skinner to overcome.
Harrison Roach (AUS). Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
“I did what I came here to do and I’m extremely happy as it’s my first Longboard Tour win,” Roach said. “ Obviously my ultimate aim is it to win the world title this year and the final event at Malibu in California will be crucial to taking the title but this is definitely the ideal start - It’s been a big day surfing and defeating local hero Declan Wyton (AUS) in front of all his fans and then Ben Skinner in that final and the waves were great today.”
The women’s Longboard Tour final was a familiar sight as perennial title threat Chloe Calmon (BRA) came up against three-time Reigning WSL Longboard World Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) as each surfer looked to get their 2022 season off to the perfect start. Calmon looked to have the advantage early, leading the heat from the first exchange, but, in typical Blomfield fashion, the stylish Hawaiian found a set with only minutes left, riding the nose and carving all the way to the beach to take the lead and the event win, in the dying minutes of the heat.
“I knew it was going to be a really tough final to win because Chloe is such an amazing surfer,” said Blomfield. “Despite being in second place throughout the final I remained calm and always knew I could take the win – that’s something that has evolved in my competitive surfing – remain calm and know that the wave you need can eventually come to you and that happened today and it’s the perfect way to begin my title defence.”
Pictured: Hawaii's Honolua Blomfield (HAW) has been chaired to victory at the GWM Sydney Surf Pro pres. by Rip Curl at Manly Beach getting her campaign for a fourth World Title off to the best possible start. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
Aussie Duo Lock in Spots in Challenger Series Rankings Top 10
Although they both fell short of the ultimate goal of winning here in Manly, former CT competitors Ryan Callinan and Nikki van Dijk have rocketed into the Top 10 on the 2022 WSL Challenger Series rankings. For van Dijk, today’s runner-up finish was the perfect result to compliment a fight place finish on the Gold Coast whilst for Callinan, it was a much needed response to an uncharacteristic first round loss at Snapper. Callinan is now sixth on the rankings whilst van Dijk is in second place and looking solid to find her way back on to the Championship Tour by year’s end.
Longboard Semifinalists Decided At GWM Sydney Surf Pro Presented By Rip Curl
MANLY BEACH, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Report by World Surf League
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl, the first stop of the 2022 WSL Longboard Tour, continued today with the Longboard Semifinalists being decided in super clean two-foot surf at Manly Beach. It was an interesting day of competition with a number of close heats seeing the cream rise to the top with the top seeds all finding their way through to Finals Day.
Hawaiian Duo Set the Pace at Manly Beach
Hawaii’s Kaniela Stewart staked his claim as the one to beat at Manly beach, booking himself a spot in the Semifinals with the two most emphatic heat wins of the event so far in the Round of 16 and the Quarterfinals. In his first heat of the day, Stewart overcame Brazilian competitor Augusto Olinto with a 17.20 two-wave total, the highest of the event so far. He then backed it up in his Quarterfinal matchup against good friend and mentor Kai Sallas (HAW) with Stewart posting another excellent heat total to progress into the semifinals. Stewart’s combination of poise and grace on the nose along with smooth rail-to-rail transition is being rewarded and it will take a big performance from Ben Skinner (GRB) to stop him in their Semifinal matchup on Finals Day.
Pictured: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) has made the Longboard semifinals. Credits: © WSL / Cait Miers
“I’ve looked up to Kai Sallas all my life and he’s taught me so much about Longboard surfing and I even ride his board designs so it was amazing to surf against him in the Quarterfinal,” said Stewart. "I’ve come out on top in that heat and I’m looking forward to finals day. We have a few days off before finals day now so I’ll try and see some of the great sights of this beautiful city and get more great waves each day as well.”
Fellow Hawaiian and reigning three-time WSL Longboard World Champion Honolua Blomfield continued her run to the Finals, progressing through her quarterfinal matchup with compatriot Sophia Culhane. Blomfield and Stewart are the sole Hawaii representatives left in the draw and both look to a strong chance of going all the way when the Longboard competition resumes early next week.
Pictured: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) has made the Longboard semifinals. Credits: © WSL / Cait Miers
Surfer and Shaper Ben Skinner Flies the Flag for Great Britain Into Finals Day
WSL Longboard Tour veteran Ben Skinner (GRB) is one of the few competitors left at the World Tour level that competes on boards that he shapes himself, an art form that is as impressive as it is a throwback. Skinner’s boards seem to be doing the trick as the Englishman took down former World Champion Phil Rajzman (BRA) in the Round of 16, then Jefson Silva (BRA) in the Quarterfinals to progress into the Semifinals. For a powerful surfer, Skinner looked at home in the smaller surf at Manly, channeling the waves back home in Fistal on his way to consecutive heat wins.
“I’m loving it here at Manly Beach, this is like the best day at my home beach Fistal in the UK,” Skinner said. “I shape my own boards and I’m obviously very happy with my equipment. I stayed busy throughout that heat and that was a good strategy and I can now look forward to finals day.”
Local Hopefuls Keep Home Crowd Happy at Manly Beach
Local favorites Tully White (AUS) and Declan Wyton (AUS) continued to storm their way towards the Finals, both posting some of the highest two-wave totals of the day in front of their home crowd to find themselves a spot in the Semifinals. For many longboard enthusiasts, these performances were a long time coming with the pair turning heads in the Longboard world for a long while now.
“I’m super happy to make the Semifinals, I’ve only ever made the semi’s once before and to do it in front of my family and friends at my home beach is really special,” White said . “I watched fellow Manly surfer Declan Wyton win his heat earlier and that really got me excited before my heat and right now it feels great - there’s quite a bit of work ahead to make the Final or even win but right now I’m feeling great.”
Pictured: Tully White (AUS) has been enjoying the water while competing at home here in Manly. Credits: © WSL / Cait Miers
Pictured: Declan Wyton (AUS) has been enjoying the support from his local community while competing at home here in Manly. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers
GWM Sydney Surf Pro Men's Longboard Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Ben Skinner (GBR) 13.97 DEF. Phil Rajzman (BRA) 12.97
HEAT 2: Jefson Silva (BRA) 15.27 DEF. Taylor Jensen (USA) 13.27
HEAT 3: Kai Sallas (HAW) 12.47 DEF. Piccolo Clemente (PER) 12.20
HEAT 4: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 17.20 DEF. Augusto Olinto (BRA) 13.00
HEAT 5: Harrison Roach (AUS) 13.37 DEF. Jack Entwistle (AUS) 13.17
HEAT 6: Cole Robbins (USA) 13.43 DEF. Lucas Garrido Lecca (PER) 12.74
HEAT 7: Declan Wyton (AUS) 16.96 DEF. Edouard Delpero (FRA) 11.90
HEAT 8: Taka Inoue (JPN) 16.27 DEF. Tony Silvagni (USA) 13.70
GWM Sydney Surf Pro Women's Longboard Quarterfinals Results:
HEAT 1: Chloe Calmon (BRA) 15.67 DEF. Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 9.23
HEAT 2: Tully White (AUS) 14.90 DEF. Mason Schremmer (USA) 11.57
HEAT 3: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 12.17 DEF. Sophia Culhane (HAW) 12.14
HEAT 4: Soleil Errico (USA) 11.77 DEF. Rachael Tilly (USA) 11.73
GWM Sydney Surf Pro Men's Longboard Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Ben Skinner (GBR) 13.50 DEF. Jefson Silva (BRA) 9.77
HEAT 2: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 16.56 DEF. Kai Sallas (HAW) 12.70
HEAT 3: Harrison Roach (AUS) 15.60 DEF. Cole Robbins (USA) 10.80
HEAT 4: Declan Wyton (AUS) 15.36 DEF. Taka Inoue (JPN) 11.17
GWM Sydney Surf Pro Women's Longboard Semifinals Matchups:
HEAT 1: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs. Tully White (AUS)
HEAT 2: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Soleil Errico (USA)
GWM Sydney Surf Pro Men's Longboard Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Kaniela Stewart (HAW)
HEAT 2: Harrison Roach (AUS) vs. Declan Wyton (AUS)
Watch LIVE
The GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Rip Curl runs through May 24, 2022, and will broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners and keep up to date with the competition on the WSL Schedule page.
This event is proudly supported by GWM, Rip Curl, Destination NSW, Bond University, Harvey Norman, Bonsoy, Boost Mobile, Oakberry, Oakley, Dometic Outdoor, Coopers, Northern Beaches Council, Havaianas, Bailey Ladders, and FCS.
Pictured: Harrison Roach (AUS) has made the Longboard semifinals. Credits: © WSL / Cait Miers
Sydney Pro Junior At Manly Beach: Ellie Harrison And Levi Slawson Win
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