Igarashi and O’Leary Draw Each Other in LA 2028 Qualifier Opener

Kanoa Igarashi and Connor O’Leary will begin their bid for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics against each other at the Asian Games in Tahara, Japan. The compatriots are paired in a first-round heat with Maldives surfer Kayan Abdulla Areef, as the event opens a qualification pathway that could offer its winners provisional Olympic places.

This draw sets up an early test for two Championship Tour surfers. Igarashi and O’Leary will face Areef in the same opening heat at Longbeach. The men’s and women’s event winners could earn provisional Olympic slots, though later qualification routes and country limits might affect who ultimately competes in LA. Small surf is expected early, with a forecast swell for the final days.

A high-Stakes Opener

The Asian Games surfing competition is scheduled for September 25–29 in Tahara. Igarashi and O’Leary, both representing Japan, will face Areef in a heat expected to advance two surfers. While the Championship Tour regulars are likely favored, the forecast calls for waves of roughly one to two feet early in the event. Such conditions can make results less predictable.

O’Leary noted the matchup felt familiar, having competed against Igarashi throughout the year. He expressed hope the two would deliver a strong performance for Japan. O’Leary made his Olympic debut in 2024.

The forecast: Small waves, big swell potential

The opening days are expected to bring small, wind-affected surf. Forecasts point to a stronger south-southwest swell around September 28 and 29, potentially linked to Tropical Storm Surigae. The event requires six heat wins to claim the title, making the timing of improved conditions potentially important for surfers progressing through the draw.

LA 2028: provisional spots, not guarantees

The men’s and women’s winners are set to receive provisional spots for LA 2028. However, winning in Tahara may not secure a place in the final Olympic field. The qualification system prioritizes results on the 2027–28 Championship Tour and at the 2028 World Surfing Games. Country-entry limits and other qualification outcomes may also affect whether an Asian Games winner is ultimately selected.

Indonesia’s Rio Waida is not competing. He stated he chose to leave the spot to younger surfers who had earned their places through the qualifying process. Indonesia is represented by Bronson Meydi and I Made Pajar Ariyana. On the women’s side, China’s Paris 2024 Olympian Siqi Yang is in the draw. Japan’s Minami Nonaka replaced originally listed surfer Amuro Tsuzuki.