The Local Motion Surf Into Summer At Home In The Hawaiian Islands concluded at Ala Moana Bowls with Kelis Kaleopa’a and Kai Sallas claiming victory. The event, a crucial stop on the Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui Longboard Qualifying Series, also determined the qualifiers for the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour.
Key Takeaways
- Kelis Kaleopa’a and Kai Sallas secured their second consecutive wins at the event.
- Sallas and Sive Jarrard were crowned the 2024/2025 Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui Regional Longboard winners.
- Jarrard and Nelson Ahina III earned spots on the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour.
- Sophia Culhane also qualified for the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour.
Kaleopa’a and Sallas Secure Victories
Kelis Kaleopa’a delivered a dominant performance at Ala Moana Bowls, securing her second consecutive win at the Local Motion Surf Into Summer. Her impressive heat total of 15.60, fueled by exceptional nose rides, proved too much for competitors Sophia Culhane and Natalia Wunderlich. Kaleopa’a expressed her joy, stating, "Going back-to-back at this event at home is super special. This is my first event in about nine or ten months and it’s been quite a harder year for me so this win feels really good."
On the men’s side, Kai Sallas, the 2023 WSL Longboard Champion, also achieved a back-to-back victory at the event. His consistent performance, including the day’s highest single-wave score of 9.33, led him to victory over a strong field including Kaniela Stewart and John Michael Van Hohenstein. Sallas commented, "I’m super stoked to compete in these WSL regional events and it’s just always nice to compete at home. It’s super special because the waves are absolutely firing so that was a stacked Final and stoked to get that win."
Regional Champions Crowned and Tour Qualifiers Determined
The event served as the final stop for the 2024/2025 Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui Longboard Qualifying Series, solidifying the rankings for the upcoming WSL Longboard Tour. Kai Sallas’ win also secured him the regional title for the season. Nelson Ahina III’s consistent runner-up finishes earned him a coveted spot on the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour, marking his return to the elite circuit after a hiatus.
Sive Jarrard, who had a strong season, also clinched her spot on the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour, achieving her goal of requalification. "I can’t believe it, it’s so exciting. That was my goal this year was to qualify so I feel so blessed," Jarrard shared. Sophia Culhane, a perennial contender, also secured her qualification for the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour, preparing for another season among the world’s best.
The 2025 WSL Longboard Tour is set to commence at the Huntington Longboard Classic from July 26-30.
Sources
- Kelis Kaleopa’a and Kai Sallas Win 2025 Local Motion Surf Into Summer At Home In The Hawaiian Islands, World Surf League.
- Sive Jarrard sets eyes on Local Motion Surf Into Summer success and WSL Longboard Tour requalification |
World Surf League, World Surf League. - Local Motion Surf Into Summer At Home In The Hawaiian Islands Set to Determine Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui’s WSL
Longboard Tour Qualifiers, World Surf League.
